Large snail (tringa nebularia). Large snail • The Red Data Book of the Ryazan region Where does the large snail live?

Eurasia from Scandinavia east to Anadyr and Kamchatka, south on the Russian Plain to about the 54th parallel (1). The southern border of the range passes through the Ryazan region. In the 90s. 19th century was a common but sporadically nesting species of the Oka valley and a number of lakes in the Meshcherskaya lowland (2). In the 1990s a large snail was found nesting in the Pra valley in the north of the Ryazan region (3) and on the left bank of the Oka near the border of the Spassky and Shklovsky regions (4). In the same years, it was recorded in some tracts on the territory of the Kasimovsky district, where it probably nested (5, 6). Probably nested in the vicinity of the village of Barsky, Ryazan region (2004) and in 2007, 2008. in the north of the Spassky district, where it was found during the breeding season (7-9). During spring and autumn migration the view is quite common. There is little specific data on nesting. Over the past century, the number of nesting birds, apparently, has declined significantly. In the last decade no nests have been found. According to a rough estimate, no more than 10-20 pairs nest on the territory of the region.

Habitats and biology

The large snail nests in grassy swampy glades of pine and birch forests, in raised bogs, overgrown shores of lakes with individual trees. The nest, which birds can use for several seasons, is located near or between stones, hummocks, or on top of a hummock. As a rule, the nest is located near objects protruding high above the ground. Monogamous. During the season, one clutch, in a full clutch of 4 eggs. The duration of incubation of masonry is 23-26 days. Soon after hatching, the parents take the chicks away from the nest for a distance of up to 1.5 km. The chicks fledge at the age of 25-31 days (10).

Limiting factors and threats

The draining of swamps, as a result of which habitats are degrading, has a negative impact on the state of the species in the region.

Protective measures taken and necessary

The species is included in Appendix III of the Berne Convention. AT Ryazan region the large snail has been under protection since 2001 (11). Potential nesting sites are protected in the Oksky Nature Reserve, in the state nature reserves of regional significance Boloto Koshelnitsa, Krasnoye Bolot, Boriskovsky, Boloto Progon ( Ryazan region), "Giblitsky", "Shcherbatovsky", natural monuments of regional importance "White Forest", "Zernovo" (Kasimovsky district) and NP "Meshchersky". It is necessary to organize special studies to study the current distribution and abundance of the species in the region and give the found nesting sites the status of specially protected natural areas.

Vida

Appearance and behavior. The largest of the snails, almost the size of a dove, with a relatively long beak and long legs. The general color tone, except for the white belly, is light gray. The wings are long, sharp and narrow. Body length 30–35 cm, wingspan 53–60 cm, weight 135–270 g. Males and females are colored the same.

Description. Adult birds in breeding plumage are white below, with brownish-black longitudinal stripes on the throat, neck, chest and sides. The head and neck are also streaked with black longitudinal stripes. The interscapular and humeral regions, as well as the wings are gray with black on top, with white spots and black transverse stripes. The middle of the back and rump are white. In a flying bird, the white coloration of these parts of the body is clearly visible in the form of a wedge, extending far into the back. The underside of the wing is light. The tail feathers are white with a brown transverse pattern. The tail is straight cut, only the central pair of tail feathers is slightly longer than the others and has grayish tops. In a flying bird, only the fingers protrude beyond the edge of the tail. Legs olive-greenish or greenish-gray. Between the bases of the middle and outer fingers there is a very small membrane, between the middle and inner fingers it is practically not expressed. The beak is gray-slate, powerful, with a characteristic slight upward bend in the anterior third. The rainbow is brown.

Adult birds in winter plumage are white below with brown spots on the neck in front and on the sides. The pattern of the upper side of the body is like that of birds in summer, but the dark areas of the plumage are generally gray. The middle of the forehead and sides of the head are white. Juvenile bird in juvenile plumage is brownish-brown above with pale buffy edges of feathers. The underside of the body is white, on the sides of the neck and chest there are brown longitudinal stripes and a slightly noticeable brown transverse wavy pattern. The middle pair of tail feathers is the same color as the adjacent ones.

Young birds in the first winter plumage are similar to adults in winter, but the middle pair of tail feathers are without gray tips. The downy chick is light brownish above with blackish, irregularly shaped spots, pure white below. A black wide stripe runs along the middle of the back, along its sides - along a pale buffy stripe. The forehead is white, from the base of the beak through the middle of the forehead to the crown of the head there is a black stripe, another black stripe stretches from the beak to the eye through the bridle. The middle of the crown is black with pale buffy spots and stripes. A white stripe goes over the eye to the back of the head. It differs from other snails in its large size and rather powerful long beak with a characteristic slight upward kink in the apical third. The white color from the loin and rump comes in an angle far to the back.

In a flying bird, only the ends of the fingers protrude beyond the cutoff of the tail, which, together with the large size and powerful beak, distinguishes the big snail from.

Voice. Call in flight - loud two-syllable " tyuyu-luyuv"or trisyllabic" tuyuv-lyuyu-voluyuv". When taking off from the ground, they emit a sonorous powerful " tuy" or " bye-bye". Current song - loud unhurried " tu-ve, tu-ve, tu-ve..." or " aphids, aphids...". The cry of concern near the brood is a sharp loud " tu-tu-tu-tu...».

Distribution, status. The forest zone of Eurasia from Scotland and the Scandinavian Peninsula to Kamchatka and the lower reaches of the Amur. In the north it reaches the forest-tundra, in the south up to the subzone of mixed forests, in Western Siberia in some places it goes into the forest-steppe. In the European part of Russia, it breeds from forest-tundra to mixed forests, most common in the middle and northern taiga. It winters in Africa, the Middle East, the south of the Caspian Sea, Pakistan, India, Indochina, east China, Indonesia and Australia.

Lifestyle. Arrives at breeding sites early, by the beginning of the growing season of near-water vegetation - from mid-April in the south of the nesting range and until mid-May in the north, in the forest-tundra. Flies singly or in flocks. For feeding and rest, it stops along the banks of rivers on floodplain spills and near lakes with grassy shores, on sedge and cottonseed watershed bogs. After distribution over territories, males start displaying. During the current flight, which is an alternation of ascents and descents, the male flies over his area with a song. After the formation of a pair, the current intensity decreases. A couple from a couple settles at a considerable distance. Nesting habitats - grass and sedge-moss bogs, damp meadows, overgrown peat quarries, grassy shores of forest lakes, extensive clearings among pine forests, raised bogs, moorlands, forest-tundra shrub woodlands with swamps.

The nest is located on the ground among dense low-growing shrubs, often near a small tree or stump, on moss tussocks, between fallen trees in clearings, between stones on mountain bushy slopes, in any case - near a large noticeable object. The clutch consists of 4 pear-shaped eggs, in which blackish or reddish-brown large and small spots are scattered over a pale-brown, pale-olive or cream background. The nest is lined with thick moss, lichen, twig fragments, pieces of pine bark, herbaceous plant stems, materials that can be found in the immediate vicinity of the nest. Both parents incubate the clutch for 24–25 days. In case of danger, they take off in advance or hide, leaving the nest only when a person approaches a close distance. If the nests are destroyed, they may nest again. When disturbed at the nest or near the chicks, they fly out to meet danger, fly around with frequent calls, sometimes imitate an attack, often sit on the tops of trees.

After the chicks hatch, the families move to the shore of a reservoir, to a swamp or to a damp place in a forest or meadow. Chicks swim well, willingly go into the water and swim across small reservoirs. Both parents lead the chicks, in some cases the female leaves the brood before the young birds rise to the wing. Chicks become flying at the age of about a month. It feeds mainly on aquatic insects - water striders and other water bugs, dipteran larvae, dragonflies, as well as fish fry. During wintering it eats small crabs, mollusks, polychaetes. It catches its prey in the water, and often goes deep into it, diving up to its belly, and also collects silt or wet sand from the surface. Regularly probes the silt. When catching fish, it runs in shallow water and makes deft sharp turns with its whole body from side to side, while plunging its beak and sometimes even its head into the water. The fish grabs the end of the beak across the body, then turns with sharp movements so that the head is directed to the pharynx, after which it swallows.

(Tringa nebularia) is the largest of the Palearctic snails.

This is in general gray bird with large longitudinal dark streaks on feathers. The ventral side of the bird is white with large tear-shaped streaks on the crop and sides and small streaks on the throat. Hindquarters and rump are white. The beak is long, its apical part is slightly bent upwards. Legs are greenish. Wing length 18-19.5 cm, weight 150-200 g.

Large snail: habitat

The large snail nests from the northern part of Scandinavia and the Leningrad region to the upper reaches of the Anadyr and Kamchatka, as well as in the north of England. It winters in southern Europe, Africa, South Asia and further south to Australia inclusive. Separate specimens of this species can be found in the summer south of its nesting area in the steppe parts of our country and in the desert (for example, along the Amu Darya). In a small number, non-breeding individuals are also found in Africa and India, on wintering grounds.

- cautious bird, found more often alone or in small groups. Perches on trees, at least during nesting time. His voice is a loud melodious "thlui-tlui", sometimes "kru-kru-kru". The large snail feeds mainly on aquatic insects and their larvae - water bugs, beetles, dipteran larvae, dragonflies. This is the only one of our waders (except for the oystercatcher) that occasionally catches fish. Feeding on the water, a large snail sometimes makes quick vibrating movements with its paws along the ground, stirs up the water and then catches the invertebrates that have risen up.

A representative of the snipe family, a rare species that requires protection and protection. In this article, in a detailed format, we will talk about a big snail.

Description, appearance

The snail is not too large in size, the weight of adults ranges from 110 - 280 gr. The body shape is slightly elongated. Paws are dark green, rather long. The beak is upturned, the tip looks up. The wings, in comparison with the rest of the color, stand out. They are usually dark. From the head uniform and beautiful pattern small specks are distributed. The bottom of the body is white without any inclusions and peculiar patterns. Thanks to such an interesting color, a large snail cannot be confused with other birds. Young representatives are similar to adults, but there are some distinctive features. They have an off-white chest with dark markings, strokes and stripes.

Spreading

In Europe, he prefers to settle in the northern regions, in countries such as Russia and Scotland. Winters in the warmest places, for example, in Africa, Spain, Italy, where several dozen representatives were regularly seen. Individuals of this species are also found in the Caucasus, both in mountainous areas and in swamps. Especially like to spend cold times in the south. For them there is the most favorable and suitable climate. And also there are all the possibilities for a peaceful existence, including the necessary food supplies.

Very fond of various reservoirs, swampy areas. They migrate in small groups, about 10 birds.

Nesting and breeding

Their nest is a hole in the ground, usually quite small. The female lays 4 eggs and incubates them for 24 days. They equip their nests near any source of water, it can be a river, a reservoir, a swamp. And also there must be a noticeable object nearby. They do this, guided by the instinct of self-preservation, which allows them to protect themselves from certain threats. Adult representatives are very caring, they accompany the chicks until they rise to the wing. The muscles of the kids are slowly getting stronger and getting stronger every day. But adult birds still show anxiety and anxiety.

Voice

Relatives

It is impossible not to talk about the so-called "relatives" of the big snail. This includes the Morodunka. It also has an upturned beak and an interesting coloration. But her paws are dark yellow. He also likes to winter in Africa, Western Europe. But in Italy it is rarely seen - it is rather an exception. Morodunka also spreads in Russia. As a comfortable place for their nests, they choose warm territories near rivers and various reservoirs. A very similar behavior pattern with large waders, they show concern for offspring.

population

A large snail is a worthy representative of its family. The bird has an unusual color, which allows you to immediately notice it. Unfortunately, a downward trend in this species has been observed. The issue became very acute, some measures were taken. After all, this greatly alarmed the experts. The ecology is deteriorating every year, many species of animals, birds and plants are disappearing. Therefore, we must try to preserve nature and what it has given. Measures are obligatory that help to improve the situation and create a certain balance and harmony that reigned until a person began to destroy everything that prevented him from achieving his selfish goals. Now actively began to implement measures to protect environment and it really helps.

So the number of large snails has increased over the past decade. The species has mastered new places, where it now equips its nests and raises offspring. For example, representatives of the family were seen in the Moscow region.

Measures taken to see improvements
It is worth noting the measures that helped to increase the numbers. Firstly, the species was listed in the Red Book. This allowed attention to such a problem as disappearance over a certain period of time. After all, every year the number became smaller. Protected nests have become an important role in the distribution of the large snail in the Moscow region. The day before, recommendations were put forward on the organization of places of protection for birds. They are under the protection of professionals, which will protect them. The snails found acceptable living conditions, a suitable climate. Now you can be sure that everything will be fine, and perhaps the species will "grow" and spread to other areas.

Video: big snail (Tringa nebularia)

In swamps, near fresh water bodies, a lot of game birds live. Snails are one of them. They are distinguished by their small size, long beak, which they use to get food from water bodies. Different kinds nest in North America, Eurasia. The most famous in Russia is a large snail and a dandy. There are still enough of them in the forests, swamps, tundras of the country. Among the species there are also very rare Okhotsk individuals. To see them is a great rarity and luck.

Description of the snail bird

Snails are representatives of the snipe. The genus includes about 10 species. The largest is the large snail. Its size resembles a dove. Wings - narrow, elongated. The body grows up to 35 centimeters, weight - 130-270 grams. Wingspan 50-60 centimeters.

The legs are long. In flight, the fingers protrude beyond the edge of the tail. Their color is olive green or gray-green. A membrane is visible between the outer and middle fingers at the base. It is practically absent between the inner and middle fingers.

The bird's beak is elongated, grayish in tone, powerful. There is a slight upward curve in the anterior third. The iris is brown.

The color changes, depending on the age of the snail and the time of year. Juveniles have brownish-brown upperparts. The edge of the feathers is pale buff. The coloring becomes adult-like in winter, but even then the tail feathers do not have gray tips.

Females and males have the same color. It is difficult to distinguish them. This applies to all members of the genus.

The voice of the big snail

The bird makes various sounds. In flight, these are three-syllable variations of “tuyu-luyuv”. Taking off from the ground, she loudly shouts "tuy". On the current, individuals sing loudly and slowly "tu-ve ...". If danger is noticed near the brood, you can hear the restless “bye-bye-bye ...”.

Types of snails

All snails have common features- long beak and legs. Body size and color can vary significantly depending on the species.

Representatives of the genus:

• American Ash - body length 26-30 centimeters, weight 90-125 grams. The beak is dark in color, as is the upper body. The plumage changes from gray-sand on the back to white with brown stripes on the abdomen. It lives mainly in Alaska, Canada. Nesting occurs on the banks of mountain rivers and lakes.
• Yellow-legged - very similar to a large representative of the genus. The body grows up to 23-25 ​​centimeters, weight 60-100 grams. The beak reaches 3-4 centimeters, and the legs - 5-7 centimeters. The color is gray-brown on the back, white on the abdomen. It breeds in North America and winters in the Gulf of Mexico, in South America.
• Hermit - the body has a length of 18-21 centimeters, weight 35-60 grams. The plumage on the back is brown, uneven. The chest is white. Nesting takes place in the forests of Canada, Alaska.
• Okhotsk - the body grows up to 29-32 centimeters, the beak has two colors: the base is brownish, the top is black. The top of the body is dark, the bottom is white. The legs are noticeably shorter than other representatives of the genus, I have membranes.

• Ash - body length 24-27 centimeters, weight 85-115 grams. The color is similar to the American individual. May use old thrush nests for laying.
• Webbedfoot - is divided into two subspecies: western and eastern. The latter was endangered due to hunting. Today, the situation is improving. On the legs, developed membranes are distinguishable. The main color is smoky.
• Motley - length 36 centimeters. The color is variegated grey-brown. Representative of Canada.
• Handrail - body length 22-24 centimeters, weight 55-85 grams. The beak is slightly thinner than other members of the genus. The plumage on the back is gray-brown with black inserts, on the abdomen - white.
• Herbalist - grows up to 30 centimeters, gaining weight up to 170 grams. The base of the beak is orange and the tip is black. Because of the color of its paws, it is also called the "red foot". The color is generally brownish-white.
• Fifi - body length 15-25 centimeters, similar to a herbalist.
• Chernysh - size 21-24 centimeters, weight 50-80 grams. The beak is noticeably shorter than that of other snails, and is painted black. The pattern on the back is dotted, the abdomen is white. It can be recognized by the constant wagging of its tail. Likes to sit on tree branches.
• Goldfinch - length 30 centimeters, weight 110-200 grams. The beak is slightly bent down, dark in tone, except for a slightly reddish base. The legs are black in warm weather, and turn red in cold weather. The plumage is dull black with white spots.

There are several more representatives of the snipe family, which are close to snails. We are talking about carriers, morodunks.

Range, habitats

snails - migratory birds. They nest in the northern regions, and winter in the southern ones. There are species that are found only in North America. They are rarely seen in Europe. They have chosen the forests of Alaska, nesting near lakes, ponds, rivers. Some species, on the contrary, live only in Eurasia. For wintering, they go to Africa, Australia, India.

Species inhabiting the territory of the Russian Federation:

• American ashy - was seen in Russia on the Kuril island of Ekarma;
• Okhotsk - on the shores of the Sea of ​​\u200b\u200bOkhotsk, Sakhalin Island;
• ashy - also called Siberian, because it nests in the mountains of Siberia, is found in Chukotka, Kamchatka;
• handrail - found in the steppes, taiga swamps;
• chernysh - an inhabitant of humid forests and swamps of Siberia;
• dandy - nests on the Kola Peninsula, occurs in the Krasnoyarsk Territory, in the Kolyma, in the Nenets Autonomous Okrug, off the shores of Lake Ladoga.

Individuals arrive at nesting sites singly or in flocks. They avoid human settlements, being overly cautious.

Diet

Snails feed mainly on food of animal origin. With their long beaks, they comb the shallow water, collecting food. Sometimes for food they dip their whole head into the water.

The main diet may consist of the following products:

• insects, including bedbugs;
• small fish;
• seeds;
• crustaceans;
• shellfish;
• sea ​​worms;
• berries;
• tadpoles;
• snails.

Some species may feed on frogs. If necessary, individuals are able to run on water, swim and even dive. Birds grab the fish with the tip of their beak, holding the carcass across. With a sharp movement, they turn the head of the victim to the pharynx and swallow it whole.

Reproduction and offspring

The snails arrive for nesting in the spring. Males first distribute their territories, and then start displaying. It looks like a flight with alternating ascents and descents. At this time, the male sings a song. When a pair is formed, the current loses its intensity. Birds are usually monogamous, although polygamy also occurs.

Each couple has its own vast territory. For nesting, damp places are chosen in the form of moss swamps, meadows, grassy shores, and moorlands.

Nests can be made on trees, stones, in the ground, some species use old thrush nests. Large snails place it on the ground around low shrubs. The structure consists of a thick moss lining, pieces of bark and other materials that lie nearby. The clutch usually contains 4 eggs. The shape of each of them is pear-shaped, the color is cream or olive with many spots of black or brown. In other species, the color and size of the eggs may vary.

Both parents are incubating. It usually takes about 20 days. In case of danger, they can hide, fly out of the nest. If the eggs are destroyed, the birds may nest again.

When the chicks hatch, the family moves to the shore of the reservoir, to a damp area, a wetland. The young are active from the first days of life. Chicks learn not only to fly, but also to swim. They become independent a month after the appearance.

Goldfinches alternate incubation only for the first few days after laying. The female then leaves the nest to join the same-sex flock and fly away for the winter. The male himself continues to incubate, take care of the chicks until they become winged.

natural enemies

Snails, like most marsh game, suffer greatly from crows, magpies, and jackdaws. AT in large numbers they are able not only to ruin the clutch, but also to steal fledgling chicks. After waiting for the parents to fly away for food, the raven grabs the baby, sits on a branch with prey and eats its insides. If a flock of 25 jackdaws has started up near nesting, they can exterminate most of the young.

The marsh harrier is no less dangerous for snails. The predator specializes exclusively in birds, and it can kill more than it is ready to eat. He hunts from spring to autumn.

Many can go to ruin the nest predator birds, especially if they lack the usual food in the form of rodents and insects. Martens, weasels, ferrets do the same.

Interesting! In case of danger, the snail, hatching chicks, may try to portray an attack.

Population and species status

Snails are among the birds whose conservation status causes the least concern. But this does not apply to all individuals. So the Okhotsk species is rare, small, listed under the status of endangered individuals. Ashy - endangered in Australia, where it spends its wintering.

The greatest danger of extinction is associated with human activities. It's not just about hunting, it's about global problems for drying swamps, reservoirs, deforestation. Birds have nowhere to breed and their numbers are declining.

Snails in cooking

To get snail meat, you have to try hard. The representative of the waders sits firmly in the thickets; it takes off only when a person approaches closely. Usually hunters get this bird when they are looking for other swamp game. But there are also those who deliberately go for a big snail.

There are two main types of hunting. The first is the arrangement of stuffed birds or profiles. When individuals flock to the trap, they are shot. The second method is head hunting. It implies the presence of three or more hunters. One of them moves through the swamp to scare away the bird, while the others shoot. A dog in such a case will not be superfluous. Of course, if she is accustomed to such a hunt.

Prey is better to conduct in the summer-autumn to give the bird the opportunity to raise offspring. Moreover, spring hunting may be banned.

Game feathered meat is valued not for the presence of nutrients, although there are plenty of them. It is popular for the lack of artificial food additives, antibiotics. If the poultry eats only what is given to it, then the wild one chooses the best for itself. She instinctively eats the right and healthy foods.

Snipe meat is dietary, nutritious, not fatty. It is rich in vitamin E, B, potassium, iron. It contains enough linoleic acid, which regulates fat metabolism.

The carcasses are small, so it is better to bake them cut. The composition of the marinade can include honey, Tabasco sauce, vegetable oil, rum. The meat is baked for 10-30 minutes.

While on the hunt, a nutritious broth can be cooked from a couple of carcasses. It is also good to fry them on a spit, stew. If desired, you can stuff with minced meat, buckwheat and even bread. For true gourmets, there is poultry cheese. It takes time to prepare, but fromage is worth the effort. The entrance is poultry meat and broth. If there are a lot of carcasses, then offal can be cooked separately with mushrooms.