Rare exotic birds. Rare birds: photos and descriptions. Which birds are the rarest in Russia and in the world. Bird Owl Nightjar
In this collection of photographs you will see the rarest birds in the world. The pictures were taken by photographers who traveled to some of the most remote places on the planet and spent many hours behind the lens trying to find their photographic victim. They all took their rightful place in international competition. During the competition, more than 566 photographs of the rarest birds on Earth were sent. Photo of a kākāpo by Shane McInnes, which won the Critically Endangered or Endangered Birds in the Wild category. 
Second place in the same category went to Savio Freire Bruno, with a fascinating photograph of a Brazilian merganser with ducklings. 
In third place is David Boyle with a fantastic image of a frigate in flight from Christmas Island. 
Fourth place went to Dr. Joshua K. Joshi's Forest Owl, Melghat Tiger Sanctuary, Maharashtra, India. 
5th place in the same category of rare and endangered birds was given to a male palila by Eric VanderWerf, Hawaii. 
Honduran emerald from Robert Hyman, Rio Aqua Valley, Polligino, Honduras. 
Winner in the category "Endangered or Rare Birds" - Quan Ming Li from China with beautiful photo Asian ibis in flight. 
Second place went to Huajin Sun with a photo of a red-crowned crane from East Asia. 
In third place was Daniel Rosengren with a beautiful image of a hummingbird from Peru. 
4th place Great Indian Bustard photographed by Csaba Barkosti, Great Indian Desert, India. 
5th place was awarded to Martin Hale's Scaly Merganser, Jiangxi, China. 
Winner in the category “Endangered and Migratory Species” wild birds” recognized David Boyle, with a touching image of a pair of orange-bellied parrots from Tasmania. 
Second place in this category went to a forest ibis from Adam Riley, Tamri, Morocco.
April 1 is International Bird Day. Russia is a habitat for many species of birds, including very rare ones. In our country they are listed in the Red Book and are protected by the state. Some of them live in nature reserves and wildlife sanctuaries.
Owl
The common eagle owl is one of the largest owls in the world. The wingspan of this bird is from 160 to 190 centimeters. Its population in Russia is last years is sharply reduced.
Eagle owls are predators; they hunt small rodents and snails at night. The eagle owl could just as easily hunt small birds, but prefers stationary prey. It is interesting that each eagle owl has its own territory in which it gets its food.
Eagle owls are excellent birds of prey; they are used to catch partridges, rabbits and even hares. However, it is very rare for a hunter to find such an eagle owl. And besides, it can pose a danger to the person himself.
The bird is very fast, and it is capable of reaching full speed from the moment it leaves the ground.
Now the number of eagle owls around the world is beginning to increase, Germany has achieved significant success in this, but in Russia their population is declining.
Black stork
The black stork is a very rare bird. It is listed in the Red Books of Russia, Belarus, Ukraine and Kazakhstan. He lives in forests in the Urals and Far East. The largest number of birds lives in the Primorsky Territory of Russia. Black storks are very secretive, so their lifestyle is little studied. They prefer to settle on plains near swamps and lakes. Storks feed on fish, which they catch in reservoirs, and during wintering they can even feed on small rodents.
Interestingly, these birds choose a partner for life, starting to breed at the age of three. Black storks build nests on the tops of old trees or on rocks, far from the area where people live. After the chicks hatch, storks feed their young 5-6 times a day. In the third month, the chicks fly out of the nest.
It seems that the difference between the black and the common stork is only in color, but this is not so. Birds have different cultures of interspecific behavior. Zoos have repeatedly tried to crossbreed black and white storks; often the male even began to court the female. In the end, all these experiments failed, since these birds have different mating rituals.
The largest population of black storks lives in the Zvanets reserve on the territory of Belarus.
little swan
The small swan lives only in Russia; it is one of the rarest birds in the world. It settles in the tundra, on the islands of Vaygach, Kolguev and also on the Novaya Zemlya archipelago. The small swan has a wingspan of 170-195 centimeters. Interesting feature The bird has a black beak with white plumage. Swans feed on plants; they can eat berries, grass, and potato tubers. However, sometimes the small swan can catch small fish.
Swans form pairs at 2-4 years of age that last a lifetime. They build nests in the spring on small dry hills, and some nests that remain after a pair can be used by other swans for many years.
The chicks are born a month later, and as soon as they hatch from the nest, their parents lead them to the nearest body of water. And after 45 days, young swans begin to fly. This period passes much faster in small swans than in swans of other species. Work is currently underway in Russia to restore the population of small swans. They are also listed in the Red Book of Russia.
Mandarin duck
The Mandarin duck is a small duck, the male of which is distinguished by its characteristic bright orange color. It lives only in the East Asian region, in Russia mainly on the Amur, in the Sakhalin region, etc.
Mandarin ducks love mountain rivers; they swim well and float high on the water. Moreover, unlike other species of ducks, mandarin ducks do not like to dive and do this only when they are wounded.
Ducks feed on a variety of seeds, algae and acorns. However, if there is a lack of food, they do not disdain shellfish and fish caviar. Mandarin ducks nest in tree hollows and in forests located next to a mountain river. The chicks are born after just over a month. Moreover, the chicks, without the help of their parents, fall out of the nest and master flight.
A characteristic feature of mandarin ducks is that they like to sit on tree branches and rocky ledges, while other ducks prefer to relax sitting on the water.
In China, mandarin ducks are popular; a pair of mandarin ducks represents fidelity and is called “yuanyang.” Figures of these ducks are used to decorate wedding venues; they are believed to bring happiness in marriage and fidelity of spouses.
In Russia, mandarin ducks are becoming extinct due to hunting and also because of raccoon dogs, which often destroy duck nests. Now hunting for them is completely prohibited, and the mandarin ducks themselves are under the supervision of scientists.
Steppe kestrel
The steppe kestrel is listed in the Red Book of Russia and lives in the southwest of our country and in the south of Siberia. The kestrel is a predator; it feeds on caught insects, sometimes even scorpions are included in its diet. Birds hunt in flocks in open steppe areas.
Sometimes in the spring, the steppe kestrel can begin to hunt small rodents. In the first or second year of life, kestrels form pairs that raise offspring for one season, after which the birds change partners. The steppe kestrel makes nests in rock recesses and on hillsides. This nest is a small depression, and the female does not use any materials to strengthen the nest, she simply digs a hole. On the 28th day, the chicks are born, and after another 28 days, during which they are fed by their parents, the steppe kestrel chicks fly out of the nest.
In recent years, the number of these birds has sharply decreased; the steppe kestrel has disappeared from many habitats. The fact is that birds have suffered greatly from human economic activities. The steppe kestrel feeds mainly on insects, and the farm widely uses pesticides to control pests, which, if they do not kill the insect, then remain in its body. In the Red Book of Russia, the steppe kestrel is listed as an endangered bird.
Steller's sea eagle
The Steller's sea eagle is rarely found outside of Russia; it flies out only occasionally for the winter. This is one of the largest and heaviest species of eagles, its weight can reach 9 kilograms. In Russia, it lives on the territory of the Kamchatka Peninsula and on the coast of the Sea of Okhotsk.
It got its name from its unusual coloration: its middle wing coverts have White color. The Steller's sea eagle is a predator and feeds on large fish, especially salmon. The eagle can also catch a hare, arctic fox, seal, and sometimes feeds on carrion. Steller's sea eagles settle along the seashores and build nests on the tops of trees. Sometimes nests are located in river valleys.
The eagle is a cautious bird that is reluctant to make contact with people. Therefore, there is very little information about the reproduction of this bird. Now the Steller's sea eagle is listed in the Red Book of Russia. Birds suffer greatly due to the constant increase in the number of tourists, as eagles stop nesting in their usual territories. There are known cases of destruction of Steller's sea eagle nests by humans.
Various measures are currently being taken to protect Steller's sea eagles and increase their population.
Demoiselle crane
The demoiselle crane is the smallest species of crane. They live in six regions of the world, including Russia. Here they settle mainly on the territory of the Black Sea coast. They prefer to live in open areas, unlike other crane species that inhabit swampy areas. Demoiselle cranes also form a pair for life, but if the pair does not produce offspring, it breaks up.
The belladonna nest is made directly on the ground, digging a small hole and strengthening it with small twigs. After 29 days, the chicks hatch.
Interestingly, it is not only the female that incubates the eggs; demoiselle cranes take turns incubating their offspring. When a nest of dogs or foxes is attacked, the cranes work together to protect the future offspring; sometimes other pairs of cranes can come to their aid.
Two months after hatching, the chicks can already fly. Demoiselle cranes are migratory birds, they go to Africa and India for the winter.
Life expectancy of belladonnas natural environment not known exactly, approximately 30 years. However, in captivity, some individuals can live up to 67 years.
White seagull
The white gull is listed in the Red Book of Russia. It lives mainly in the Arctic; in Russia, the ivory gull lives on Victoria Island and is endangered. Also, one nest was discovered on the coast of Novaya Zemlya. It is very difficult to track the population of ivory gulls, as they are few in number and migrate frequently. White gulls are nomadic birds. They occasionally migrate south in the autumn, but prefer to stay in the same northern regions for the winter.
Gulls form pairs in the spring and only for the season. They settle in whole colonies for nesting. For a month, the female and male take turns incubating the eggs. The chicks are covered with down throughout the year; only at the end of the 12th month do they develop plumage.
Ivory gulls feed on carrion, marine invertebrates, as well as the excrement of seals and polar bears. Seagulls can swim, but most readily move on the earth's surface.
Pink Pelican
The pink pelican lives on the islands of the southeastern part of the Sea of Azov, in the delta of the Volga River. The pink pelican is listed in the Red Book of Russia and is listed as an endangered species.
This is a fairly large waterfowl, popularly known as the baba bird. The pelican eats fish, which it catches with its beak. Pelicans do not know how to dive and only plunge their beak into the river, catching food for themselves.
From the second year of life, pelicans form pairs that unite in colonies. In 2-3 days, the female pink pelican sets up a nest, while the male helps her by bringing grass in his beak, which he often steals from his nest neighbors. On the 26th day, the chicks hatch and live without feathers for about two more months. On the 70th day they fledge.
The main reason for the disappearance of pink pelicans in Russia is the use of pesticides that contaminate the soil and water bodies. In addition, the area of their settlement is decreasing, since people are actively engaged in draining water bodies, without which the life of pelicans is impossible.
Red-footed ibis
The red-footed ibis lives in the Far Eastern region of Russia. This species is listed in the Red Book of Russia and is endangered. Back in the 19th century, the population of red-footed ibises was large, but the species began to decline rapidly.
In Japan, this species was declared extinct, but in Russia a pair of ibises was last seen in 1990. It is unknown whether this bird currently lives in our country. But scientists are trying to find remnants of the population and organize nature reserves.
Red-footed ibises live in swampy river areas and feed on small fish and reptiles. The ibis is also considered a monogamous bird; ibises find a mate at the age of about two years and remain faithful to their partner all their lives. Both parents incubate the eggs and the chicks are born on the 28th day. Until autumn, the chicks and their parents live in a common nest, after which they unite in flocks.
In addition to the Red Book of Russia, the red-legged ibis is also included in the Red Book of the World.
In order to determine the most valuable and rare bird in the world, it is necessary to first determine the parameters by which the assessment will be carried out. Agree that the rarity and value of a bird can be assessed from various points of view - from beauty, which is quite subjective, to the rarity of the bird and its value. After all, you can evaluate it for the beauty of its singing (for example, a nightingale), or, say, for the nutritional value of its meat (pheasant). This means that it is not possible to talk about one specific bird as the most valuable and rare.
In addition, the value and rarity of any bird species is determined depending on its distribution in a certain area of the globe. Based on this, I simply offer to your attention a few sufficient interesting facts about birds, and I suggest you decide for yourself which birds can be classified as rare birds and especially valuable ones.
Interesting facts about birds. Common and rare birds of the planet.
Currently, there are more than 8,600 species of birds on the planet (according to some scientists, this figure reaches 9,000 species). Based on the characteristics of their closest relationship, birds are grouped into genera (there are about 2800 genera). In turn, genera are united into 168 families, and families into orders, which make up the class of birds. Birds can be found in almost every corner of the globe, from the hot tropics to the cold poles.
One of the most common birds on the planet is the red-billed quelea. This bird lives in Africa, south of the Sahara Desert. This breed of bird is so prolific that it poses a serious threat to crops. Every year, in a vain attempt to control the numbers of these birds, millions of their individuals are exterminated.
Also, the most common and widespread bird is the European house sparrow (Passer domesticus). European settlers spread this breed of birds throughout to the globe. At the moment, the sparrow can be found on 2/3 of the planet's territories, including North America, Australia, India, New Zealand and, naturally, Europe.
The rarest birds.
It is quite difficult to determine which are the most rare birds on the ground. The thing is that, as a rule, the exact number of birds that belong to a particular species is quite difficult to determine. At different periods of time, some species of birds were quite rare. Such birds include the Sudanese Red Sea swallow (Hirundo perdita), accidentally spotted in 1984. Just enough rare breed bird discovered in 1927 is the orange-necked partridge (Arborophila davidi).
Orange-necked partridge (Arborophila davidi)
Unfortunately, many birds can no longer be found in their natural habitat; these are very rare birds. However, they can be found in captivity. For example, the Macaw parrot (Cyanopsitta spiscii). This bird was on the verge of extinction, as it was caught for resale.
Since the 16th century, due to human intervention, 115 bird species have disappeared from the face of the earth. However, people do not always bring suffering and harm to birds. Some species of birds, in the literal sense of the word, have been brought back to life by humans. The Mauritanian kestrel (Falco punctatus) was on the verge of extinction, but man managed to increase its number from four individuals to three hundred. The California condor (Gymnogyps californianus), the last male of which was captured in 1987, with only 27 representatives of this species living in captivity at that time. And by 1994, thanks to the participation of people, there were already 75 individuals in captivity, and 9 birds of this species in the natural habitat.
California condor (Gymnogyps californianus)
The largest birds on the planet.
Again, there are several criteria by which you can determine the largest bird in the world - by to the greatest extent wings, in height and weight. The largest bird on the planet is without a doubt the ostrich (Struthio camelus). The height of this bird reaches 2.74 meters, and its weight is up to 160 kilograms.
Ostrich (Struthio camelus)
The heaviest flying bird is the bustard (Ardeotis kori). Habitat: Africa. According to official data, the weight of this bird can reach 19 kilograms.
Bustard (Ardeotis kori).
Close enough to this title are the Eurasian bustard (Otis tarda) and the silent swan (Cygrus olor).
Eurasian Bustard (Otis tarda)
The Andean condor (Viltur gryphus), whose wingspan reaches 3 meters, and the stork (Leptoptilus crumeniferous) are competing for the title of “bird with the largest wingspan.” According to some data, the wingspan of the stork reaches 2.87 meters, according to other data, the wingspan of this bird reaches 4.06 meters. However, the latest data has not been officially confirmed.
Andean condor (Viltur gryphus),
The smallest birds on the planet.
The smallest bird on the planet is considered to be the hummingbird (Mellisuga helenae), which lives in Cuba. Its weight is only 1.6 grams. The only thing that can compete with the hummingbird for the title of “smallest bird in the world” is the small woodstar (Acestrura bombus), which lives in South America.
Hummingbird (Mellisuga helenae)
The smallest bird of prey considered to be the black-footed falcon, native to Southeast Asia, and the white-breasted shrike, native to northwestern Borneo. Average length The bodies of these species are 14-15 centimeters, including a five-centimeter tail. The approximate weight of these birds is 35 grams.
The most expensive and rare birds.
The Lesser Hyacinth Macaw, like the Blue Macaw, are virtually priceless and very rare birds. A pair of breeding hyacinth macaws can fetch up to £35,000.
Amazing bird species that you may have never even heard of.
Long-tailed velvet weaver
These South African birds get their name from their black color and very long tail, which develops like a ribbon in flight. The tail of males can reach 16 cm, which is twice the length of their body. Unlike males, females have a rather inconspicuous sandy-black color. Males, especially during the breeding season, attract attention with their beautiful plumage. 
Brilliant painted painter
During the breeding season, males are blue. At other times of the year, they are practically no different from females in their plumage. The upper part of the body becomes pale brown and the lower part white, but the tail and wings remain blue. As for the relationships between individuals of different sexes, they are very peculiar. Even though these birds are essentially monogamous and even form pairs, they are still promiscuous. sex life, mating with other individuals. At the same time, they assist in raising the chicks that appear as a result of such meetings. To attract the attention of a female, males tear bright flower petals and show them to the females. 
Royal flyeater
There are 4 species of the royal flyeater, and each of them has a crest that resembles a fan: a kind of “crown”, which, however, can only be noticed during the period of courtship of a female and during competition with other males. 
Scaly bird of paradise
They live in the forests of New Guinea. When this bird species was first introduced to Europe, people thought they weren't real. It's all about the unusual feathers that decorate the heads of males. These birds are solitary by nature and never form pairs. Thus, the raising of the chicks occurs without any participation from the male. 
Quetzal
Many people believe that these are the most beautiful birds in the world. The quetzal is the national bird of Guatemala, and even the currency in this country is named after it. Once upon a time, the Mayan Indians worshiped this bird, considering it sacred. Their feathers were practically priceless, and only leaders and priests were allowed to wear them as decoration. 
Lilac-breasted Roller
This bird got its name for its impressive courtship of the female in flight, during which the male, having risen to a considerable height, circles, rushes into the water at high speed, while making loud sounds. They live in savannas and farmlands in eastern and southern Africa. 
Inca tern
These stunning wattled seabirds nest on the rocky coasts of Chile and Peru. Interestingly, the Inca tern, having a rather expressive appearance, is also distinguished by his singing. Birds make sounds that resemble cat meow. These representatives of the tern family feed on fish. They are endangered. 
Curly-haired arasari
This bird belongs to the toucan family and gets its name from the feathers on its head. They are twirled like ribbons on a wrapped gift. 
Blue-capped Tanager
There are three subspecies of these birds, which differ primarily in the plumage in the neck and head. They live in lowland areas of tropical forests in eastern South America. They usually live in pairs or groups. Their diet includes fruits, however, when there is not enough fruit, they will not miss the opportunity to feast on insects. 
Blue-headed magnificent bird of paradise
This is another magnificent bird that can be easily identified by its curling tail feathers and unique coloring. The turquoise “crown” on the male’s head is not actually feathers, but a patch of bare skin. 
Guiana cock of the rock
The wreath in the form of a semicircle on the head of these birds is formed by two rows of feathers. It always remains visible and does not disappear after the mating season, as often happens in other bird species. 
Lilac-capped painted painter
Their singing differs from the singing of other fairies because it sounds at lower frequencies and is performed, as a rule, in a duet. 
Livingston's turaco
These birds belong to the turakov family, which literally means “banana eaters.” Despite this name, they do not eat bananas. 
Shiny Cotinga
This species of bird with a bright turquoise-blue color lives in the Amazon rainforest. They are usually quiet unless disturbed by predators. But, as is usually the case in the world of birds, the females are less fortunate: they have a gray-brown color with dark spots. 
Bare-throated bell-ringer
The bare-throated bellbird lives in the Atlantic Forest of South America and has one of the loudest voices. 
Indian Hornbill
This bird is easy to recognize thanks to the peculiar “helmet” on its beak. The indigenous tribes of central India believed that the skull of a hornbill brought wealth. 
Collared Trogon
This species of trogon can be found on the island of Borneo. They live in pairs or alone, and nest in tree hollows. Interesting fact: Collared Trogons have a habit of sitting motionless for long periods of time, only darting off to grab an insect or pick a berry. They are endangered. 
Momot blue-browed
Momots live in Central America. They are not born with the racquets that characterize their family. The feathers are loosely attached to the body and fall off as they mature. 
Malaysian blue-tailed pita
This is one of three species of blue-tailed pittas, which were previously classified as a single species. However, they were separated due to external and vocal differences. 
Red-billed Alcyone
Alcyone builds nests in tunnels on steep river banks and road edges, digging holes 50 cm deep. The food source is insects, rodents, fish, snails and even songbirds. 
Little Sultana
You can meet the Sultana in the southeastern United States, in the central and northern parts of South America. This bird species lives in swamps with dense vegetation. 
Magnificent astrapia
This is one of 41 species birds of paradise, which can only be found in the mountains of New Guinea. 
Kea
The world's only mountain parrots can be found on the south island of New Zealand. These big birds known for their intelligence and curiosity. 
South American night heron
You can easily recognize the South American night heron by its white plumage, black cap on its head and bright blue beak. However, you are unlikely to hear them, since their screams are very quiet. 
Filamentous bird of paradise
These birds live on the eastern and western coasts of New Guinea and the island of Salavati, where they settle mainly in mountainous areas, living in families or flocks. To attract a mate, males dance and groom with their 12 wire-like side feathers. They feed on the sap of flowers, such as the sago palm or pizang. 
Horned Hummingbird
Hummingbirds of this species can be found in South America. Only males have a bright “horn” that shimmers in different colors. 
Red-bearded bee-eater
These birds live in southeast Asia. They catch bees and other insects on the fly. By hitting the insect on a hard surface several times in a row, they get rid of the sting. This allows you to remove almost all the poison. Red-bearded bee-eaters nest in burrows on the slopes of sandy shores and, unlike other species of bee-eaters, do not live in colonies. 
The Internet portal “Top-10,” which specializes in creating top-10 lists and ratings, has carefully studied the issue of birds around the world. The result is an amazing selection that clearly demonstrates the unique, unique and rarest birds on the planet.
Tenth place was awarded to the marvelous spatelteil, whose population today numbers less than 1,000 individuals. This bird belongs to the hummingbird subspecies and lives in the Rio Utcumbuba region. The bird with an unusual name is distinguished by a beautiful long tail (about 15 cm), ending with four bright blue feathers.
The Indian Bustard took ninth place. Very rarely they can be found in the arid regions of Kashmir, Jammu, Gujarat, Kamataka. The bustard prefers a solitary lifestyle, choosing desert plains for habitat. The population of this bird is rapidly declining due to large quantity pesticides and hunting.
The eighth rare bird is the Brazilian merganser. Outwardly, it resembles a duck, has a long black beak and. The bird itself is distinguished by a dark tint, a white belly, and is about 50 cm in length. The merganser chooses the shallow waters of clean, fast rivers to live.
The huge seabirds “Christmas Island Frigatebirds” take seventh place in the top 10. For life, meter-high birds prefer tall ones. Food is obtained from water during flight. Researchers note that frigates swim and walk very poorly.
The sixth place was given to the rare Hawaiian bird palila. The bird is small in size - only about 20 cm in length. It is quite easy to recognize a palila by its golden chest and head, as well as its wings and tail.
Five of the rarest birds on the planet
In fifth place is another subspecies of hummingbird - the emerald, which lives in Honduras. The nine-centimeter one is distinguished by its shiny greenish plumage and red beak. The Honduran emerald chooses dry places to live: tropical forests and shrubs.
The fourth place in the list of the rarest birds is given to the nocturnal flightless parrot Kakapo. The bird with green plumage lives in New Zealand, where it is better known as the owl parrot. The weight of a kakapo can reach 4 kilograms, and its inability to defend itself makes it an excellent prey for other animals.
A parrot living among Australian tea trees also took third place. Because of his bright belly, he was simply nicknamed “orange-bellied.” The back of the rare parrot has green plumage, and the wings are bright blue.
The Japanese or Manchurian crane ranks second in the top 10 rarest birds. White and black plumage and a red spot on the head make the 1.5-meter bird very recognizable. This crane is a symbol of good luck and longevity in Asia.
The Asian ibis is recognized as the rarest bird in the world. They nest in tall trees near water and rice fields. Due to rapid deforestation and environmental degradation, the population of birds with red skin and orange-white wings is rapidly declining.
