Field horse - description, habitat, interesting facts

Skates are the most numerous species of songbirds. They can be found on almost every continent with the exception of Antarctica. Such a high prevalence of the population of these birds is due to the great diversity of their species. Thus, in the genus “skates” more than four dozen varieties of these miniature birds were united. All the skates are very similar in appearance, so only an experienced ornithologist is able to determine their belonging to a particular species.

Brief description of birds

Skates belong to the family of wagtails. These small, very graceful birds have their own external features: long and mobile legs, slightly rounded wings, a tail with a notch. The body of the body of the skates is oblong, and its length in adults does not exceed an average of 18 cm.

The plumage of this family of birds is distinguished by a dark brown color on the back, and dirty-white shades predominate on the abdomen. For skates characterized by the presence of variegated inclusions and all sorts of drawings on the plumage. And in each type of ptah the pattern type is different. In this respect, the coloring of the spotted ridge is especially attractive - on the back of the bird it has a pronounced olive color with a touch of green. Also noteworthy is the performing style of these songbirds. Experts believe that to determine the identity of the skates to a particular type is easiest by singing.

What birds eat

In which regions do skates

The habitat of these small birds is very extensive.They can be found in various geographical areas. Skates feel comfortable in hot Africa and on the Eurasian continent. Due to the prevalence of this family of birds, there is a large variety of species. Thus, a large horse settles in the sub-Antarctic zone, and American and red-breasted skates long ago inhabited the arctic tundra.

Some species of these birds have chosen the alpine meadows in the Alps, where they feel excellent and actively reproduce. Birds living in the northern regions migrate before the onset of winter. They are waiting for the arrival of spring on the African continent or in Asia.

Distinctive features of the main types of skate

As previously noted, even for an experienced specialist it is difficult to determine, by external indicators, that a particular representative of this species of birds belongs to a particular species. These birds are so similar to each other that we have to take into account several criteria at once. Let us dwell on the characteristic features of each species.

1. Field horse. This small bird lives in Eurasia, as well as in the north of the African continent.Its plumage on the back is colored in brown, sandy, yellowish tones with dark patches. The abdomen is light, and on the sides and breast the plumage has a brownish tint. In young individuals, a pattern in the form of scales can be seen on the upper part of the body.
2. Fad steppe. This species is considered the largest because the adults reach a length of up to 20 cm. Also a distinctive feature of the species are too long legs and an overly extended posterior claw. The color on the back is brown with characteristic transverse dark stripes. There are also bands on the breast and side parts, but they are a few tones lighter than the main background. The plumage on the abdomen is pure white. The steppe horse lives in the steppe zones of Kazakhstan, Mongolia. Sometimes the bird settles on the slopes of the mountains. In the winter migrates to the southern part of Asia.
3. Berthelot (Canarian horse). This type of bird prefers open, large spaces. Birds differ in miniature size (not more than 15 cm of their length). The plumage is gray-brown in adults, and in young stock saturated chestnut tones prevail. Birds of this species lack sexual dimorphism.
4. Forest Shevritsa. Representatives of this species also have small parameters. The brownish-gray back of the birds is decorated with variegated patches of a darker tone. The same speckled specks are visible on the sides and breast, and the abdomen is monochromatic, light. The claw on the back finger is short. The forest ridge occurs mainly on the Eurasian continent.
5. Menzbier. This is perhaps the smallest type of skates. Birds have dark plumage with bright variegated spots on the back. Their tummy has a rich yellow tinge. On the wings there are contrasting stripes: black in the center, and along the edges - white with greens. This species of birds lives in Siberia.
6. Meadow horse. Representatives of this type look like forest horses, only their size is slightly smaller (up to 15 cm). The color of plumage is dominated by gray tones, and the breast has a light yellow tint. On this background are thin stripes. Individuals of this species have a thin, sharp beak and red legs. These migratory birds nest in the marshes, meadows. They prefer places with high humidity. In winter, migrate slightly south of their usual habitat.

This is not a complete list of skate types. There are more than forty of them.Here are descriptions of birds that can be found in the open spaces of our country.

Housekeeping rules for birds

Skates are very cute, charming creatures. Representatives of some species are willing to make contact with a person. And their melodious singing caresses the ear and soothes. Therefore, some wildlife lovers decide to have such a singing companion at home. It should be noted that skates are not burdened by bondage. With good care, they delight the owners with their songs.

For a bird to feel comfortable, it will need a spacious cage and a balanced diet for living. In the diet should be present: Daphnia, cottage cheese mash, carrots, gammarus, allowed to give eggs. Insects are suitable insects, mealworms. The horse will not give up grain mixtures, in which there are many necessary vitamins.

True, breeding skates for home maintenance is not practiced. Therefore, not so often people decide to start such a feathered friend.

Interesting Facts

1. The construction of the nest is occupied by the female skate.
2. These birds look for insects to feed on the ground.
3. There is such an old-fashioned belief: if you hide a feather of a meadow ridge under the porch, then the house will be reliably protected from fires.
4. You can distinguish the type of skate by singing characteristics. But only a very experienced specialist with a good ear for music can cope with this task. For example, in the singing of a field horse, double sounds prevail: “ti” and “li”. Menzira performs his song, flying at high altitude. This is a very calm tune, which the male moves touchingly. Rocky horse also does not like loud singing. But the meadow ridge can be unmistakably recognized by its high voice and sharp sounds.