Kedrovka - description, habitat, interesting facts

By nutcracker is meant a medium-sized bird, which is famous for its unusual behavior. In the Tomsk region even erected a monument to this bird, because it contributes to the spread of Siberian cedars. Birds are stored with seeds and nuts, after which they are simply forgotten. As a result, cedar grows, so there are whole forests with these trees. Otherwise, the individuals of the breed group being discussed are called forest rescuers. These birds carry cedar cones away from the tree from which it fell.

Habitat and features

1. Under the nutcracker means a tireless fighter for making Siberian cedar a common tree. The bird looks quite cute and is different from itself. Individuals are slightly smaller than jackdaws in terms of dimensional features; they belong to the sparrow family.
2. Feathered friends are not famous for their large size.They grow to a maximum of 30 cm. As for the weight of the body, it is 0.2 kg. maximum. But most often there are birds that grow by weight to 150 grams. The color of the plumage of these birds is brownish with dark inclusions. There are whitish specks on the body.
3. Most of the body of these birds is the tail. In size it is about 10-12 cm. There is a whitish edging on the tail. The beak is thin and elongated. Legs are black, medium in length, strong. It is also worth mentioning that there are some differences in gender.
4. In females, specks of light tone are not as contoured as in males. Females are slightly smaller in size, they are lighter and calmer.
5. By individuals are meant the inhabitants of taiga forests. They love the vast territory in which they feel quite comfortable. Birds inhabit the Kuril Islands, are found in Scandinavia, Japan, Kamchatka and nearby regions.
6. The closest relatives of the feathered family are residents of the North American continent. These little creatures grow up to about 25 cm in length.

Lifestyle

1. These birds are not afraid of frost under 40 degrees. They easily tolerate cold snaps, so they do not go to warm regions for the winter.
2. However, birds can fly to other climatic regions to obtain food. If there is no food in the habitat, then the birds migrate en masse to where the food is.
3. In their temperament, these individuals are cheerful, energetic and sociable. They flock and make noise.
4. After the birds find food and eat, they immediately try to make as many stocks as possible for the future. It has already been mentioned that these reserves further benefit the environment.

Nutrition

1. It is not at all difficult to guess how the birds got their name. The considered individuals simply cannot imagine their life without pine nuts. Birds without any problems split the shells with skillful beak movements. Among other things, the birds are not averse to eat acorns, hazel fruits, berries and beech seeds.
2. The presented individuals often stock up with all sorts of food for the winter. Such birds in most cases give preference to nuts.All that the birds are unable to eat or carry with them, they are buried in the ground to remain in reserve. Due to this, Siberian cedar trees are widely spread and grow.
3. These birds have a short memory, so they do not even remember where the nuts are buried. Individuals specially buried nuts in the noble soil. As a result, Siberian pines grow without any problems. Birds arrange such warehouses in the ground throughout the forest and forest edges. After a while, powerful trees grow.
4. If judged, then nutcracker perform a very important environmental mission. Because of this feature, the birds did not go unnoticed by man. It is worth noting that in gratitude to such birds in the largest Siberian city of Tomsk, a large monument of the nutcracker was erected. So people thank wonderful birds.
5. Also around the monument adorn the majestic cedar trees, it all looks impressive and symbolic. As for the pine forests, they not only leave the grains in the ground, but also drag them into the hollows of the trees. Nuts can even be found under the visors of the roofs of houses. Birds have a special bag under the tongue in which they carry cedar.
6. On the other hand, it is worth noting that the individuals in question are not as stupid as they might seem at first glance. During the collection of nuts, they clearly understand that you need to get rid of damaged grains. As a result, birds leave only the best specimens.
7. As soon as the young grow up, the adults begin to teach the young generation to all skills. It should be noted that birds eat not only nuts, but also animal food. Birds ruthlessly destroy all kinds of invertebrates. Often in the food reserves of these birds, in addition to cedar, insect remains can be found.

Breeding

1. The represented individuals form pairs for life. Individuals start building a nest together. Often, birds have dwellings on coniferous trees among the branches. As a material for strengthening birds use clay, feathers and moss are used for the linings. It is worth noting that the nests are built low from the ground.
2. The construction of the dwelling birds start in the middle of spring. After that, the female brings eggs, which incubates for about 3 weeks.After the young are born, the parents try to feed the chicks abundantly. Adult individuals bring them insects, pine and other types of nuts.

Nutcrackers are unique and useful birds for nature. A unique feature is that birds help cedar trees to grow in a vast area. As for the rest, the individuals in question can live for more than 10 years. At the same time, when young animals appear, their parents accompany them for some time.

Video: Nutcracker (Nucifraga caryocatactes)