Editor's note:
The wild boar is coming down the mountain! "Monkey Paper" has arrived on my balcony! News of wild animals entering the city frequently appear on social media. In fact, there are so many native wildlife living all around us that we know so little about them. Only by understanding, being friendly, and being together can all things be able to live in harmony and be nourished to thrive. Xinhua Daily · Junction jointly launched the "Eye of the Secret Realm·Friends of Humanity" calendar column in conjunction with the Jiangsu Provincial Wildlife Conservation Station, Jiangsu Provincial Academy of Forestry Sciences, Nanjing Hongshan Forest Zoo , and will take you through the infrared camera , animal observers, etc., to pay attention to the familiar and mysterious "animal neighbors". biodiversity is the basis of survival and vitality of human homeland. Every solar term day, we will also invite solar terms officials to make special promotion broadcasts on that day. Today, let’s get to know Northern Redstart (qú).
Body color matching Advanced
The northern redstart is only about 15 centimeters long and weighs about 22 grams, which is smaller than the palm of an adult's hand. Their petite size allows them to walk and jump lightly among the branches of the forest without being affected.
In terms of body color, the Northern Redstart has a very high-end combination and is very dazzling when flying in the forest. The forehead, top of the head, back neck and upper back of the male adult bird are gray or dark gray, the central pair of tail feathers are black, the base of the forehead, side of the head, side of the neck, chin, throat and upper chest are black, and the rest is the iconic orange brown. Compared with the male bird , the female northern redstart has a more elegant and concise plumage color. The upper body is a combination of olive green and light brown, and the wings transition to dark brown. There are still a pair of characteristic white spots on the wings, and the tail is Orange-yellow, darker than the male's orange-red.
"Elves" love to eat insects
The English name of the Northern Redstart is directly translated as "Dauli Redstart". They were first discovered in the Lake Baikal area, and their name also comes from eastern Russia. A mountain peak. They like to stand on the branches, swing their orange tail feathers up and down, and make nodding movements, as lively and cute as elves in the woods.
Northern redstarts fly south to overwinter in winter. They mainly inhabit mountains, forests, river valleys, forest edges and shrubs and low trees near residential areas. The winter waiting period is generally about 160 days, and it is not difficult to see them in East China and South China.
The Northern Redstart is an insectivorous bird with a short, strong pointed beak. They especially like to eat insects, mostly feeding on adults and larvae of insects such as Coleoptera, Lepidoptera, Orthoptera, Hemiptera, Diptera, and Hymenoptera. There are more than 50 species, about 80% of which are crop and tree pests. They are also very industrious and start catching insects and singing when it is almost dawn.
Strong sense of territoriality
Northern redstarts nest in diverse environments. In addition to large numbers of nests in holes, gaps, eaves, abandoned houses and other human structures in house walls, they also nest in tree holes, rock caves, etc. They will carry in their mouths With dry grass, moss, grass roots and other materials, a bowl-shaped nest is carefully built in the gap, which is then lined with animal hair and feathers to create a comfortable little home.
After the nest is built, the female bird begins to lay eggs, usually one egg a day, and most of the eggs are laid in each clutch. During the brooding period, Northern Redstarts have strong territorial behavior. When they find other Redstarts or small birds approaching the nest, the parent bird will immediately fly to the intruder and make a warning call of "gu gu gu". until the intruders are driven away. The most amazing thing is that within 80 meters of the northern redstart nest, it is almost impossible to have two nests at the same time, which perfectly explains the meaning of "one mountain cannot tolerate two birds".
Northern redstarts have many natural enemies. Snakes, shrike, raptors, and even free-range domestic cats are a great threat to them. Therefore, before entering the nest to feed, they should stop nearby and observe carefully. Once found, If there are natural enemies or people nearby, they will not return to the nest, but will keep calling. Written by
, drawn by Bai Xue
, pictured by Zheng Cheng
, photographed by Zou Weiming
