Hoopoe bird. Description and features of hoopoe

Hoopoe - Bird of the Year 2016

The Russian Bird Conservation Union selects the bird of the year, guided by the following criteria: The bird must be widely distributed so that as much as possible more people could participate in its study and protection;

It must be well recognizable so that not only ornithologists can easily identify it in nature;

The species should be such that everyone can provide specific assistance in solving the problems of the bird of the year, for example, take part in population counts, help solve a housing problem, or protect habitats.

The Hoopoe, the 2016 Bird of the Year, ticks all of those boxes. This is one of the brightest and most memorable birds in our country.

The contrasting color is unusual - dark and white stripes on the red plumage. On the head there is a lush “Mohawk” crest, which the bird either folds at the back of its head or unfolds in all its splendor. The male and female are almost identically colored, only the females are slightly less bright, and they do not have a pinkish coating on their chest.

Both the Russian and Latin names of the bird (Upupa epops) are clearly onomatopoeic: the hoopoe's song is a dull, repeated "up-up-up" sound.

In our country, hoopoe - migrant. It usually appears at the end of April, and flies away for the winter at the end of summer or autumn. Outside Russia, hoopoes nest in Europe, Central, South Asia and Southeast Asia, Africa and Madagascar.

Depending on the geographic latitude, the bird can be sedentary, nomadic or migratory. The hoopoe is common only in the southern regions of our country. The closer to the northern border of the range, the lower its numbers. In a number of subjects of the Federation, the species is listed in the regional Red Books (for example, Lipetsk, Moscow, Tver, Kirov, Novosibirsk and Tomsk regions, the republics of Bashkortostan, Mari El, Tatarstan, Udmurtia).

In the list of the main limiting factors for this bird, experts name: a shortage of hollow trees, severe competitive pressure from starlings in the fight for nesting sites, vulnerability at the boundaries of the range, suboptimal climatic conditions for the species’ habitat in a significant part of the range, deterioration of living conditions on wintering grounds, and disturbance factor , destruction of nests by humans and domestic animals, development of territories suitable for nesting.

Problems Agriculture in recent decades, they have also contributed to the decline in the number of hoopoes. These bright birds disappear both in places of intensive agricultural activity and in places where arable land, pastures and vegetable gardens are no longer cultivated... The hoopoe often settles not far from human habitation. The hoopoe's favorite food is mole crickets and their larvae. If you want to preserve your harvest, invite the hoopoe to guard your garden, build an artificial nest for it. The bird of the year will willingly settle in a birdhouse with an extended entrance or a nest box, but you can make a shelter for it from an old broken tree trunk or build a house from several bricks.

BY THE WAY, The image of a hoopoe in poetry: “A crowned bird...” “With fire wings the dappled expanses...” “Golden bird, fly, circle...” In honor of the hoopoe In In In Israel, in a competition in 2008, out of ten birds, chose the hoopoe as their national bird. The hoopoe, which wears a natural crown on its head, is found in gardens and fields throughout the country.

Isn't it a funny picture?

Hoopoes are from the passerine family.

Hoopoe - as we know for sure from books,

We will meet in the eastern hemisphere.

"Crown" of his crested head

Will also decorate the palace chambers

The pattern on ancient tapestries,

Hung on the walls during holidays.

Peoples are worthy of pity,

Never met a hoopoe!

In Russia - main view, “hoopoe is a hollow”,

In the south he often wanders along the paths,

Pecks worms and various insects,

Sometimes - even in the garden beds near the house...

In classical Chinese poetry, the hoopoe, revered as a model of beauty, is often represented as a messenger of the gods, bringing news of the approach of spring. So now, since the hoopoe is the bird of the year in Russia - 2016, we can also congratulate ourselves on eternal spring! Oh, what a graceful bird she is!

Probably, the first impressions you can get from meeting this representative of the world of birds are a mixture of funny and beautiful! The hoopoe is a very elegant bird. With its bright colors and very clear black and white wing pattern, it will amaze not only the casual observer, but also the connoisseur ornithologist.

Subspecies

The species belongs to the hoopoda family, is widespread throughout the Palearctic, and is often seen by residents of Spain and North Africa.

Several so-called subspecies of the genus have been described:

• Upupaindica, native to India and Ceylon.
• Upupalongirostris, which appears to be an Indochinese form.
• Upupamarginata, native to Madagascar.
• Upupaafricana or minor, which is found in South Africa: up to the Zambezi in the east and on the west coast of Bengal.

Usually they are all very similar in appearance, with minor differences.

Hoopoe bird: description

The bird is small in size. Its body rarely reaches 30 cm in length. It is easily recognized by the black plumage of the wings and tail with white stripes, as well as the crest and long thin beak, slightly curved down. The head, neck and chest are colored orange with a red tint, the abdomen has a lighter tone. The brighter colors the bird is painted, the older it is. Males and females are practically no different from each other.

The hallmark of the species is the long, movable crest on the head, consisting of red feathers arranged in two rows with a black edge at the end. When this representative of birds lands, it opens like a fan.

Now you know what a hoopoe bird looks like.

Spreading

This species is very widespread in Europe (its representatives are its regular residents), as well as in Siberia, Asia and North Africa. Also found in Madagascar and sub-Saharan Africa.

The hoopoe is a migratory bird. Living mainly in Europe and Northern Asia in the summer, in the fall this representative of birds usually flies south to the tropical zones for the winter. Most often, the hoopoe migrates to equatorial Africa and India, although sometimes it lives all year in China and Northeast Africa.

Usually the bird locates where there is an open area, spending a lot of time on the ground itself. The hoopoe has rather weak wings, but is capable of considerable long flight, as evidenced by its habit of wandering: the bird often appears in places very far from its usual habitats. His ability to fly is also demonstrated by the fact that, when pursued by a falcon, he quickly rises to extreme heights and often escapes pursuit.

The hoopoe is a bird that appears in one or another part of Europe every year, most often in the spring. It adapts poorly to captivity, so very few cases of hoopoe breeding in households are recorded.

Migration Features

The hoopoe, whose photo is in the article, migrates in the northern regions of its range. Migration (much of which occurs at night) occurs on a broad front throughout Europe and the entire Mediterranean, and probably also across the Sahara. Although ornithologists point out that the bird population on the “dark continent” is inactive in terms of migration all year round. Most European migrants probably winter in sub-Saharan Africa or in India, Turkmenistan, and Azerbaijan.

The duration of migration seasons is significantly prolonged. The autumn acceleration covers the period from mid-July to the end of October or even the end of November. Hoopoes begin to migrate south of the Sahara in the second half of August, but the main number of birds arrive there in September-October.

Return flights begin in early February. Mass movements occur from mid-March to April and end in May.

Habitats

The hoopoe is a bird that chooses the following habitats:

• Wasteland.
• Meadows and pastures.
• Forest steppes.
• Savannah.
• Mountain lands.
• Forest areas.

There should be some vegetation on the ground so that the birds can easily get food. There should also be "verticals" where they can build their nests, such as trees, rocks, walls and haystacks.

Changes made by people to natural environment habitats of hoopoes have led to the fact that these birds also usually live in:

• Vineyards.
• Vegetable gardens and orchards.
• Olive groves.
• Parks and garden plots.

It is interesting that the hoopoe bird, whose habitat is mainly the plains, is also found in mountainous areas at an altitude of up to two thousand meters; it rarely rises higher.

What does a hoopoe eat?

The hoopoe (the photo of the bird shows its beauty) feeds mainly on insects - flies, grasshoppers, termites, butterflies, ants, although spiders, worms and larvae also make up a significant part of its diet. Beetles different types are his favorite food. When the beetles are large enough, the bird first smashes them on the ground with its beak and then eats them piece by piece. She swallows small bugs whole without unnecessary ceremony.

The hoopoe most often chooses those insects that live in manure, soil, and decaying wood. The representative of birds with a long curved beak easily takes them out of soft wood or a pile of earth. Hoopoe - a bird with good appetite. In autumn, these birds can become so fat that some gourmets start hunting for them. By the way, in some countries of Southern Europe in the 19th century, roast hoopoes were considered an exquisite delicacy.

Reproduction

The hoopoe is a monogamous bird, although the pair bond apparently lasts only one season. These birds are also territorial, with males often laying claim to ownership of certain territory. Battles and fights between rival males (and sometimes females) are common and can be brutal. Birds will try to prick rivals with their beaks.

The hoopoe usually makes its home in a hole, on a tree or in a hollow. The nest has a narrow entrance, can be unlined or assembled from various waste, and emits an unpleasant odor that scares away enemies.

Only the female is responsible for incubating the eggs. Clutch size varies by location, with birds in the northern hemisphere laying more eggs than those in the southern hemisphere, and birds at higher latitudes have larger clutches than birds closer to the equator. In central and northern Europe and Asia, clutch size is around 12 eggs, while between the tropics and subtropics a clutch of 4 to 7 eggs is common. The eggs are round and milky blue when laid, but quickly become discolored due to dirt in the nest, each weighing 4-5 g. Replacement of the clutch is possible if the first attempt at reproduction is unsuccessful.

The incubation period begins when the female lays her first egg and lasts from 15 to 18 days. Therefore, the chicks hatch asynchronously. During incubation, male hoopoes feed the females.

The chicks hatch with a blanket of downy feathers, and during the day the first real feathers appear, which later grow. The children are fed first by the father, the female later joins the male in the task of foraging. Young hoopoes fledge within 26-29 days and remain with their parents for another week after they are covered with full feathers.

Security

Overall, the hoopoe population is not considered endangered. According to some estimates, the number of birds in nature varies from 5 to 10 million individuals. Some subspecies are declining in number due to ecosystem disturbances in their habitat and poaching. In Europe, although ornithologists estimate there are 700,000 breeding pairs there, there has been a recent decline in population numbers. The hoopoe is endangered in Germany and vulnerable in some other countries.

The hoopoe (bird) is becoming increasingly rare in the northern regions. The Red Book of many Russian regions (for example, Lipetsk, Moscow, Tver, Novosibirsk) contains an entry about this bird.

The hoopoe is a bird that, due to the structure of its beak, cannot peck food from the ground, so it feeds in a rather original way: it takes food with its beak, throws it high into the air, catches it with its wide open beak and swallows. Like in the circus!

Sometimes, during the hot months, the bird can be found in Iceland. But she never nests there.

If a hoopoe notices a bird of prey, it presses tightly to the ground and spreads its wings, becoming invisible from the air.

Birds are constant heroes of folk traditions. Wild and domestic, harmless and predatory, local and exotic... Almost every bird has its place in the motley line of feathered predictors. Some of them are “responsible” only for the weather, without claiming the laurels of Nostrdamus. And someone brings news about the future. Although the birds themselves are unlikely to realize that they are messengers of fate; superstitious people assigned this role to them. But whatever happens in the world...

Folk signs about the nightingale

Many songs have been written about the inconspicuous-looking, gray singer with a golden voice. Even the most notorious pessimists do not expect harm from him. Judge for yourself: even the eternal fear of superstitious people, “a bird flying into a window brings trouble,” does not concern the nightingale.

Flew into the house

• It does not matter how the bird got into the room - through a window, an open door or a chimney. In any case, the nightingale came to bestow wealth and happiness on you, and your task is to greet the messenger with dignity. Without sudden movements, so as not to frighten the feathered baby, open all the windows in the room wide and quietly go out. Let the bird find its own way to freedom.
• It is considered useful to strengthen the effect of the omen by throwing three handfuls of millet after the nightingale in gratitude for the visit. Then a good prediction is guaranteed to stay with you.

Sings

No matter how you turn it, the nightingale flies with good news

• If the nightingales give a voice, it means there will be no more frosts.
• People say that these gray birds begin to sing only when they can drink dew from a birch leaf. The poetic interpretation has a real subtext: massive nightingale trills begin to spread in the air exactly after the first leaves appear on the birch tree.
• If the gray “maestro” entertained the area all night, the day will be fine. Although some say: sunny, but windy.

Other

If you are lucky enough to hear the nightingale before the cuckoo in the spring, the summer will be fun and interesting. The first sound of cuckooing will be heard - you will be bored for all three months.

About the wagtail: what are the bad signs associated with?

The bright wagtail, also known as the pliska, together with the nightingale serves as a sign of a friendly spring. If it catches your eye, you can safely hide your fur coats and mittens in the closet. And the white wagtail bears the honorary title of the harbinger of ice drift. Once she appears, the rivers will open up in a matter of days.

Flew into the house

• A healthy and cheerful bird mistaking your window for the street is a good sign. It is believed that it brings news of a child to childless couples, and predicts financial well-being for those who already have children. And if a guest behaves so boldly that she even treats herself to crumbs from your table, it means that great happiness is rushing to you, and don’t doubt it for a minute.
• A sick wagtail symbolizes difficulties that can befall the inhabitants of the apartment. Please take note of the warning and try to be more careful.
• A wounded bird is a sign of minor troubles.

In any “situation” you need to do the same as with the nightingale: open the windows and let the wagtail fly away. And if a wounded bird gets into your apartment and you are able to help it, the prophesied troubles will bypass your home.

Hit the window and flew away or crashed and died

• A wagtail on the windowsill announces the approach of guests.
• If a bird knocks on the window, it brings news. Most likely pleasant.
• It’s bad if the bird hits the window and breaks to death. To prevent the troubles promised by the sign from falling on you, take the injured baby away from home, preferably to the park, and upon your return tie a red ribbon to the window.

Other

The color red is considered a special and powerful “antidote” to the bad message you have received. The main thing is not to strengthen it yourself with excessive nervousness.

• The yellow bird brings joy, the white one usheres in spring
• A yellow wagtail spotted on the street is a sign of receiving good news. Those who have been struggling with some insoluble problem for a long time, after such a meeting can receive unexpected help and deal with all the difficulties in one fell swoop.
• It is considered a colossal success to find a wagtail's nest. If you succeed, expect something big! Just don’t touch the nest, otherwise the prediction won’t come true.

There is also this version of the sign: a multi-colored wagtail brings joy and fun; seeing white ones means quarrels and tears. As luck would have it, you came across a light-colored bird? Monitor your behavior so as not to provoke a quarrel with loved ones.

About the woodpecker

But for some reason the signs didn’t like this hard worker in the red cap. Strange affair. What did our ancestors not like about the diligent and generally useful forest doctor?

• If you have been suffering from a chronic illness for a long time or feel a loss of energy, try forest walks. Legends assure that the health of a person who catches a “tree doctor” at work will quickly improve. Of course, fresh air and physical activity work wonders even without a woodpecker... But why argue with a good omen?
• But the meeting with the bird in locality For some reason, our ancestors considered it a sign of a sharp deterioration financial situation. Although it is impossible to trace the logic of the sign. What does a woodpecker care how tight your wallet is?
• If a bird takes a liking to the fence near the garden, the summer will be rich in worms. It is clear that for such a prediction the homely housewives did not like the feathered worker, because the worms destroyed the harvest. But what does the woodpecker have to do with it? That's why he became interested in the fence, because there were plenty of larvae there.

A woodpecker in the forest is a good omen, near the house it is an alarming omen

It’s really bad if a bird appears near your home:

• A woodpecker knocks on the roof - prophesies misfortune.
• Picking at the wall - one of the residents survives. Some call this a sign of the death of a person unwanted by the bird, while others believe that he will just have to move.
• If a barn, a bathhouse or any other non-residential building comes under the blows of a sharp beak, mice will start there.

Knocks on the window or breaks on the glass

A woodpecker rarely shows enough interest in human habitation to begin breaking through windows. Rather, he will be attracted by a wooden frame with illegal “settlers”! But if there is plastic in the windows, and the bird continues to jump on the windowsill and knock, signs advise you to beware of gossips. Perhaps in the coming days someone will try to incite false accusations against the inhabitants of the house or harm them in some other way.

A woodpecker that swoops down on your clean glass by mistake is no different from any other bird. It's sad, but there's no point in beating yourself up about it. It’s better to “get rid of the body” as soon as possible and hurry up to get the red ribbon and ward off the negativity. A regular shower is also considered a good remedy. Stand under it for a few minutes, imagining how the water washes away all your fears and misgivings, and then carries them with it into the drain hole.

Other

But anyone who hears the cry of a woodpecker will not have to fear for their life or the peace of their loved ones. The lucky one will have a wedding with his loved one and a big party.

About the parrot

Although the parrot is “not our bird,” it has settled in modern apartments long ago, firmly, and has managed to acquire its own characteristics. A cute lovebird or a noisy macaw can become not only an adored pet, but also a personal mascot for the family.

domestic parrot

• Budgerigars create an atmosphere of warmth and comfort, amuse children, and bring joy to adults. And in the esoteric understanding they contribute to family unity.
• Large parrots represent courage, agility, calculation bordering on cunning, and perseverance. If a person has been struggling with an inferiority complex all his life, let him add a cockatoo or cockatiel to himself and try to gain from them the qualities that are so lacking.
• A parrot of any breed brings prosperity to the house. Although, rather, the opposite is true: before the revolution, only very wealthy people could have an exotic talker at home. Over time, the sign “A parrot in the house means the family is prosperous” developed.

A stranger has arrived: should we catch him?

Would such a beauty predict bad things?

We all know that taking someone else's property is not good. Apparently, this is why, in the understanding of popular belief, a kind and completely positive parrot instantly transforms into a malicious dirty trick if it does not belong to us. A guest flying onto a balcony or into an apartment predicts:

• Big trouble.
• Minor fuss and excitement.
• News: both good and bad.

...And sometimes a parrot is considered a sign of a new addition to the family, so don’t be foolish. And do not discount the opinion of esotericists who consider every bird that flies into the house to be the embodiment of the soul of the person who loved you. It is believed that if you catch such a parrot and place it in your home, it will protect your family from troubles. Still in doubt? Then think that by your action you will save the life of a tropical bird, which would certainly die on the street. And this is already a good deed and a “plus in karma.” But for complete peace of mind, check if anyone is posting missing parrot notices around the area.

Signs about birds of prey (hawk or eagle, falcon or kite)

Meeting a feathered predator in a city is such an extraordinary event that to many it seems like a real miracle and, naturally, immediately makes one think about signs. Although in reality there is nothing incredible here. Even in some areas of such a large metropolis as Moscow, there is a small representative of the falcon genus - the kestrel, which sometimes very dashingly makes turns among high-rise buildings and grabs small birds! But whatever the situation, there are some very interesting signs about birds of prey.

Flies over the yard, next to the apartment

sat on the window or flew into the house

Small species of feathered predators are found even in city parks

• A white eagle on a windowsill promises large cash receipts or a rich inheritance.
• An eagle that hits glass or a window grille foreshadows extreme important news... and, most likely, a visit to the glazier.
• If a falcon lands on the windowsill, either a wedding or a move to a new place is coming up. Or maybe both - celebrate the special occasion and go to your spouse’s place of residence.

Flew onto the balcony or into the house

Despite the fact that the falcon is a notorious predator, its appearance in a living space bodes well. It is important here that the bird leaves the apartment without crashing against the wall and without harming the residents out of fright.

Sat on his head: is it a good sign?

• Almost every predatory bird, writing circles over a person, warns him to be careful and not trust everyone. There is a high risk of becoming a victim of deception!
• A hawk emerging from behind the traveler's left shoulder symbolizes danger.
• But the eagle is a happy exception. The bird king serves as a sign of great luck and victory over enemies and circumstances. Even if it seems that everything is against you, and your plans are falling apart one after another, it’s time to roll up your sleeves and boldly rush into battle. Success will definitely come!

Only a brave and strong person can conquer the eagle

The chances of a bird of prey deciding to take a break on a pedestrian's head are approximately zero point one. The more valuable is such a sign! A bird on the head always serves as a sign of a person’s chosenness, and a bird with a “fighting” disposition is even more so. You won’t become a Sith Lord, but you definitely won’t miss out on what you want in life.

Other

• If you kill an eagle, you will take upon yourself a terrible sin.
• If you pull eggs from an eagle's nest, you will not know peace until your last breath.
• However, an egg boiled and divided between two comrades forces witches throughout the area to hastily pack their bags and look for a new place of residence.

About other birds (forest, domestic and others)

There are birds that are not so generous with signs. But they make their contribution to warning about possible problems and joys in human life. And those who do not try to look into the future successfully cope with the role of meteorologists.

When are cranes supposed to fly?

A flock of cranes is a lucky sign

• If the crane wedge flies low, winter will come early; high - winter is far away.
• If the cranes appear early in the spring, the spring will be friendly.
• In summer, birds silently soaring in the sky foreshadow dry and sunny weather.
• A loud flock warns of rain.
• One crane is a symbol of loneliness and illness.
• A flock of cranes is a sign of a close-knit family and the arrival of a long-awaited child.

Seagull: flying low or perched on the water

Hoopoe flew into the room

A conspicuous bird with a beautiful crest, encountered on the street, brings news of serious financial difficulties and... the discovery of a valuable golden item. Such a contradictory comrade.

Hoopoe predicts a noisy celebration

If a hoopoe flies into a room, it warns about:

• Visiting distant relatives.
• Festive festivities. Wait for an invitation to an anniversary or wedding.
• Useless work. Either someone will cheat you out of payment, or you spend half a day assembling a new cabinet for the kitchen, and then find out that there is no way to squeeze it in between the stove and the refrigerator.
• The song of a hoopoe promises a meeting with a boastful person.

Heron

The bird does not indulge in good signs, but it guesses the weather with a bang.

• A meeting with a heron warns that you have to deal with someone belligerent, because this bird itself is quite aggressive towards other birds. For example, it often drives rooks out of their nests.
• By the way, if such a robbery takes place on someone’s property, its owners will face difficult trials.
• However, herons cannot be killed. The death of a bird also brings misfortune.
• Before it rains, the heron rises high into the sky, and before sunny weather it begins to scream.
• If flocks of herons move to the north, expect warming, to the south - cold weather and rain.

White swan built a nest

• A symbol of fidelity and love, this bird brings good luck to those who see it floating on the water. If you are still looking for a life partner, say: “Be with a couple,” and your soulmate will definitely come into your life. If you see a snow-white handsome man soaring high in the sky, do the same, and the omen will work even more accurately. Just don’t even think about doubting the bird’s bright magic. Immediately search for your chosen one with full faith in success and upcoming happiness!
• Whoever kills a swan will either die within a year, or his financial situation will deteriorate significantly. As they say, “Money for money!”
• If the birds take to the air en masse, a strong wind will soon blow up.
• The higher the swan's nest is located, the rainier the summer will be. By the way, legend says that swan chicks hatch from their eggs only during a thunderstorm along with thunderclaps.
• Another belief says: once in its life, before dying, a bird sings its only, but incredibly beautiful song. Alas, this is just a legend, because swans cannot sing.

If you see a turtledove (wild pigeon)

Formerly wild, the turtle dove has long been no longer afraid to settle in cities

The mysterious, modest turtle dove is the closest relative of ordinary pigeons. It is distinguished by its small size, elegance and adherence to one color of plumage. There are no black or white turtledoves.

• If a bird cries in the forest, good news is promised to everyone who hears it.
• Making a nest under the roof or on the balcony will bring happiness and wealth to the owners. But if you drive away the turtledove and throw out the nest, instead of good luck you will have troubles.
• When the turtledove coos all day in the morning, there is no need to worry about rain.

What does a jay prophesy to a person?

The jay has a complicated reputation. She is both a robber and a protector, and that same Blue Bird of Happiness about which so many legends have been written. The jay has nine mirrors on its azure wings that reveal the future if you look closely at them.

Jay - the mythical blue bird of good luck and happiness

And if a bird screams and calls you somewhere, you absolutely must obey it - you won’t go wrong. The jay is even given a separate day in the folk calendar, December 11, and the winged patroness will give everyone who is born on it a happy destiny.

If starlings do not fly away for a long time

• The April starling is the messenger of spring. If the starlings begin to fly in, then spring is on the doorstep.
• If birds jump in flocks across the fields, looking for food, good weather will prevail for a long time.
• When starlings do not fly away for a long time in autumn, it will be protracted, dry and warm.

Oriole

In Scotland, the oriole was suspected of having connections with evil spirits

• An oriole near the road predicts joy and wealth, and near the house - misfortune.
• When you hear a bird singing, you know that something good is waiting ahead.
• Sharp and loud bird calls promise bad weather.
• In Rus', the murder of an innocent bird threatened a person with numerous problems, which he had to deal with alone, without hope of help and support from loved ones.
• And in the country of stern mountaineers they believed that killing an accomplice of dark forces was not a sin. And who would even think of suspecting a bird of evil inclinations?

The lively black bird also fell victim to a human slander. The Russian people called her a voluntary assistant to sorcerers and witches, and the Poles even managed to reward her with an unpleasant pedigree - they say, the devil cut out a wolf that was meaner and had more teeth, threw shavings into the grass, and from it a flock of jackdaws rose into the air. It is clear that meeting such a bird was considered a bad sign. Especially if the jackdaw decides to scream while looking at the traveler! Here it was imperative to inform the prophetess: “You are croaking at your own head.”

The noisy jackdaw is not the best predictor

• In Europe, it is customary to be afraid only of a lonely bird. One jackdaw on a chimney or roof ridge means death, but a flock of jackdaws means the birth of a child and replenishment of the budget.
• The more restless the birds behave, the worse the weather will be. If the flock screams all day, you can safely stock up on rubber boots and umbrellas - the rain will last for a long time.
• If, when sitting in trees, birds huddle close to the trunks, expect heavy winds.
• Jackdaws fly high in the cold and land on the ground when it thaws.
• The jackdaw is bathing - spring is beginning.

What does a peacock's cry mean?

The cry of a peacock predicts significant changes in fate, which will surprise you a lot. Fortunately, they will be positive.

Robin on the tree

Seeing a pheasant means a change in weather

Not a single rain will pass the attention of a sensitive bird

• Before rainy weather, pheasants hide in the bushes, and before dry weather they sit in trees.
• If in the evening the birds vocalized for a long time and calmed down with great difficulty, the morning will be clear.

A rook in the sky is a special sign

Judging by the abundance of weather signs inherited by this bird, the rook was entrusted with a serious mission to set the timing of agricultural work, make meteorological forecasts and predict the future harvest. For our agricultural ancestors, the rook was definitely an “important bird.”

Rooks settling in the yard were considered a bad omen. The family on whose land the birds would settle was threatened with a protracted financial crisis and childlessness. Meanwhile, a flock of rooks that gets into the habit of flying into the yard to “stay” brings a period of incredible prosperity. Whatever the owners have in mind, everything will be given to them with ease.

Trusting all birds without exception is a thankless task. Thanks to the disturbed ecology, even weather signs, which have faithfully served farmers for centuries, are now failing. But if some bird predicts a good turn in fate, why not believe her? Good mood will always come in handy.

Features and habitat of the hoopoe

Hoopoe(from the Latin Upupa epops) is a bird, the only modern representative of the hoopoe family of the order Coraciiformes. This is a medium-sized bird, with a body length of 25-28 cm and a weight of up to 75 g; the wingspan reaches 50 cm.

The hoopoe has a medium-length tail, a small head with a long (about 5 cm), slightly curved beak and a movable drop-down crest on top of the top of the head. The color of the plumage is variegated and varies, depending on the species, from pinkish to light brown.

The wings and tail have alternating black and white stripes. From the description of the hoopoe bird it is clear that this small miracle is very attractive and interesting. Because of its colorful, distinctive crest, the hoopoe became very popular and well-known representative birds

At the 2016 annual meeting of the Bird Conservation Union Russian Federation chose hoopoe bird of the year. Scientists, on a territorial basis, distinguish nine species of hoopoe bird:

1. Common hoopoe(from Lat. Upupa epops epops) - lives, including in the southern regions of the Russian Federation;

2. Hoopoe of Senegal(from Latin Upupa epops senegalensis);

3. African Hoopoe(from Latin Upupa epops africana);

4. Madagascar Hoopoe(from Latin Upupa epops marginata);

5. Upupa epops major;

6. Upupa epops waibeli;

7. Upupa epops saturata;

8. Upupa epops ceylonensis;

9. Upupa epops longirostris.

These birds are originally from Africa, but in the process of evolution they spread to Asia and southern Europe. In our country, hoopoes live in the Leningrad, Nizhny Novgorod, Yaroslavl and Novgorod regions.

They also took root well in Tatarstan and Bashkiria, in the south of Eastern and Western Siberia. Preference is given to forest-steppe and steppe zones, forest edges, and small groves. They do not like damp climates.

For the winter they migrate south to warm climates. Related birds to the hoopoe are horned crows and hornbills. Although these representatives of the fauna are much larger, their external the similarity with hoopoes can be seen in the photo these birds.

The main similarity is the presence on their heads of certain brightly colored protrusions, like the crest of a hoopoe. Birds related to the hoopoe also live mainly on the African continent.

Character and lifestyle of the hoopoe

Hoopoes are active during the daytime and spend this time searching for food to feed themselves and their offspring. They are monogamous birds and live in male-female pairs all their lives, gathering in small flocks only for migrating to wintering grounds.

In search of food, it often descends to the ground and moves along it quite quickly. Seeing danger in the form of predators on the ground, it releases an oily liquid with a very unpleasant odor along with droppings, thereby scaring away hunters.

If the bird understands that it will not be possible to escape by flight, then the hoopoe hides on the ground, clinging to it with its whole body with open wings, thereby perfectly camouflaging itself with the environment.

At all Hoopoes are very shy birds and often flee even from the slightest rustle made by the wind. These birds do not fly fast, but their flight is fluttering and quite maneuverable, which allows them to hide from birds of prey that cannot instantly change the direction of their flight.

Hoopoe nutrition

The hoopoe's diet consists of various kinds of insects, which it finds on the ground, in trees and catches in flight. They eat larvae, spiders, beetles, grasshoppers, worms, caterpillars and even snails.

The method of catching them is very simple and occurs with the help of a long beak, with which the hoopoe picks out prey from the ground or tree bark. Having taken the insect out of its shelter, the bird kills it with sharp blows of its beak, throws it into the air and swallows it with its mouth open.

Some species can also drink flower nectar and eat fruit. In general, despite their small size, hoopoes are very voracious birds.

Reproduction and lifespan of the hoopoe

As already written above, hoopoes are monogamous birds and choose their other half once in a lifetime. They reach sexual maturity by the age of one year, when the first choice of a partner occurs.

Males during this period are very noisy and attract females with their cries. For nesting, hoopoes choose hollows in trees, crevices in mountainous areas, and sometimes build a nest right on the ground or in the roots of trees.

Self hoopoe's nest small, often consisting of several branches and a small number of leaves. Fertilization occurs in most species once a year, in some sedentary species it occurs up to three times a year.

The female lays 4-9 eggs depending on the nesting climate. Every day one egg is laid and for the next 15-17 days incubation occurs on each egg.

With such brooding, the last chicks appear on the 25-30th day. Males do not hatch eggs; during this period they only obtain food for the female. After the chicks hatch, they live for a month with their parents, who feed them and teach them to live independently.

By this time, the chicks begin to fly independently and obtain food for themselves, after which they leave their parents and begin an independent life.

The average lifespan of a hoopoe is about eight years. This representative of the order Coraciiformes is a rather ancient bird; mention of it is found in ancient scriptures, including the Bible and the Koran.

Scientists archaeologists have found rock hoopoe bird pictures in the ancient caves of Persia. Nowadays, about the protection of this wonderful bird on a universal human and state level few people think, and at the same time their numbers are greatly reduced.

How can we help the hoopoe bird?? In some countries, to increase the population of these birds, low-toxic fertilizers are sprayed onto fields, which do not harm the living creatures that live and feed on them.

They also leave a certain amount of land fallow so that hoopoes can exist on it. I think in our state it is quite possible to implement these measures in those regions where the wonderful hoopoe bird nests.

Our ancestors believed that birds, among all representatives of the animal world, symbolize spirituality and have a strong connection with heaven and earth. In ancient times they were harbingers of bad or good events. Let's find out what signs about birds exist and what they promise us.

Predatory

As popular superstitions say, seeing an Eagle, Kite or Hawk falling in the garden means a great threat to the lives of pets or children.

If a bird of prey enters your yard and screams, expect trouble and big troubles.

A kite sitting on a church cross, according to some beliefs, portends great success, according to others - great misfortune.

Eagles or kites are digging the ground in your area - beware of bad and envious people.

Wild

Folk signs about birds have different interpretations, depending on their type and behavior:

1. If a wild bird hovers over your head, you will experience betrayal or betrayal on the part of a loved one.
2. When an Eagle flies over a person’s head, this sign indicates that he will soon achieve his goal.
3. Pack wild birds, flying towards you, means that success and good luck will accompany you.
4. Hearing the Nightingale sing is a thing that at that moment they thought would be successful.
5. An Owl or an Owl screams near your house - expect an addition to the family. This can be not only the birth of a child, but also the offspring of animals.
6. Wagtail. Many people admire the beauty of this little bird. Seeing it on a tree, in the yard, on the porch or on the roof is a sign that foretells happy events for you. If you happen to find a dead wagtail, be careful in your actions and words. They can bring you trouble.
7. If you saw a Jay (Mockingbird) fluttering above your head, it means that a happy period in your life will soon begin. Many people associate it with the blue bird of happiness. If she constantly flutters near your house or on your property, do not move away and follow her. She will show you the right path to happiness.
8. Hoopoe often flies into your garden - expect great luck both in personal and financial affairs. Builds a nest in the garden - be careful in your expenses. Don't even try to drive him away, otherwise financial difficulties will become even larger.

Homemade

Among the people there are various signs related to poultry.

• a rooster crows at the owners’ doorstep or in front of it - there will be guests soon;
• brood hens behave restlessly and cannot fall asleep in the evening - troubles, empty chores and quarrels with neighbors await you;
• a goose that suddenly disappears from the yard foreshadows big troubles for the owner;
• bad events are indicated by a goose that laid only two eggs.

If suddenly a parrot flew into the apartment through a window or front door, a big financial profit awaits you. For such a sign to come true, do not drive her away, but rather feed her and shelter her.

If a parrot dies in a cage, it is not good. This is a sign that there will soon be trouble in your family.

There is another old belief among the people - if there is at least one black individual in a flock of poultry, this means that such a house is under reliable protection from evil spirits.

Urban

Folk superstitions and signs about urban birds have different meanings.

Swift

Almost all folk beliefs about birds flying into a house or apartment through a window indicate that a person is waiting for news. The situation with swifts is a little different.

If a swift flew into a house or apartment and immediately flew out, good news awaits you. Seeing a swift hitting the glass and rushing around the apartment is bad news. If a swift breaks, this is a kind of warning of trouble.

Magpie

If a magpie lands on the windowsill and does not fly away for a long time, it means that the one who is sick in the family will soon get better.

A sign indicates a speedy recovery when a magpie actively jumps on the roof of a house, on a windowsill or on a balcony.

Crow

More often folk signs about crows have a negative meaning:

• if a crow arrives, hovers above you and croaks, expect big trouble;
• crows scream and circle over the church - someone will soon die in your area;
• to see on the way home sitting on a stone - an unpleasant guest will appear soon;
• sits against the sun on the roof of your house and shouts - trouble awaits you at work;
• a flock of crows flying out of the forest - there will be a lean year;
• noticed how one crow feeds another - rejoice, this phenomenon promises you great luck and success;
• a mass gathering and the cry of crows near the house - to a quarrel with a friend;
• see a dead crow - betrayal from loved ones awaits you.

Pigeon

In most cases, it is a harbinger of good events.

If a pigeon or dove flew over you and touched you with its wing, you can safely begin your planned business, it will be successful.

If a pigeon flew into the house through the ventilation, long-awaited guests will soon arrive or you will receive news from close relatives.

If he makes a nest under the roof or on the balcony, great happiness and wealth await such a person.

A dove knocks on the window - expect pleasant and cheerful guests.

Martin

There are several folk superstitions about swallows:

1. Dead in an apartment or in a house - only sorrows and tears await the owner.
2. If you died on the street and met on your way - good luck for the whole year.
3. A flying flock of swallows is always a harbinger of good events. Flew over your head - expect great luck in financial matters. If a flock flies to the newlyweds’ home, it means they will live in love and harmony all their lives.
4. If a swallow lands on your head, your wish will certainly come true.
5. A bird crashes into a car by accident - a person faces great financial losses. After the impact, the windshield cracked - there will be a big crack in your personal and financial affairs (discord, misunderstandings, waste, etc.).
6. To knock down a swallow's nest or step on it in or near your own premises means bringing disaster to your home. People believed that after such an act a fire would occur.
7. Catching and deliberately killing a swallow is a sign of depriving oneself of joy. To inadvertently cause harm is to jeopardize your own well-being.
8. If you see her building a nest in your yard, rejoice and put your hands towards her - soon you will become happy man. To keep it in your yard, try to disturb it as little as possible.
9. A dead or wounded swallow fell to the ground right at your feet - one of your relatives will become very ill.

Signs about the weather

Folk signs based on birds help determine the weather. There are many such beliefs. The most popular of them:

1. If in the spring a magpie has built a nest high in a tree, the weather will be clear and calm for a month. If it is low, spring frosts are coming.
2. Pigeons bathing in a puddle means the day will be warm and sunny.
3. If by spring swallows fly high in the sky, signs say the weather will be good; low above the ground, it will most likely rain.
4. A woodpecker knocks on a trunk in winter - it will snow soon.
5. If sparrows hide their heads under their wings at the end of autumn, the first frosts will soon begin. If they swim in puddles, wait for warm weather.
6. A nightingale sings for several evenings in a row - expect strong and gusty winds in the coming days.
7. In winter, when there is a thaw, they swim in the water - expect slight and short-term warming.
8. Many crows have gathered near the pond - expect inclement weather (storm, rain, hurricane).
9. A flock of kites rushes in the sky and screams - expect inclement weather.

The meaning of negative signs

The worst thing is death. People have different superstitions about birds in this regard.

It doesn’t matter if she died in a chimney, drainpipe or ventilation - the omen does not bode well, only trouble. Getting hit by accident on the road is a warning sign that you should reconsider your life and change something in it.

If she died on your doorstep, be careful in communicating with strangers, perhaps there are ill-wishers among them. Bury it in the garden to neutralize negative signs about birds.

She suffered, but did not die, carefully pick her up with your hands, bring her home and try to save her. Then there will always be comfort, prosperity and happiness in your home.

Signs associated with the cemetery

Whether a bird is sitting on a grave or on its cross, you need to look where its tail is directed - in that direction trouble will happen.

Folk signs about birds say that if a deceased person flies and sits on the fence, he gives you a sign that everything is fine with him.

Ekaterina Sergeevna Shvedova - Two signs about birds that are harbingers of misfortune

A bird flew into the window - a good or bad omen?

Other signs

Among all the existing superstitions, folk signs about birds that love to shit on us are the most popular.

A bird swearing at people means great luck and money. A sign has the same meaning if you see her droppings on your car.

As popular superstitions say, if a bird flies in and marks your work or service uniform, expect a promotion.

If she behaves anxiously and knocks on your window, expect news and most likely bad news. Such a messenger should not be driven away. Also, you shouldn’t let him in and keep him in the house, otherwise trouble will inevitably happen.

Conclusion

As you can see, folk beliefs associated with birds bring people different news and changes in life. Whether you believe in them or not is up to you.