Mountain Goose (Anser Indicus) detachment gooseshaped, family duck. Refers to environmental species and is listed in the Red Book, at this time, according to scientists, the approximate number of birds only 15 thousand individuals.
Description
Thanks to its plumage, this species is easily recognized. Almost the entire body of the mountain goose is covered with light gray feathers, only the submarks and the subsidiary-white. The head is small, with small light feathers, the neck is dark gray, the forehead and the occipital region cross two wide black stripes.
The legs of the bird are long, covered with rough yellow skin, beak medium, yellowish tint. Due to the length of the limbs, the gait of a feathered seems clumsy, moves along the land, but in the water he has no equal-he is an excellent swimmer. The body weight is small-2.5-3 kg, length-65-70 cm, wingspan-up to one meter. It is considered one of the most highly flying species, can rise to a height of 10.175 thousand. m, breaking such a record can only be stamped, which soar for 12.150 thousand. m above the ground.
The miners fly with a key, or a slanting line, every 10 minutes of the host, replaces the next in the column. Land only on water, before this, having made several circles above the reservoir.
Habitat
A mountain goose settles, loves in a mountainous area, its habitat-Tien Shan, Pamir, Altai and Mining Systems of Tuva. Previously, they could also be found in the Far East, Siberia, but now, in connection with a decrease in the population, in these regions it is considered an extinct. Winter flies to India and Pakistan.
It can nest both on mountain elevations, and on the plateau and even in the forests. He builds nests from materials available in habitats, but necessarily lifted them with fluff, moss, dry leaves and grass. Alien nominated masonry can also occupy. There are cases when the mountain goose nested on the trees.
Mountain geese form monogamous couples, together they are for life, or to the death of one of the spouses. Every year they put off from 4 to 6 eggs, which only the female hatches for 34-37 days, while the male is engaged in the protection of the territory and brood.
A few hours after the birth of the goslings are already completely independent, so the family moves to the reservoir, there the young animals will be easier to protect against danger.
In the early days of life, the kids do not swim, when the threat appears, the mother tries to take them to coastal bumps or reeds. Parents take care of the offspring throughout the year, young goslings from the family are coming off only next year, after returning from wintering. The puberty in mountain geese occurs only in 2-3 years, life expectancy is 30 years, though only a few live to an advanced age.
Food
The mountain goose prefers food and plant and animal origin. In his diet, mainly young shoots of various plants, leaves and roots. Clear and legumes in the fields consider cereal and legumes to be a special delicacy, which can harm crops. Also, it will not mind enjoying various small animals: crustaceans, water invertebrates, mollusks, various insects.
Interesting Facts
- The mountain goose is very curious and unstable. The famous geographer and traveler Nikolai Przhevalsky, in order to lure this bird, just went to the ground and waved in front of him his hat. The bird moved by interest came close to the scientist, and was easily given.
- The pairs of a mountain goose are very devoted to each other. If one of them is wounded, the second will definitely return, and will protect his valuable his own life until he leads his partner to a safe place.
- The mountain goose can fly for 10 hours, never stopping for relaxation.
- Another feature of these birds is that their chicks jump from the tops of trees or rocky peaks without harm to their body.
