The swallows nest. Types of nests of birds

The Welcoming sun, a gentle breeze, the first, barely awake, flowers… Yes, it's everyone's favorite: the awakening of nature – spring. But first about the coming of spring Herald the birds returning from warm countries. Hardworking they begin to build their nests to breed. And if to distinguish spring from winter easily enough, then on the nest to identify owners is not easy.

The First signs of spring

The birds arriving in the spring, and tell in school. Spring birds arrive in small flocks, and the first to appear finches. If you get to the Finch closely, we can see how the bird is beautiful: what tones are not cast his feathers! And green and red and brown, and on the head flaunts a blue “cap”. Published Chaffinch noticeable on the white bands on the wings and back.

After flying finches thrushes, and in Russia, in the middle lane, the first birds are rooks. Then in the parks you can meet the Robins, Redstarts and varicose. These birds have bright colored feathers, for example, bluethroats, blue breast, and a Robin's feathers in all colors – red, blue, and green, and even red.

Each bird tries to go back to his old nest. Swallows arriving in April, are no exception. Swallows Russian people loves and respects. They are associated with many signs. For example, if the swallow flies low over the ground, it means rain soon. The swallows nest people trying to keep safe until next spring.

Birds and their nests

A Surprising fact is that birds are able to build the great buildings. But as far as we humans know, what bird what is the nest?

Place, arrange birds for egg laying, are different from each other, and sometimes very dramatically. But all kinds of birds ' nests, can be divided according to their location:

1. Ground socket. They are constructed mostly of grass, leaves and small twigs. In Russia in a land-based “apartment” live snipe, grouse and the Seagull.
2. Socket in the mountains. Located on the rocky terrain, they are built birds of prey, such as peregrine Falcon.
3. In the trees. From what I can find, build nests at low altitudes our spring birds-finches and thrushes. It is very interesting that the nests have «cement» a Foundation of clay and sand.
4. On the water/in the hollows. Less common nests, but have a place in the lives of some birds. So on the water live black terns, and in the hollows – owls and woodpeckers.
5. Sandy hole. Some birds beaks pull out a hole in the sand, and then bring back the straw or grass. It looks like the nest of a swallow-gerbil.
   

How to distinguish a swallow from other birds?

The size of swallows are very small, with a small head. Legs short and thin. Male and female differ in coloration, though often the naked eye the difference is imperceptible. Most of the time swallows spend in the air, but if down to earth, you can see how awkward their gait. Birds feed on insects. It is remarkable that they are able to hunt only in flight.

Recommended

Competition is the rivalry between participants in the market economy. Types and functions of competition

Competition – a concept inherent in a market economy. Every participant in the financial and commercial relations, seeks to take the best place in the environment where it must operate. For this reason, there is stiff competition. The struggle ...

The mayor: powers and duties. Elections of the mayor

Normal functioning of all systems of the settlement, competent and timely execution of tasks in the sphere of economic, social and other areas of development is impossible without control of the mayor. But how voters can evaluate the quality of work ...

Francisco Franco: biography and political activities

When the civil war began in Spain, General Francisco Franco (Francisco Paulino of Hermenegildo Teodulo Franco Bahamonde - full name) celebrated its arakatzailea, but he seemed already tired of life and much older than his years. To unpresentable appe...

The Main feature of the exterior signs is forked tail resembling a slingshot.

Birds have a friendly nature, so other birds do not conflict, and with the same species and all live nearby. If the swallow attack a larger bird of prey, it not only fights bravely, but to the last will protect the nest. If the nest burrow cat or person, then you can be sure: a little bird selflessly to defend their property.

Types of daisies

It is Difficult to find in Russia the man who never in my life seen a swallow. But not only that, the swallow can be found on the territory of the Russian Federation still live here no one. In our country there are about 7 varieties of this bird:

1. Village (whale) swallow. The name you can guess: this bird is familiar to the villagers. Swallow all black back, neck and forehead red-brown. The swallows nest village consists of straw, clay and, surprisingly, feathers and hair, which are one of the most durable materials for birds.
2. Red-rumped swallow. It looks a bit like swallow the preceding species, but the tail she has a few long black feathers. Surprisingly, sometimes melancholy song of red-rumped swallows resembles a meowing cat or even a small kitten.
3. Sand Martin. Beregovushki almost the little swallow from all available types. The beak is rather short and solid, and inconspicuous color – gray-brown plumage.
4. Small swallow. Looks very similar to an beregovushki, but the bird is smaller. Usually leave around the end of August, but the arrival of swallows small recorded in late March-early April.
5. Mountain swallow. It is called rocky. Color reminiscent of brown, but is surprisingly patterned tail, which are best viewed during the flight.
6. Sitehost swallow. So this is called because the males have the tail there are two long and thin, similar to the filament of the pen. Have nicehotel swallows also dazzling white breast and orange head.
7. Greater white-Fronted swallow. Swallowit has black color with blue-metallic sheen. Unfortunately, in Russia very little was recorded of this species, many ornithologists do not recognize the existence of these swallows on the territory of our country.

This is not all existing types of swallows. But even from this small list you can make a conclusion about their diversity.

Places of distribution of swallows

Swallow easily found in any corner of Russia. As for the sand Martin, it is easier to name where possible in Australia and Antarctica. Rufous-tailed swallows live on the coast of lake Baikal, and also in southern Italy and Sicily. In winter they, like most swallows fly to Africa and India.

Rocky swallow dwells in the highlands. In Russia it is the territory of the Caucasus and the Crimea. White-fronted swallow can be found in North America, and it winters in South America and in Mexico.

Where nesting swallows?

Swallows are very attached to places, arrange for egg laying. When birds build nests, their location is the only place that the swallow can remember. An instinct so blind that if the swallow will return to feed the Chicks, and nests will not be in the same place, she'll start to feed other people.

The barn swallow prefers not to fly beyond the village or the village, so her nest is usually there. Sometimes the whales get used to people and nest right under the eaves of houses. There it is easier to get food and have protection from wind and rain.

Coastal and small swallows nest near water, beak digging holes in the sand. They live in small groups of colonies.

Rocky swallow prefers to build a nest in the mountains or cliffs, away from people and noise. Though there are jacks located in the walls of the block houses and tunnels. Its Cup-shaped nest built of mud, saliva and grass.

The Mating season of swallows

Nesting season of swallows continues from may to August, and during this time the female makes two eggs. In one batch up to 7 eggs. After two weeks the Chicks appear. After 3 weeks spent in the nest, the Chicks are able to fly, so to feed themselves independently. Females choose their partners for a long period, and focus on the length of the tail: won by the male with the longest tail.

Sometimes males for the season remain single. Then on return from hibernation, they begin to help other couples in building nests and even feeding nestlings.

Signs associated with swallows

One of the signs mentioned above: if the swallow fly low, then rain. But there are others. For example, if a swallow makes a nest at the roof of the house, in this house are good and kind people. But if you hurt swallow, misery and grief that will haunt for a long time. If you destroy a swallow's nest, the face will appear freckles – is also quite interesting sign. When swallows arrive earlier than usual so the year will be fruitful. And if you take the stone from the bird nest, it will become an amulet and talisman.