the sunshine, gentle breezes, the first, barely awake, flowers ... Yes, it's all your favorite awakening of nature - spring.And the first to herald the coming of spring birds returning from warmer climates.They begin laboriously to equip their nests to breed.And if the birds to distinguish spring from winter quite easily, then the socket to determine the hosts difficult.
first heralds of spring
about birds arriving in the spring, talk at school.Spring birds come in small flocks, and the first to appear finches.If you get close to the finches closer, we can see how the bird is beautiful: what tones are not only cast his feathers!And green, and red, and brown, and blue color emblazoned "cap".Finch is noticeable from a distance the white stripes on the wings and back.
After finches fly blackbirds, and in Russia, in the middle band, the first birds are considered rooks.Then, in the parks can be found robins, and gorihvostok varakushek.These birds are characterized by bright colors of feathers, for example, Bluethroat blue breast and robins have feathers in all colors - and red and blue and green and even red.
Each bird is trying to return to their old nest.Swallows, arriving in April, are no exception.Swallows Russian people loves and respects.They related to many superstitions.For example, if a swallow flying low to the ground, it means that it will rain soon.Swallows Nest people are trying to preserve until the following spring.
Birds and their nests
amazing fact, but the birds are able to build the grandest buildings.But as far as we humans know, how a bird's nest?
Places, arranged feathered for laying eggs, different from each other, and sometimes very dramatically.But all kinds of bird nests can be divided according to their location:
- Ground socket.They are built mainly of grass, leaves and small twigs.In Russia, the land "flat" live snipe, grouse and seagull.
- nests in the mountains.Located on the rocky terrain, they build their birds of prey, such as falcons.
- the trees.Of all that can find, build nests at low altitudes our spring bird - finches and blackbirds.It is interesting that the nest has "cement" the foundation of clay and sand.
- On the water / in the hollows.Less common slot, but which occur in the life of some birds.So live on the water black terns, and hollows - owls and woodpeckers.
- sandy burrows.Some birds beaks dig yourself a hole in the sand, and then bring to the straw or grass.It looks like a swallow's nest-a gerbil.
swallow How to distinguish from other birds?
Fit swallow very small, with a small head.The legs are short and thin.Males and females differ in color, but more often to the naked eye, this difference is imperceptible.Most of the time the swallows carried in the air, but if you go down to the ground, you can see how their clumsy gait.Birds eat insects.It is noteworthy that they are able to hunt only in flight.
The main feature of the exterior of the swallows is a forked tail that resembles a slingshot.
Birds have a friendly nature, so with other birds do not conflict, and with individuals of their own species and did settle nearby.If attacked by a swallow large birds of prey, it is not only fought bravely, but until recently, will defend their nest.If the socket will make the way a cat or a man, you can be sure: the small bird will selflessly defend their property.
Types swallows
difficult to find in Russia a man who never in his life seen a swallow.But not only that swallow can be found on the territory of the Russian Federation is home to more than one species.In our country, there are about 7 species of this bird:
- Country (whale) swallows.Name you can guess: this bird is familiar to the villagers.We swallow completely black back and neck and forehead red-brown shades.Swallows Nest is a village of straw, clay, and, surprisingly, feathers and hair, which are one of the most durable material for birds.
- red-rumped swallow.It is a bit like a swallow the preceding species, but the tail of it has several long black feathers.Surprisingly, sometimes dreary red-rumped swallow song reminds meowing cat, or even a small kitten.
- Coast swallow.Sand Martin swallow virtually the smallest of all the existing species.Beak rather short and solid, but unremarkable coloration - gray-brown plumage.
- Small swallow.Externally very similar to Sand Martin, but the bird smaller.Usually they fly around the end of August, but the arrival of the swallows small recorded in late March - early April.
- Mountain swallow.It is also called rocky.In color, it resembles a brown, but offers wonderfully patterned tail, which is best seen in flight.
- Nitehvostaya swallow.So this type is called because the males tail has two long and thin, thread-like feathers.In nitehvostoy swallow as dazzling white breast and an orange head.
- fronted swallow.Swallow has a black color with blue metallic sheen.Unfortunately, in Russia there were very few of the species, so many ornithologists do not admit the existence of these swallows in our country.
It's not all existing types of swallows.But even from this short list, you can draw conclusions about their diversity.
Occurrence swallows
Barn Swallow easily found in every corner of Russia.With regard to the coastal swallows, it is easier to call, where it is impossible to find: in Australia and Antarctica.Ryzhehvostye swallows live on the coast of Lake Baikal, and also in South Italy and Sicily.In the winter they are most swallows, migrate to Africa and India.
swallow lives in rocky mountain terrain.In Russia it is the Caucasus and Crimea.White-fronted swallow can be found in North America, and it winters in South America and Mexico.
nesting swallows?
Swallows are very attached to places, to arrange for egg laying.When the birds build nests, their location is the only place that can swallow remember.Instinct is so blind that if the swallow returns to feed the chicks, and the nest is not the same place, it will begin to feed on the error of others.
Barn Swallow prefers not to fly beyond the village or the village, so it is usually a nest there.Sometimes whales get used to people and nest right under the roofs of the houses.There it is easier to obtain food, and there is protection from wind and rain.
Coast and small swallows nest near the water, beak digging holes in the sand.They live in small groups, colonies.
Eurasian Crag Martin prefers to build a nest in the mountains or rocks, away from people and noise.Though there are slot located within the walls of the block of houses and tunnels.Its cup-shaped nest is built of clay, grass and saliva.
marriage between swallows
swallows breeding season lasts from May to August, during which time the female makes two clutches of eggs.In a masonry - up to 7 eggs.After two weeks, the chicks appear.After 3 weeks in the nest, the chicks are able to fly, so start to eat on their own.Females choose their partners for a long period, and when choosing guided by the length of the tail: male wins with the longest tail.
Sometimes males for the season remain single.Then, on his return from hibernation they start helping other couples in the construction of the nest and even feed the chicks.
Signs associated with swallows
On one of the signs mentioned above: if the swallows fly low it means to be rain.But there are other.For example, if a swallow building a nest at the roof of the house, then the house live a good and kind people.But if harm swallow the misery and sorrow will pursue for a long time.If you destroy a swallow's nest, on the face of it appear freckles - is also quite interesting sign.If the swallows arrive earlier than usual, then the year will be fruitful.And if you take a stone from the bird's nest, he will become a talisman and amulet.
