Black-necked Grebe - description, habitat

Black-necked grebes are also called duck-toadstools due to their specific coloring. By its characteristics, the presented waterfowl is not too remarkable for ordinary people. But connoisseurs know that there are many characteristics that distinguish the toadstool from all other relatives. Immediately we will clarify that there are no differences in sex in terms of coloring. Today we will study everything that affects black-neck birds.

Habitat

The feathered friends of the species presented are quite common. But they prefer to nest in certain climatic zones and regions. We are talking about New Zealand, Asia, Australia, Africa, Europe.

Saddling is carried out only in hot climatic regions. For wintering, they are shipped to warm lands, usually in Asia and Europe (southern parts). If in the habitat of the toadstool water sources are covered with a crust of ice, the birds are preparing to migrate to hot places.

They nest exclusively in stagnant reservoirs or where the flow is too slow.The duck will nest only in places where dense vegetation accumulates along the edge of the water space.

Description

In size, these waterfowl are small-sized. Females reach 0.4 kg in mass., Males - 0.45 kg. The size of the beak is on average 20-25 cm, and the length of the wings - from 119 to 144 cm.

1. By color, males and females are similar in the mating season. From the side parts of the head, behind the eye area, they have golden streaks. Occipital region endowed with tuft. The rest of the bird is black (head, neck, dorsal and chest parts). On the lower section of the chest there are brown markings. On the sides of a reddish, white belly. The area under the wings is white, under the tail - gray as haze. The bill is grayish, coal. Paws on the outside are black, and on the inside, olive green with a gray subtone. The iris is reddish, but brightens considerably, approaching the pupil.
2. The post nest outfit of birds is also identical. The neck, the cervical region in front, and the chest area are whitish. Behind the eye area remains reddish.
3. The winter outfit of birds has some differences.For example, there is no tuft on the back of the head. In the area of ​​plumage there are no golden blotches. In terms of their color, the birds become much lighter, with bright markings behind the head. The neck at the sides and front, as well as the neck, abdomen and chest are white. On the back, the back section of the neck and behind the head the feathers are covered in black (dark gray) tone.
4. The chick that appeared in the toadstool also needs a description. It has a monochromatic black back, light abdominal part. On the head there is a pair of bright spots. The upper zone of the neck and the neck can boast with black markings. Down short, but thick. The beak is reddish with several black stripes. The iris is brownish.

Lifestyle

1. On land, members of the family are uncomfortable. Due to the short paws, the bird literally crawls along the ground, slowly moving. However, in the water space, the fish literally come to life, because they are excellent swimmers and divers.
2. When immersed, ducks use only their paws, which allow them to move quickly without much effort.If danger is approaching, the bird immediately dives deeper, pressing its wings for better streamlining.
3. In ordinary life, these birds practically do not fly. They use their wings only in the process of migration for the winter. Most of the existence is in the water. Ashore, the represented family is selected to clean feathers or to warm themselves.
4. To the enemies of the toadstool can be attributed to birds of prey, for example, a crow or a marsh moon. Predators feed on duck eggs, killing the nest. Also, small chicks are at risk after birth, because they can be eaten by large predatory fish.
5. For a long time, duck-toadstools were hunted because of rich feathers. The fashion for jewelry has passed, and the number over this period has declined significantly.

Nutrition

1. It is worth knowing that adults spend almost all the time in water. Such a habitat is considered to be the most convenient for them. Thus, the feeding of birds from this has changed greatly. Frequently individuals eat small fish, sometimes medium. In addition, the duck can eat aquatic insects, frogs, aquatic plants and crustaceans.
2. To get to the food, such birds are often forced to sink to the water. Individuals can be without air for up to 20 seconds. However, it is worth noting that such birds often die, entangling at depth in fishing nets. Individuals were even found at a depth of more than 30 m. This is due to the fact that in winter ducks have to dive deeper for food.

Mating season

1. Large members of this family have a rather surprising and unusual marriage period, which is interesting to watch. At this time, individuals can see bunches of dark feathers on the back of the head. From far away they look like horns. Also, ducks appear whiskers at the bottom of the head.
2. During the marriage ritual, the birds begin to dance with each other, while spreading their wings wide. Also, individuals strongly pull the neck, while in the beak they have a bunch of algae. Also during the mating season, such ducks make loud contented sounds. They can be heard from afar.
3. After the adults are divided into pairs, they begin to build a nest. It looks quite unusual. Bird dwelling is built on a floating peat island or in a handful of dried grass. The birds use cane stalks and all kinds of leaves as a building material.

Toadstools have a beautiful appearance.They are rather unusual individuals that are interesting to watch. If you can catch the marriage period, you will remember the dance for a long time. During this period, the birds acquire incredible beauty. In addition, it is very interesting to observe the construction of the nest.

Video: Black-necked Grebe (Podiceps nigricollis)