Badger-Badger - description, habitat, interesting facts

The warbler-badger got its name not only due to the singing, similar to the crack of reeds, but also due to its special coloring. These small birds live in large numbers on the territory of Belarus, preferring the coastal zones of small reservoirs. They can easily be found in many countries of Europe. Often can be found on trees growing in the floodplain of the river or near the banks of ditches. A prerequisite for choosing a habitat for warblers is the presence of ponds and dense thickets in the immediate vicinity.

Spring trills

From wintering, warblers usually return in mid-April, starting to actively create pairs and prepare for the appearance of offspring. The male bird actively uses its vocal abilities to attract the female. After the pair is created, they do not leave each other throughout the season, but the main responsibilities for hatching eggs lie mostly with the female. The bird’s nest is built at a low height, not caring about protecting it from predators, about 25% of the masonry dies every year. As building materials use small twigs, moss and cobwebs, which are collected near ponds.

Pairs of badgers are usually located at a distance of 50-70 meters from each other. These wonderful creatures need to be in the pack all the time, and they spend most of their time together. Chicks are born 12-14 days after the laying of eggs, and most of the cares for them lie on the female. For a long time, fussy birds do not leave their nests, visiting them even during absenteeism.

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 feast on small mollusks.

Molting and plumage

Warblers are very fond of heat, so they are always responsibly prepared for the wintering period. During the warm season, they molt twice: pre-moult molting occurs in spring, designed to make plumage brighter and more attractive for a potential partner. The second time the plumage changes in August, before a quick departure to warm regions.

Chicks change their nesting plumage shortly after the start of independent flights. Down and small feathers are replaced by a constant color, which indicates the growth of the bird.

Winter preparations

Already in mid-September, birds begin to gather in flocks for a quick departure to warmer climes. Rare representatives of badgers are found in early October, but this is only possible with warm autumn.

Birds make flights with interruptions, because long journeys are given to them with difficulty due to rapid weakening. They spend the cold season in European countries with a mild climate in the absence of temperature differences.

Human interaction

Warblers are very freedom-loving creatures, so they will not be able to survive at home. Being in a cell turns them into aggressive and stop singing individuals.

With a visible danger and possible approach of people, birds try to hide in dense thickets. Fast and nimble individuals manage to camouflage thanks to plain-looking plumage, merging with branches and reeds.And only during the mating season they lose their vigilance, often appearing in open areas. Wanting to attract attention, the males not only announce the territory with loud singing, but also make pirouettes in the air, flying low above the ground.

Interesting Facts

Male 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. Moreover, the quality of a unique song does not get worse or quieter.

Only professional ornithologists in a certain head color can distinguish badgers from ordinary sparrows. It is noticeable 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 the same territory throughout their lives. Outside, they do not meet, holding only one flock.

Video: reed-badger (Acrocephalus schoenobaenus)