Klusha - description, habitat, interesting facts

Under the klushi are meant individuals, which by their external data are similar to seagulls. These birds prefer to live on the Atlantic coast, as well as in the north of our country. If we take in comparison the wedge and its close relative, the gull is silver, then the first type is less dimensional, slender and dark in terms of color.

Description

1. If we compare the individuals of this breed group with fellows, then we can say that the clubs belong to large-sized birds. They grow up to 55 cm in size. The wingspan ranges from 110 to 130 cm, which is quite good for this breed, taking into account the weight of 1 kg.
2. The abdominal region is colored whitish, as well as the neck, tail and head. The back is pigmented dark, namely brown or gray. Fly feathers of the same shade can play with colors alternating with light brown or light gray.
3. At Klush yellowish bright beak. It is compressed from the side parts, but in its shape is straight, except that the tip is directed downwards. In the area of ​​the bend you can see the red marking. Iris yellowish, bright. In the area around the sockets there are no feathers, so you can see red skin.
4. A distinctive feature is the color of the legs, namely yellow with an orange pigment. It is by this criterion that the individuals of this breed group can be distinguished from sea gulls. For comparison, the last legs are painted either in a gentle yellow or in a pinkish tone.
5. Young animals can be distinguished from grown-up individuals not only by their behavior, but also by external data. For example, the younger generation is similar to herring gulls. That is, the color is variegated, on the plumage there is an alternation of light and dark tones. You can find ocher shades and other elements from this category (brownish, light gray).
6. In young individuals, the iris is not yellow, but brownish. Bill is black. When the young growth reaches the age of 1 year and older, its back becomes gray in color, slightly dimmer than in grown-up birds. Also becomes light head, abdominal part, neck.But these parts are still variegated, they will soon acquire the whitish color characteristic of the species. Closer to the third year of life in young, dark areas disappear, brownish feathers remain at the end of the tail and in the neck area.
7. A distinctive feature of these birds is considered the size of the wings, which allows the heath to fly quickly and beautifully. They can hang in the air for a long time, as well as overcome decent distances. Most often, these individuals are met on the high seas, they accompany the vessel.

Species

1. Today we are considering the main representative of the species - the common wedge. But few people know that other varieties are distinguished. A similar member of the family is considered to be a harley bird, or an eastern wedge.
2. It is characterized by large size, rounded head, as well as long legs and a powerful beak. On the body of the individual grow to 70 cm and weighs up to 1.5 kg. and wingspan of about 150 cm. Agree, impressive, provided that the Harley and the common Klusha - are representatives of the same family.
3. Eastern inhabitants have a grayish plumage with dark inclusions on the wings and back.In winter, individuals are painted with brown stripes of small type in the neck and head. The paws are yellowish, but sometimes you can meet birds with pink legs.
4. A distinctive feature of this species is considered to be a delayed molt. The bird looks like it has an old plumage in its head, which is later replaced by a new one with a long delay. The same can be said about the wings.
5. In some sources, this kind of klush is called the Taimyr Gull. Representatives of the family are common in the northern part, as well as in eastern Russia. Individuals can be found in Finland. For wintering birds fly to the east of Africa, west or south of Asia.

Nutrition

1. Since these birds still belong to the sea, then their food is appropriate. They eat fish and other marine life. They also feed on worms, small rodents, and insects.
2. There were situations when hunger destroyed the nests of their comrades from hunger. When on earth they eat seeds, roots, fruits. People working on the ship claim that they often see this breed near the ship.
3. These birds are distinguished by high intelligence and cunning. They hang for a long time in the sky, looking for prey, and then rapidly descend. Beautiful dives come out of the klush.

Habitat

1. Mostly considered individuals live on the northern and western coasts of the European continent. In addition, the presented birds are found on Russian territory. Individuals are often in the western part of the Taimyr Peninsula.
2. Virtually all species of individuals represented belong to migratory birds. Living most of the time in the east and north of Europe, birds begin to migrate over a distance of up to 8000 km. Often the birds fly to Africa.
3. Often migratory birds can be found in the Mediterranean, the basins of the Caspian and Black Seas. Also, individuals often winter in the Persian Gulf and on the Red Sea. Some individuals living in Scandinavia and Western Europe often migrate to the southwest.
4. On this side you can meet the north-west coast of Africa and the Iberian Peninsula. Most of the individuals living in Siberia go to India, Pakistan and the Middle East for wintering.In rare cases, such birds were seen on the eastern North American shores.
5. Often, the nesting of the individuals in question occurs on rocky shores of the sea. Also, the coast of large lakes and, in rare cases, moorlands, which are located near the water, are chosen as places for breeding offspring of the club. It is believed that such individuals are very fond of the island.

Breeding

1. It is worth noting that the considered representatives of birds are monogamous. During the mating season, individuals break up into pairs and fly to nesting sites. Marriage time is in spring. Birds can fly to warm areas at different times due to the climatic conditions in which they live.
2. Therefore, nesting can begin from the middle to the end of spring. Before breeding, mating games take place at the klush. Individuals begin to cry out loud. At the same time, they either lower, or throw their heads back. Individuals flex and treat each other with food in every way.
3. This behavior of the klush in the marriage time is very similar to the game of silver gulls.In represented individuals, nesting often occurs in small colonies or in pairs. Families can consist of 10 to 20 individuals.

Interesting Facts

1. The closest relatives of the individuals in question are herringguids. Such birds often live in the same places. Here only the seagulls are stronger and larger, which is why the klush is often banished from its territory.
2. It is worth noting that the urge and voice of the individuals represented is rather low and rough. In the event of danger and during anxiety, they emit characteristic “ha-ha-ha” sounds.

Individuals of the represented breed group differ from all others in their appearance and beauty of flight. Birds have rather long wings that allow you to literally float through the air.

Video: Klusha (Larus fuscus)