In the vast expanses of Russia nests more than 780 species of birds. A third of them are migratory, or, as they are also called ornithologists, migratory. With the onset of cold weather, such species leave their native places, and spend the winter in warm places. Our short review presents the most famous migratory birds of Russia.
1
Gray Heron / Ardea cinerea
A beautiful bird from the order of Ciconiiformes nests in small groups of 10-20 nests in one colony. It settles near reservoirs, in swamps, along river banks.
During migration from the territory of Russia, thousands of kilometers fly in large flocks of 200-250 goals. It is quite difficult to see a lonely heron during migration.
Fly high in the sky, starting the flight after sunset, and sitting down for a day at dawn. They hibernate south of the Sahara desert. Part fly to the south of Europe, or to the river deltas of the Black Sea.
2
City Swallow / Delichon urbicum
A small bird is distributed throughout Russia, settling not far from human habitation. They are also called a funnel. Fly very fast, but can not take off from the ground due to weak legs.
Swallows fly from the European part of Russia to winter in southern Africa, while urban swallows migrate from the eastern regions to the east and south of China, to the foothills of the Himalayas and the countries of Southeast Asia.
The formed pairs are stored for life. They return from wintering to nesting sites in late April - early May.
3
Oriole / Oriolus oriolus
The bright bird is the only representative of the oriole family. Depending on the color of the feathers, two subspecies are distinguished. It is easy to recognize by its bright yellow plumage.
Lives in forests, spending most of the time in the dense crown of deciduous trees. Since the onset of autumn cold weather flies to tropical Asia and South Africa.
It feeds on caterpillars, butterflies, dragonflies. With pleasure hunts wood beetles. During the ripening period, the fruit can switch to eating cherries, grapes, pears.
Do not miss, there is an interesting article about the biggest butterflies in the world on our site thebiggest.ru.
4
Black Swift / Apus apus
One of the first birds living in Russia, which flies away for wintering. Already in early August, black swifts gather in flocks to fly to warmer climes.
The fact is that the flight in these birds takes 3-4 weeks. And before the onset of cold weather, they must have time to reach the places of wintering. They fly in large flocks at any time of the day, making frequent stops to rest.
There are enough insects in flight, so it can feed directly during the migration process. During migration fly through Ukraine, Turkey, the Middle East to reach the African continent.
5
Nightingale / Luscinia
The bird, which has a bewitching voice, belongs to the family of passerines. And outwardly, the nightingale is very similar to the inhabitant of Russian cities.
Nightingales feed on insects, spiders, berries and worms. Nest on trees and shrubs in river valleys, sometimes directly in urban or rural settlements.
The flight begins in early August, and the last songbirds fly away in late September. They make flights mainly at night, preferring to stop to rest during the day. Winter is spent in Africa, and return to their homeland in late April.
6
Common Starling / Sturnus vulgaris
Starling is widespread throughout Eurasia, and which of us in childhood did not make birdhouses for them.
Easy to get along with people in cities and rural areas near farms. The starling's voice has a fairly wide range of sounds. Having heard his voice, the inhabitants of Russia understand that spring has come.
Departure time is determined by climatic conditions. With the arrival of severe autumn colds, he moved to the south of Europe, to Egypt, Algeria, to the countries of Asia. One of the first to arrive when snow still lies in the fields.
7
Zaryanka / Erithacus rubecula
A small beautiful bird belongs to the flycatcher family. In the open spaces of the Russian Federation it is also called a robin, dawn, alder.
It nests in deciduous forests, parks and squares near water bodies. The males sang zaryanki with iridescent sounds before dawn. Singing is considered one of the most beautiful among songbirds that settle in Eurasia.
Fly away in the winter relatively close to the main habitats. Winters in northern Africa, the Middle East, the western coast of the Caspian Sea.
8
Common Cuckoo / Cuculus canorus
The most famous species from a large cuckoo family. The Latin name of the species comes from Latin words, which means "beautiful singing."
The distribution area covers all climatic zones of the planet, from deserts to forest-tundra. In the mating season, both the female and the male make loud iridescent sounds. They settle in the forests and often fly into the city limits.
The migratory bird is famous for laying eggs in the nests of other birds after laying eggs. Over 300 species of birds lay their eggs. Winters in the subtropical zones of Asia and the African continent.
9
Chaffinch / Fringílla coélebs
The population of brightly colored birds in Europe is about 95 million pairs. This is one of the most numerous birds in Russia. The species belongs to the family finch.
They settle in coniferous and deciduous forests, in parks, gardens. It feeds on seeds, green shoots of plants. In summer, it can prey on small insects.
During flights per day, overcome from 60 to 80 kilometers. They prefer to spend winter in the north of the Arabian Peninsula. Part of the population winter in the southern countries of Europe.
10
White Stork / Ciconia ciconia
In Russia, a large bird nests in the Leningrad Region, in the vicinity of Smolensk, Lipetsk, Bryansk. Scientists noticed that a beautiful bird began to settle east of these regions.
During the winter they fly to Central and South Africa. Part migrates to India. Fly high in the sky, choosing the most effective wind flows for free soaring.
During migration, they try not to fly over the seas, because their migration routes are always laid over land.
By the way, on our site thebiggest.ru there is an informative article about the largest birds in the world.
11
Swan / Cygnus
The graceful bird settles on reservoirs, sometimes in a city line. Most white swans are migratory birds.
Thanks to a powerful physique and strong wings, they easily overcome long distances along the route to the south. They hibernate in the Mediterranean, on the shores of the Caspian and Black Sea, in the reservoirs of Southeast Asia.
Easily coexist in large bird colonies with other birds. The swan is a frost-resistant species, but in order to winter in the northern latitudes, it needs a pond with non-freezing water.
12
Rook / Corvus frugilegus
The only migratory species from the Vranov family. In the north of Russia they are migratory, in the south they remain wintering in the places of permanent nesting.
Arrives quite early, when the snow is not completely gone. Immediately builds a nest of dry branches, strengthening the structure with grass. Colonies live in one place for 10-12 years.
Researches of scientists have proved that rooks can skillfully use tools in their life. In the Middle Ages in the countries of Europe they were eaten by the poorest segments of the population, and on Ukrainian lands they were salted in barrels.
13
Blackbird / Turdus philomelos
A small songbird nests on the territory of Russia from the western borders to the expanses of Siberia, and in winter flies away to winter in the southern latitudes of the planet.
It populates the thrush of both deciduous and coniferous forests, found in the taiga. Migrate singly or in small groups. They fly at night, and during the day rest among trees and dense shrubs.
They return home in mid-April. They even sing during the flights, and in the middle zone of Russia their recognizable voice is immediately heard as soon as the blackbirds begin to twist their nests.
14
Goose / Anser
With the help of new technologies, scientists monitor the migration of geese in real time. Living and breeding in Russia, geese winter in the countries of Southern and Eastern Europe.
Waterfowl, and therefore settles near ponds, in swampy meadows, on sea coasts. Not only excellent swim, but also run and fly.
Fly to the winter at night. In addition, they fly only at night and quite quickly. In one flight they can cover a distance of up to 100 km.
15
Lark of the field / Alauda arvensis
Larks are known to the inhabitants of Russia for their loud beautiful singing. They are slightly larger than the usual sparrow, but differ from it in a colorful plumage.
It nests from Scandinavia to the Kuril Islands, and flies to countries with a warmer climate than in Russia overwinter. Because of its small size, it cannot overcome long distances, because it has wintering in North Africa, India, and the countries of the Middle East.
One of the few species of birds that feed on plant foods that fly away with the advent of cold weather.
16
Lapwing / Vanellus vanellus
A small bird belongs to the charadriiformes family. You can recognize the lapwing by the characteristic crest on the head.
It feeds on various bugs and their larvae. In Russia, nests in the European part, as well as some regions of Siberia. Not afraid to make a nest next to a person.
Lapwings are beautiful flyers. During the migration period, thousands of kilometers fly to find themselves in warm regions. They hibernate in Africa, on the Iberian Peninsula, in the countries of Asia.
17
Cranes / Grus
The cranes, of which there are more than 20 species, will complete our list on thebiggest.ru. In Russia, the Gray Cranes, Sterkh and the unusual Black Crane live.
Graceful and majestic, with the advent of cold weather they migrate to warm countries. Large colonies form in North Africa on the Mediterranean coast. Winters in Spain, the Middle East and India.
They travel long distances, building a kind of wedge in the sky, which helps them overcome air resistance.
Summary
Many migratory birds living in Russia are not afraid of cold weather, as they have warm plumage, but still migrate. The main reason for migration is the lack of habitual food. Many bird species feed on insects that die or hibernate in winter. Because of this, birds make long flights from their usual nesting places so as not to die of starvation.
Article author: Valery Skiba