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Reed-badger got its name not only thanks to the singing, similar to the crackle of reed, but also a special color. These small birds in large numbers live on the territory of Belarus, preferring the coastal zones of small water bodies. They can easily be found in many European countries. It can often be found on trees that grow in the floodplain of the river or near the banks of ditches. A prerequisite for the choice of habitat of warblers is the presence of ponds and dense thickets in the immediate vicinity.
Spring trills
After wintering, warbler usually returns in mid-April, beginning to actively create couples and prepare for the appearance of offspring. Male birds actively use their vocal abilities to attract females.After creating a pair, they do not leave each other throughout the season, but the main duties of incubation of eggs fall mostly on the female. Birds build a nest at a low height, not caring to protect it from predators, about 25% of the clutch dies every year. As building materials use small twigs, moss and cobwebs, which are collected near water.
Pair of badgers usually are located at a distance of 50-70 meters from each other. These wonderful creatures need a permanent stay in the pack, and they spend most of their time together. Nestlings are born 12-14 days after the laying of eggs, and most of the care for them lies on the female. For a long time, fussy birds do not leave their nests, visiting them even during absences.
Nepotism
The diet of birds consists not only of grain and seeds of small plants. They actively hunt small insects, feed on tree bark, and sometimes manage to eat small mollusks.
Shedding and plumage
Warblers are very fond of heat, so they always prepare responsibly for the wintering period. During the warm season, they molt twice: in the spring, premamillation occurs, designed to make the plumage more vivid and attractive to a potential partner. The second time the plumage changes in August, before a quick departure to warm countries.
Nestlings change nesting plumage soon after the beginning of independent flights. Down and small feathers are replaced by a permanent color, indicating a growing bird.
Preparing for the winter
Already in mid-September, the birds begin to gather in flocks for a quick departure to the warm regions. Rare representatives of the badger are found in early October, but this is possible only with a warm autumn.
Bird flies are made intermittently, because long journeys are difficult for them because of the rapid weakening. They spend the cold season in European countries with a mild climate with no temperature drops.
Interaction with people
Warblers are very freedom-loving creatures, so they will not be able to survive at home. Being in a cage turns them into aggressive and stop singing individuals.
With visible danger and the possible approach of people, birds try to hide in dense thickets. Fast and nimble individuals manage to disguise thanks to a nondescript plumage, merging with branches and reeds. And only during the period of marriage games they lose their vigilance, often appearing in open territories. Wanting to attract attention to themselves, the males not only announce the territory with loud singing, but also make pirouettes in the air, flying low over the ground.
Interesting Facts
Males of birds can easily do several things at once. For example, it will not be difficult for them to crumble in unusual trills while eating food. At the same time, the quality of a unique song does not get worse or quieter.
Only professional ornithologists will be able to distinguish badgers from ordinary sparrows on a certain color of the head.It is visible only in males, while small and completely gray females seem completely inconspicuous.
Scientists are aware of the existence of about 10 subspecies of birds that are inhabitants of one territory throughout their lives. Outside of their borders, they do not meet, holding in only one flock.
Video: warbler warbler (Acrocephalus schoenobaenus)
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