River ducks: species and names. Wild river duck

Ducks are domesticated and wild. Wild, in turn, are divided into different "families", and one of them is river ducks.

General characteristics of river ducks

Perhaps, it is impossible to find in our Fatherland a person who would never have met this bird in his life. River ducks in the vastness of Russia and the near abroad live in huge quantities. In the summer they "graze" on densely overgrown reservoirs of water, and in the autumn and spring they send greetings from the heavenly expanses ...

River ducks have one principal feature that distinguishes them from other wild species of ducks (eg diving). They do not like to dive completely, but only slightly dipped into the water in search of prey (water plankton, invertebrates, any grass, etc.). And that's why they never live at depth, choosing shallow places with luxuriant vegetation on the banks, where you can hide in case of anything. In the same place - in thickets, or even on the surrounding agricultural fields - these birds prefer to spend the night and nest.

As for their appearance, spleen traditionally produce a much more impressive impression than females that are "colored" under the color of nature and are often indistinguishable from the greyish-green landscape. But in flight river ducks - and ladies, and gentlemen - all as one handsome! They come off the ground quickly, without takeoff, almost vertically, and even from below you can clearly see how long their neck and what big wings ...

There are many species of river ducks. The most famous are the mallard, the gray duck, the wig, the teal teal and the teal teal, the broad-eared and the pintail.

Mallard

This wild river duck is the most dimensional (weighs from 800 g to 2 kg) and the most numerous among the "colleagues." It is well known to all hunters and they dream of getting it as a trophy.

Mallard is a sample of the classic wild duck. You can say the standard. The shape of the mallard body is streamlined, and the neck is somewhat shorter than that of representatives of other species. The bird's wings are powerful, but not very long. Just the kind that a first-class airwoman should have. The Mallard and the truth can hold on long in the air. The duck's tail is relatively short and tapers to the tip. The beak is flattened, equipped on the sides with special denticles, which in fact are a filter (pass water and hold plankton).

The mallard's maid is "dressed" discreetly. In her "toilet" is dominated by brown and rusty shades. But the drake does not mind wearing a dress. The combination of brown, gray and black colors in his plumage is striking. A white border along each feather creates a feeling of flowing pattern. A pearl-green head and bright yellow beak and paws effectively complement the overall picture.

Like other species of wild river ducks, mallards usually settle on densely overgrown with reeds reservoirs. They can often be seen on city ponds - these birds get used to people quickly and with pleasure feed from his hands.

In warm regions (North Africa, Asia Minor, or China) fly away in September-October, leaving their homeland in huge flocks of thousands of individuals. And they return back by small companies - only ten to fifteen ducks.

Gray duck

It is interesting how the river duck is called, which Looks bleak, even if it's about males? Gray - better name and can not imagine!

Only in this species of ducks the representatives of the male half practically do not differ in appearance from their companions, who, incidentally, are similar to mallard females, only slightly more yellowish. The only thing that allows us to distinguish between females and males is the black nadhvoste and podhvoste in the latter, as well as its grayish sides and back. But the head of both - brown.

Gray ducks are slightly smaller than mallards. They live in approximately the same conditions. In some regions they are "lodgers" of the Red Book.

Sviaz

River duck is a medium-sized bird. From other species it is distinguished by a "piercing" white abdomen, for which it is sometimes called a "belobushka" among the people. Also its very short beak attracts attention.

Samochki look like gray ducks, but they have blackish-brown "mirrors" on their wings. The male has a reddish-brown head with a chic "golden" forehead.

Drakes "talk" with a shrill whistle. And not only when flying in the sky in the pack, but also when sitting on the water - five meters apart. And their companions only croak croak in response.

Often hunters take a duck-wig for a red-headed dive, but these specific sounds will not let anyone deceive.

Teal whistler

Teal-whistle is the smallest river duck (maximum weight is 450 g). It also has fast and maneuverable behavior in the air. Flocks of whistlers can make such synchronous bends that any master will envy. The trills of the males (melodic "trink-trink-trink") are spread over very long distances. And females can only quack a little.

Distinguished gentlemen from ladies and externally. The drake has a brown-red head, decorated with a wide "ribbon" of green from the back of the head to the eyes. On the goose, the male whistle has a yellowish white patch, and a white strip on the shoulder. Samochki are characterized by a discreet gray color.

On the overgrown ponds, this tiny duck appears with the first heat - as soon as the ice comes off. It is noteworthy that the male forever throws his "wife" at the very moment when she is taken to incubate their common chicks.

River duck-crocker: features

Similar to his fellow whistle teal, which in people is often called a snuff, shirkunkom or just crushed. It is somewhat larger than the smallest river duck, but it is much rarer.

The female of the cod produces almost the same sounds as the female teal-whistle - that is, it quacks briefly. And the drake screams in a crackling voice (hence the name).

The main difference between males and females is that their male wings have an ashy-gray coloring on top, and the plumage as a whole is lighter. At the same time, the head of the drake is brownish-reddish. On it, as well as at teal-whistle, there is a strip from a nape to eyes. Only it's not green, it's bright white.

Ducks are characterized by a modest gray color, which is not conspicuous.

An interesting detail of the life of the cods: during the mating season, the bridegrooms are in full swing not only for the females of their species, but also for the brides from other "clans". Even for much larger mallards.

Duck-shirokonoska

The name of the river duck-shirokonoski already speaks of its main feature - a broad, shovel-shaped beak. It is clearly visible even when the bird is in the sky. By the way, they fly slowly, like uncomfortable in the air. Head slightly incline, showing your nose.

Males of this species of birds can be called the most beautiful of all wild river ducks. They have a dark green head and upper neck, which effectively contrast with a dazzling white "collar", a red belly and sides. The front part of the wings of the males is blue, which successfully complements the "costume". The eyes of the macho are bright yellow, and the boots are piercing orange. He speaks in a low, nasal voice, uttering something like "juice-sun."

The female-shirokonoska is "dressed" more modestly, but also with taste. The main tone of her plumage is brown and red. It is considered almost the most reckless river duck, showing amazing imprudence. Her favorite "words": "piite, piita," published at a rhythmic pace.

Pintail

The species of river ducks pintail also deserved its name due to its physical characteristics. Tails in males resemble an awl. Drains are much larger than females. They have a long white neck. Dazzling white, they also have goiter and a lower part of the carcass.

With the gray-haired "spouse" of the male duck, the pintail can not be confused even in the dark. "Says" he is very melodic, and his "fry" is spread over quite a long distance. Samochka can only quietly grunt in response ...

The world of nature is amazing and diverse, and wild river ducks are not only an object of hunting desires, but also beautiful birds, with interesting features, cute habits and funny habits.