The climate in the steppe zones both in temperate European, and in the prairies, and in the pampas is characterized by a high seasonality: in winter, positive temperatures and a large amount of precipitation.
Russia, North America, Africa, Australia the steppes are quite common throughout the earth. The vegetation in these zones is represented by grass cover, trees and shrubs, and the animal world is represented by large animals, predators and birds. The world of birds in the steppes is represented by large and medium-sized individuals, for the most part similar in structure to the chicken family, but with longer legs and neck.
Steppe gull (gull)
Until recently, this bird species was not considered as a separate species of the gull family, but stood out as only one (occasionally several) subspecies of the more common and familiar to many family of herring gulls, with which the gull has a lot in common both in behavior and in appearance.
demoiselle crane
The belladonna is the smallest representative of the crane family in the whole world and the third largest in number there are almost 250 thousand individuals of this species in the world. The height of the belladonna is only about 90 cm, and it weighs three kilograms. The demoiselle of this crane was named for its bright appearance its head is decorated with long tufts of white feathers.
steppe eagle
A hawk bird of prey that breeds in the steppe south of Eurasia, as well as in Siberia and Asia and China. The Steppe Eagle nests on the ground and rocks, occasionally on small shrubs and trees. And he prefers to spend the winter in Africa and India (it is there that the stone eagle constantly lives very similar in appearance to the steppe eagle). Moreover, in Eurasia, this species is almost on the verge of extinction.
little bustard
Little bustard is a small bird of prey no larger than a chicken with a body weight not exceeding 1 kilogram. Flight is usually accompanied by a characteristic peculiar wing whistle.
lark
The common lark is a common species of passerine bird. Despite its small size, the bird is known to many for its melodious singing. The lark itself is not much larger than a sparrow and is painted inconspicuously, but neatly. The lark’s head is thinner than that of a sparrow and has a small crest. It is the male (he is larger than the female) that pleases those around him with a gentle song.
Marsh harrier
A small bird from the hawk family weighing no more than 750 g. and length up to 60 cm. Female marsh harriers are larger than males and differ in color. It is a migratory bird and its breeding area includes China, Mongolia, Siberia. When hunting, the harrier keeps low above the ground, folding its wings in a V shape. The diet of this bird is made up of small mammals, other birds and reptiles.
black-headed gull
A small species of gulls with a strong body structure and a large head with a short neck. In wedding attire, he wears a black hood to the back of his head. Against the background of a white body, light gray wings and dark red paws with a beak stand out. Usually black-headed gulls reach sizes up to 40 cm with a wingspan of about a meter.
shelduck
This bird is a large waterfowl belonging to duck. In the general taxonomy of species, it occupies a middle position between geese and ordinary ducks and outwardly resembles representatives of both of these species. In Eurasia, there are two populations of shelducks, divided among themselves on the coast and on open lakes (and in the arid regions of Asia).
Bustard
Large bird a representative of the bustard family. Mainly distributed in the steppe regions of Eurasia although it can be found in more northern latitudes. Most often settles in the spaces used in agriculture pastures and arable lands. Predominantly sedentary, although in the north it may be partially migratory. Eats both plant foods and animal proteins.
Buzzard
Large bird of prey from the hawk family. Its dimensions reach up to 65 cm, and the wingspan up to 150 cm and such parameters make it the largest representative of buzzards. The wingspan of the long-legged buzzard makes it look like an eagle. The head and chest of the bird are painted in light colors, but the belly and paws are reddish.
Cheglok
A small predatory representative of the falcon family, which lives in vast areas of the steppes of both Eurasia and Africa, and Asia (the bird winters there). Likes to settle in light forests that are combined with open areas. It feeds on insects and birds, which it can catch in flight. It has a dark gray plumage, mustache and black stripes on the belly.
Splyushka
A small bird of prey (up to 20 cm and weighing about 130 g.) of the owl family with light brown plumage and white markings on the shoulder girdle. Characteristic is the graceful jet pattern, like many owls. Representative of nocturnal predators living in Europe, Siberia, Asia, East and Africa. Migratory species winters south of the Sahara. Prefers deciduous forests for life.
Redstart
Redstart (coot) a bright representative of the passerine family, small and singing. You can safely call it the most colorful and beautiful bird in the European part of Eurasia. Small in size (up to 15 cm) with a bright tail, which the bird twitches very characteristically. It was for the red tail, reminiscent of a fluttering tongue of flame, that she was called the redstart.
Merlin
The largest falcon of the falcon family. The size of the wings is impressive (up to 150 cm) with a total length of up to 50 cm and a body weight of no more than two kilograms. The female gyrfalcon is almost twice as large as the male and has a massive build. The light coloration of the gyrfalcon is variable and is marked by a characteristic dark stripe at the beak cut. Resembles sapsan, but the crew has a longer tail.
Goldfinch
Goldfinch from the finch family is known to many it lives in many open areas of deciduous groves and gardens. Usually not migratory, but likes to roam from spring they gather in flocks. The song of goldfinches (voiced trills) has about 20 versions, and it was thanks to these trills that the goldfinch became widely known.
steppe kestrel
A small predator from the falcon family, the steppe kestrel is a close relative of the common kestrel. The bird breeds in Africa and in the steppe territories of Eurasia, up to China. This bird has suffered more than others from the economic activities of people it was considered a common species until the 20th century, and now its numbers are declining at a high rate due to the destruction of insects that the kestrel feeds on.
Conclusion
Today, many steppe territories are changing their purpose, turning into agricultural land and pastures. And a comprehensive study of the steppe birds living on these lands, significant attention began to be paid.
Intensive human activity, which has intensified to a large extent over the past century, causes a rapid change in both the fauna and the ecology of birds that live in the steppe territories. And many bird species have significantly reduced their numbers and changed habitats, retreating to more continental areas.
