What is the difference between a bird of Bustard and where does it live?

Drofa ordinary - this is one of the largestbirds that are generally found in Russia. In rare cases, its size reaches 21 kg. The color of the bird is quite curious: red with black marks, and the bottom of the case is white.

As it usually happens, males are somewhat largerfemales, differing from them not only in size, but also "whiskers" of filiform feathers growing near the throat. In short, the Bustard bird is a very beautiful and original representative of the fauna.

It is commonly believed that this species can not fly. This is not true: yes, the flight at the bustard is heavy, and it is possible only after a long run, but in the air it keeps confident. Strangely enough, but in the air prefers to climb up against the wind. On the ground, the bird of Bustard is extremely cautious, only the most experienced hunters can get close to it.

It inhabits the steppe and forest-steppe zone, verylikes meadow grasses. It feeds on young sprouts of grasses and cereals in the milk stage of ripeness, wild garlic and onions, does not refuse insects, small mammals and even chicks of other birds.

It should be noted that in the summer heat the bird of bustardvery much in need of unrestricted access to water, as it consumes a lot of moisture. Given the fact that she does not have sweat glands, she has a hard time during the hot season. To cool their body, they lay down on the ground, spread their wings and open their mouths wide, quickly and quick breathing. Only when the heat is not so terrible, these birds resume the search for food.

Dangerous for bustards and heavy rains. They do not have a coccygeal gland, and therefore their feather cover immediately becomes wet. Strong autumn rains are extremely dangerous before the onset of winter cold. The icy feathers make the bustard absolutely helpless, which predators use.

A hundred years ago the Bustard was one of the mostcommon birds in the territory of the Russian Empire. They were thousands to be found in places where today it is rare to see even one bird. Individuals are found in Ukraine, Central Asia and some regions of the Caucasus. The reason for such a sharp reduction in the number is not even in hunting for them, but in a strong increase in the number of plowed up steppes.

Bustard nests (steppe birds come in many wayssimilarly) arrange, simply digging out in the ground a small hole and lining it with dry grass. Often 2-3 eggs of olive color are laid directly on the bare ground, in the absence of some litter. Nasizhivaniem birds have to do a month.

For chicks, only a female is cared for. In case of danger, the mother gives the chicks a special signal, by which they hide in the grass, trying to be as inconspicuous as possible. The bird shows the wonders of courage, in a moment of alarm taking the enemy behind him, and even bravely attacking him.

Before the first snow, the young and parents aresteppe in search of food. When the thickness of the snow cover becomes too large, they migrate to the south. So, this bird of the Bustard family can be met even in Tajikistan and Turkmenistan.

They return to their native places in May. Almost immediately begins the breeding season, during which the males are very beautifully touted.

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