White Wagtail - this is a common insectivorous bird that is fairly easy to identify by its elegant appearance: the long, constantly swaying ponytail, black top and neck, and belly, forehead and cheeks are white.However, this coloration in birds varies slightly depending on the habitat.
White Wagtail tail breaks the ice
In ancient times this bird was called "sinochkoy" or "Pliska".Early in the spring to see who flew wagtail, old people used to say: "Sinochka arrived to break the ice on the river."These whether in jest, whether seriously believed that this bird, running on ice, breaks it down to its tail swaying.But it was not there, shortly after the arrival of the messenger of spring break-up begins.
Where loves live white wagtail
favorite habitat of the birds - the shores of lakes, rivers and streams.The Germans, for example, called her a "runner streams."For wagtail important to the banks of the selected water bodies was not dense thickets.Then you can smoothly move on the shelf.And if there is a close and human habitation, then our birds - it's just a gift of fate.After all, a man who is not afraid of the wagtail, there is always plenty of secluded places where you can build a nest.Incidentally, on options for the location of their nests white wagtail, the photo is taken here, has no equal.Its facilities can be found in the mailbox and in the woodpile of firewood, and in a hollow tree, in an abandoned combine, and even in the chimney.
nest wagtail
Because of the variety of places to build their nests, as diverse and building material used for it.Somewhere in the hole, on the ground nest is lined with thin grass and leaves, and on riverbanks, in masonry or pipe - it is made from the stems and disheveled razmochalennyh leaves lined wool fibers.But in any case - a small bowl, insulated fur animals and horsehair.There a female postpone 6 small eggs covered with pale spots.By the way, it is believed that if your house is settled wagtail, it will bring good luck.
how to feed the white wagtail
to get their food, wagtail most of the time running around on the ground.She moves mincing steps, as the juggler on a tightrope, balancing tail, and now and then performing lunges for midge.But sometimes it can rise for insects and a great height.Perhaps that is why so fond of wagtails straight track, tight trodden soil or wet sand.
White Wagtail - bird bold
Wagtail has fun restless character.Male with desperate courage to protect nesting place.In addition, seeing predator birds gather in flocks and with loud cries start to pursue him, simultaneously warning of the danger all around.And often, this behavior makes wagtails predator to give up the hunt.And to their chicks, they show a lot of attention and care.It is known that a pair of wagtails, build a nest on the barge, did not leave the hatchlings and continued to nurse them during the voyage.
