MONGOL ALTAI MOUNTAINS
MONGOLIA
LOCALE
| Altitude (m): | 1500-3200 |
| # Species: | 224 |
| # Excl Vagrants: | 224 |
| # Endemics: | 0 |
| # Near Endemics: | 1 |
| Habitat: Arid mountains, montane forest, scrub | |
ABOUT THE BIRDING
The Altai Mountain Range of central and east Asia is an extensive system of remote mountains that covers the region where Russia, China, Mongolia, and Kazakhstan converge. The range includes both the Mongol and Gobi Altai of western and southwestern Mongolia. The Mongol Altai of western Mongol is infrequently visited by birders and not generally included on typical tour itineraries. This part of the Altai is home to some 1500 Snow Leopards, the most accessible population in the world. It's also home to a number of other interesting mammals such as Siberian Ibex, Agali Sheep, Gray Wolf, and Pallas's Cat, and mammals are a major attraction of the region. Some of the most wanted specialty birds found in this part of Mongolia are Altai Snowcock, perhaps most easily seen there, the rare Solitary Snipe, Sulphur-bellied Warbler, Red-mantled Rosefinch, and Black-headed Mountain Finch along with Altai Accentor, Great Rosefinch, and Plain Mountain Finch.
Note that the Gobi Altai in southwestern Mongolia is a part of the Altai Range also. This part of the Altai is typically including in birding tours and includes Ikh Bogd, Mongolia's highest peak, Orog Lake
LOCATION OF SITE
The Mongol Altai Mountains are located in far western Mongolia. The region is typically accessed through the town of Ulgii, 18 hours drive from Ulaanbaatar, or Khovd, best reached by air.