Bustard ordinary is one of the largest birds that are generally found in Russia. In rare cases, its size reaches 21 kg. The color of the bird is quite curious: red with black tan, and the bottom of the body is white.
As is usually the case, males are slightly larger than females, differing from them not only in size, but also with a "mustache" of threadlike feathers growing near the throat. In short, the bustard bird is a very beautiful and original representative of the fauna.
It is generally accepted that this species cannot fly. This is not true: yes, the bustard’s flight is difficult, and it is possible only after a long run, but it is confident in the air. Oddly enough, but in the air prefers to rise upwind. On the ground, the bustard bird is extremely careful, only the most experienced hunters can get close to it.
It lives in the steppe and forest-steppe zone, very fond of motley meadows. It feeds on young sprouts of herbs and cereals in the milk stage of ripeness, wild garlic and onions, does not refuse insects, small mammals and even chicks of other birds.
It should be noted that in summer heat, the bustard bird really needs unlimited access to water, as it consumes a lot of moisture. Given the fact that she does not have sweat glands, in the hot season she has a hard time. To cool their body, they lie on the ground, spread their wings and open their mouth wide, breathing quickly and quickly. Only when the heat is not so terrible, do these birds resume their search for food.
Dangerous for bustards and heavy rains. They do not have a coccygeal gland, and therefore their feather cover instantly gets wet. Extremely dangerous heavy rains before the onset of winter cold. The icy feathers make the bustard completely helpless, which is what predators use.
A hundred years ago, the bustard bird was one of the most common birds on the territory of the Russian Empire. Thousands of them could be found where today it is rarely possible to see at least one bird. Some individuals are found in Ukraine, Central Asia and some parts of the Caucasus. The reason for such a sharp reduction in numbers is not even a hunt for them, but a strong increase in the number of plowed steppes.
Bustards (steppe birds do much the same) nests are arranged by simply digging a small hole in the ground and lining it with dry grass. Often 2-3 olive-colored eggs are laid directly on the bare ground, in the absence of some kind of litter. Hatching birds have to do a month.
Only the female takes care of the chicks. In case of danger, the mother gives the chicks a special signal by which they hide in the grass, trying to be as invisible as possible. The bird shows miracles of courage, in a moment of anxiety leading the enemy behind him, or even bravely attacking him.
Before the first snow, young animals and parents roam the steppe in search of food. When the thickness of the snow cover becomes too large, they migrate to the south. So, this bird of the bustard family can be found even in Tajikistan and Turkmenistan.
They return to their native places in May. The mating season begins almost immediately, during which the males very beautifully flow.
