Goose: geese that throw their babies from a height of 80 meters

Description

The brent goose is a gregarious bird of the Anatidae family that forages for food by wandering in shallow water or along the coastline. During periods of migration, birds can fly up to several thousand km.

Number

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In the 1960s, the population fluctuated from 10,000 individuals and grew to 40,000 by 2010.

Structure and dimensions

The brant goose is a relatively small species that has a dark brown upper body as well as brown stripes along it. The lower part is pale gray. The head of the goose is black, the neck is short and black, and the beak is small. There is a white crescent-shaped spot on the neck. The species has the shortest tail of all types of geese. The lower part of the tail is white and the upper part is black. The birds also have black beaks and legs; the young ones have a red beak tip.

The dimensions of the species are as follows: average body length 55–62 cm, wingspan about 105–117 cm, weight approximately 860–1250 g.

What is the difference between a goose and a swan

In appearance, we can say that the swan looks more graceful and elegant than the goose.
Body contours are smoother and clearer. The swan's neck is much longer, which makes it chiseled. But the goose’s neck is short – clumsy; the goose’s beak is also smaller. A swan a long neck not only for beauty. The bird is very attached to water, so it uses its neck to catch fish for food. A swan is much larger in size than a goose. The wingspan is also wider. The sound (cry) that birds make is different. At the same time, the goose is closer to humans. Domesticating it will not be difficult, since it is impossible to tame a swan; it is more freedom-loving.

Habitat

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Breeds in the Arctic on swamps, islands and tundra. In winter, it lives in lagoons, river mouths, salt marshes near sandbars, barrier beaches and ocean shores.

Area

Breeds on the Arctic coasts of central and western Siberia. Winters in western Europe: more than half of the population is in the south of England, the rest is between northern Germany and northern France.

How many mysterious birds are there?

These anseriformes are listed in the Red Book. This is due to the fact that their natural habitats and migrations were violated. Numerous attacks by predators and the destruction of clutches also influenced this process. A similar situation occurred in the north, where geese spend the winter. Northerners, accustomed to hunting anseriformes, also contributed to the extermination of the species. The birds are caught, fattened, and then slaughtered. Wild bird meat has a specific marine smell; to remove it, brant goose is slaughtered only after being fed with grain.

To date, measures have been taken to preserve the species. The habitats of individuals, as well as migration sites, became nature reserves. There is a long-term ban on hunting geese. There is an article for illegal shooting of anseriformes with all the ensuing consequences. All these measures have undoubtedly contributed to an increase in the number of birds, but compared to the last century, the population is still negligible, so we must not allow this species of anseriformes to become extinct.

Nutrition

The main diet of the species consists of plant products. Birds forage in groups along shorelines, in shallow waters, and along tidal flats.

Migratory patterns of a species influence feeding depending on the time of year. During their winter migration to the Arctic, they consume marine food, which consists of green algae, sea lettuce and stone grass.

In their normal environment, geese eat sedge, algae and grass. Birds rarely consume insects, worms and shellfish. In summer, geese can be found in salt marshes and freshwater lakes feeding on moss.

Historically, the bird's diet was predominantly eel. In the 1930s, disease killed off most of these fish throughout the world, which also partly led to a decline in the goose population. The surviving birds adapted to an alternative diet - plant-based.

Now brant geese additionally obtain food on pastures, thanks to which they have been able to diversify their diet.

Advantages and disadvantages

The breed has advantages and disadvantages that should be considered when breeding birds.

Advantages and disadvantages

endurance;

adaptability to cold climates;

favor towards other birds (geese, ducks, swans);

unpretentiousness in nutrition.

freedom-loving character;

the need for constant access to a body of water.

Acclimatized in cold latitudes, brent geese are capricious birds, prone to migration and frequent changes of habitat. To breed geese on a farm, it is necessary to provide the birds with favorable conditions and provide places for swimming and grazing.

See also

Why do geese eat feathers and pinch each other and what to doRead

Reproduction

Brent geese are monogamous and raise their young together.

The breeding season lasts up to 3 months and begins in June when weather conditions are favorable.

When birds arrive at breeding sites, females build nests in shallow depressions in the ground with down, moss and grass. A girl reaches puberty at the age of 2-3 years. The female incubates about 3-5 eggs for 22-25 days. At this time, the male protects the family from potential enemies and other birds.

Nesting Features

Reproduction begins only in the 3rd or 4th year after birth. A couple is matched for life. That's why goose fidelity exists. After the flight, the birds immediately form nesting sites, the construction of which begins only when the last precipitation subsides. The goose is engaged in the construction of the nest, while the male is recovering strength after a long flight. To create a nest, any plants are used, including aquatic ones, these can also be branches and sticks. A wild bird necessarily builds a bedding using soft grass.

Nests are built only at a time when the ground is completely free of snow cover.

Birds breed once a year. The nesting period depends on the habitat. Wild geese lay eggs in the spring, less often in the summer. Typically, a wild goose lays up to 10 eggs at a time. The shade of the shell will depend on the breed, but is usually white with small green flecks. Only the female incubates the eggs, covering the eggs with grass litter. Wild geese are very caring mothers. They do not leave the nest unattended for a minute. Even during feeding they do not leave the nest.

The diet during nesting periods consists almost entirely of aquatic vegetation; birds are especially eager to eat the most tender parts of the plant, which is called pondweed.

Black goose in the Red Book

The main causes of death for this type of bird are sport and regular hunting, loss of habitat and a decrease in the amount of food. Geese are particularly susceptible to mortality as they return from extreme conditions in the Arctic and are therefore weakened by inadequate nutrition, travel and weather.

Another source of declining populations is the loss of eel fish due to habitat loss and wetland diseases. Birds are vulnerable to chemical pollution that enters estuaries from urban sources and agricultural runoff.

Countries such as Mexico, Canada and the United States have considered actions to mitigate the impact of habitat degradation for the species. Regulations have been put in place in Alaska and Canada to limit hunting and trapping of the species. Measures have also been introduced to prevent pesticides and pollutants from polluting rivers and streams entering watersheds from agricultural and urban sources.

Since the initial protection of brent geese in the 1930s, efforts have been made to conserve eel populations.

During the winter season, some birds live in parks along the coast in British Columbia, Canada. They have a "no dog" policy to reduce pollution and stress on the species.

Red-throated

The red-breasted goose clearly differs from other representatives of its genus due to its original unique color. Its plumage harmoniously combines the colors red, black and white.

The head of this goose, just like the previous one, is painted in black and white, but the white spot is focused around the beak. The underbelly and wings are also snow-white, in contrast to the jet black back, tail and top of the wings. As for the chest and neck of this graceful beauty, they are covered with bright red plumage. Such an elegant outfit could not go without proper appreciation. This bright beauty is known all over the world.

Did you know? Half a century ago, representatives of the Indian government were so amazed by the graceful beauty of red-breasted geese that they were ready to give several elephants for a couple of such bright birds.

As for the weight of this species of birds, they are quite tiny compared to their predecessors. The weight of such a wild goose is on average 1.3 kg with a body length of 53–56 cm.

Redshanks live near water bodies, since such places are not only favorable for the life of adults, but also make it easy for young animals to learn to swim.

The menu of this type of wild geese consists exclusively of vegetation.

Interesting Facts

• The maximum lifespan of a brant goose is up to 27 years, but is usually around 19 years.
• The length of the bird from the tip of the beak to the tip of the tail is 56-61cm.
• The word "brent" comes from the Norwegian word "brend", which means "burnt". Geese were given this name because of their color, which is similar to charcoal.
• A single bird can travel more than 200,000 km in its lifetime between its winter habitat in the UK and its summer habitat in the Arctic tundra.
• This dark little goose is often mistaken for a duck.
• Geese have a highly developed salt gland, which allows them to drink salt water.
• The brant goose is one of the species to which the Treaty on the Conservation of African Migratory Waterbirds applies.
• Asian populations of the species were previously considered a separate subspecies orientalis based on the supposed lighter coloration of the upper parts. However, such assumptions have now been abandoned.
• Unlike the Canadian, the black type does not travel in a V-shaped flying formation. This type flies together in a grouped, disorganized flock.
• The species' northern habitat is expected to expand as global temperatures increase. Scientists expect the brant's winter range in the Pacific Northwest to soon extend into northern Canada and Alaska.
• This is a silent bird: its voice is quiet, similar to a nasal muttering.

Goose: geese that throw their babies from a height of 80 meters

Geese, as you know, are not the most noble representatives of the bird family. From childhood we know that all they can do is want to eat all the time and say their signature “ha-ha-ga.” Well, grab it by the heels if you make the winged colossus very angry.

Source: yandex.ru

We are talking about those familiar white geese that are bred by lovers of natural farming. But you can also find these birds in nature, and believe me, they are no more friendly than their domesticated counterparts. They are called geese and live mainly in the Tundra and Taimyr. For harsh individuals, harsh conditions. True, the birds still fly to the Black Sea region and the Southern Caspian region for the winter.

Kakzarki have predominantly dark colored feathers, only the head remains white. Some species are colored not only in black and gray tones, but have bright spots on the body, such as the red-throated. We are sure you already understood which place they have painted brick-red, even without our explanation.

Yes, that's it, neck and cheeks. What did you think? Source: yandex.ru

These birds grow up to 70 cm in length, and their weight can reach 2 kg. At the same time, birds fly, swim and run well. What life in the Tundra can teach you!

Source: yandex.ru

Winged creatures feed mainly on plant foods, but they do not disdain small insects. They live in flocks of up to 200 animals. This is not done out of great love for fellow humans, but for safety reasons. Geese do not have powerful jaws, impressive size or other frightening attributes. But there are wings and a loud, piercing voice. When danger arises, which, by the way, awaits them at almost every step, the birds simultaneously begin to make noise and flap their wings, creating noise and bustle around them. A confused predator most often prefers to retreat rather than deal with these crazy birds.

Source: yandex.ru

Arriving from warm regions, the first thing geese do is start a family. The male uses all possible means to seek the attention of the chosen lady - and sings, if you can call it that, and dances, and courtes her from all sides. When the female honors the groom with attention, they go together to build a nest. By the way, if these birds create a family, then for life. All available materials, including the female’s feathers, are used to build the nest. It is dangerous for geese to nest on the ground, as they will become easy prey for predators. Therefore, to hatch their offspring, they climb steep cliffs, the height of which can reach 80 meters.

Source: yandex.ru

One litter consists of 3-9 eggs, depending on your luck. And then the most exciting thing happens. Some time after the chicks are born, the parents are faced with the task of teaching them all the delights of life. But how to do this in rocky conditions? No way. Therefore, the kids need to be lowered to the ground. This is not done in the most humane way - parents simply throw the babies out of the nest from the height of a 20-story building. If the cub does not break its neck or crash against the rocks, then it will safely continue to live with its parents. The probability is 50/50.

Source: yandex.ru

A month after birth, the babies are already able to fly, and by 1.5-2 years they can already have offspring themselves.

In captivity, geese live and reproduce poorly, and are practically not tamed, having a harsh disposition. You can admire them at the Moscow Zoo.

For a long time, geese were exterminated en masse by hunters because of the taste of their meat. But today hunting these birds is prohibited and punishable by law.
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Origin story

It is known that the white-fronted goose appeared in 1895 on the territory of the USSR. The birds arrived from the Caspian Sea; such a population shift, according to scientists, could have occurred due to a sharp rise in sea level. Residents of Pavlograd were the first to see them; later the birds were spotted in the Ural basin.

It is noted that since 2008, the geese population has declined sharply, this is due to a decrease in the area of ​​winter wheat and intensive hunting of white-fronted geese.

This goose served as “material” for breeding the new domestic breed “Pskov Bald”. These birds are the result of crossing local geese with domesticated, wild white-fronted representatives.

Where do birds like to nest?

After mating games and copulation, future parents begin to build nests. Most often, females prefer to plant them on the ground near rivers and lakes, so that there is always food nearby. But sometimes, in order to protect the “home” from destruction, females build it in the trees. This measure is necessary in regions where arctic foxes live, which love to eat eggs and chicks.

Canadians also build nests next to polar owls, which protect females while incubating eggs. However, there is an option that the bird will grab the goslings, which will go looking for food for themselves. If the nests are near the owls, the babies will need time to get to the food area. Geese also like to settle on small islands of land in the water so that they do not have to go far in search of food.