Mountain Wagtail - description, habitat, interesting facts

Man is surrounded by amazing nature, in particular, many beautiful and not always memorable birds. Today we look at the representative of the feathered tribe, which is distinguished by its migratory way of stay and white-gray coloring. Let's talk about the wagtail, a cute and miniature bird with a lot of good habits. There are about four varieties of these individuals, but the most popular is white.

Description

1. Feathered creatures are easily distinguished from birds of a similar variety. A distinctive feature is the pigmented black and narrowed beak, the same shade of the chest and a kind of “cap” on the head. At the top of the feathers are pigmented gray, which can intersect with white.
2. The lower section of the body is whitish. As for the wings, in these areas the colors combine and form a certain contrast of brown, gray, white shades. Wings pointed and elongated at the ends, pressed against the tail. Paws long, thin, but strong.Thanks to this, the bird rises above the grass and sees everything.
3. The eyes are pigmented with black, around them there are white-edged borders resembling a mask. In terms of their dimensional features, these feathered creatures are no more than sparrows. Along the length of the body, they are pulled out by 20 cm, and the mass is only 30 grams.
4. Presented birds are painted mainly in gray, black and whitish shades. The family received its name due to the rhythmic movements of the tail. Even when the bird is completely calm, its tail continues to move.

Lifestyle

1. This species of feathered representatives is considered the most valuable of these. Birds destroy an incalculable number of insects and flies in particular, which poison human life. To catch prey, the bird goes to the sky to hunt.
2. Summer residents who have their own vegetable garden love these birds. They help to destroy pests because they are in the beds. Birds are mobile and nimble, they fall into a calm state only when they sing.
3. These individuals are gullible creatures, even strangers are admitted to them.When the summer time comes to an end, the whole flock gathers together, starlings and swallows join it. Then the feathered friends settle in the reeds.
4. Before going to warm places for the winter, the birds behave aggressively and incredulously towards others. During sleep, individuals talk in order not to lose each other. The flight is carried out in the autumn, it takes several months.

Habitat

1. The considered individuals in most cases prefer to dwell in a warm and temperate climate. It is in such conditions that the birds feel as comfortable as possible. Often, birds are found in Asia, Europe and Africa.
2. In warm regions, these individuals are sedentary. In the same regions with a favorable climate, wagtails migrate from cold regions. It is worth noting that the habitats coincide in white and yellow wagtails. Such relatives are somewhat different behavior and lifestyle.
3. Yellow wagtails arrive in warm habitats much later than their relatives. Upon arrival, individuals almost immediately try to engage in the construction of housing. Depending on the subspecies, feathered nests may differ slightly.In addition, the individuals in question have far less fear for humans, in contrast to their relatives.
4. Presented birds are engaged in the construction of their nests in the grass, on the bumps and the ground. The remaining individuals of the subspecies are trying to lead a more secretive way of life. They build their nests in secluded and almost inaccessible places. Males of wagtails always carefully guard their family and home.
5. As soon as the female makes laying, parents become even more vigilant. If the individuals in time notice the potential danger of either a predator, they begin to scream strongly. Thus, birds warn all their brethren about the threat. Birds try to pull together and scream together. So they chase the enemy.
6. If the individuals in question need to protect their nest and offspring, they are surprisingly showing extraordinary courage. Thanks to unshakable courage, these birds can even pounce on birds of prey without any fear. The considered individuals arrive to the territory of the Russian Federation before anyone else. That is why they are considered harbingers of spring.

In today's material another representative of the family was studied, which is distinguished by beautiful singing and constantly moving tail. By nature, these feathered creatures are very gullible, but they can be wary before preparing for migration. Birds are considered savior gardens.

Video: Mountain Wagtail (Motacilla cinerea)