Buhaiul de balta | Facts & Information

Origin

It is known to be a water-loving bird, withdrawn and shy that can be observed and photographed quite difficult.

It lives solitary, very well hidden in the reeds of larger lakes and ponds, can easily stay in trees because the index finger is longer and finished like the other forelegs by a sharp and curved claw.

In case of danger, the Bumblebee stretches the neck, body, head and beak, in a straight line, slightly obliquely upwards, so that by its plumage tan with yellow and rust shades, often, stained with tan and black, it resembles a clump of dry reed, or with a sharp stake.

The wading bird is part of the order Ciconiiformes, family Ardeidae. Spring is also found in our country in many ponds with reeds, the Danube Delta being the favorite place. In autumn, they migrate to Africa and Southwest Asia, where they Winter. In some mild winters some specimens remain in the country.

The very sonorous nocturnal cry of the male can be heard all spring, even until June, more often in Twilight and before sunrise, over long distances, thus making its presence known. It is much like the sound of our traditional buzzing used in the New Year holidays, hence the name of the bird.

Buhai Balta food

The Bumblebee feeds on insects and aquatic animals: fish, frogs and mollusks.

It hunts pandering aquatic animals or insects. It is a diurnal bird, it can be seen mainly in the morning in fishing places, but also in the evening. It settles in shallow water areas and waits for fish to pass through its range.

As a fish approaches, it steps back a little as if it were gaining momentum, it squeezes its long neck and when the prey is as close as possible it rushes with its long and sharp beak on it.

Features Buhai pond

The bird is slightly larger than a domestic chicken. The beak is yellow and slightly developed, having a length of 70 – 80 cm and a weight of 1 – 1.5 kg.

The legs are relatively short and yellowish in color. On the neck and belly the plumage is yellowish-tan. It can be seen frequently during hatching, in reed beds, then it can be seen less often.

The wingspan is 110 cm, and the tail is 11 cm. Its plumage and body position provide perfect camouflage. The Bumblebee has relatively short legs, a short neck and a sharp beak.

Breeding Buhai pond

Buhaiul de balta's Nest is built in isolated areas, on plains or in dense reeds. The male, according to the circumstances, also behaves as a polygamous bird, possibly having several females.

The breeding season begins early, in the northern zone just before the thaw. In May, the female lays 4-6 eggs, brown-olive, which she hatches alone, for about 24-25 days.

It nests isolated on the plaur or at the water's edge, in thick reeds. The female hatches and raises the chicks alone which, for two weeks, do not leave the nest. During mating, both the female and the male emit characteristic sounds.

After 60 days the chicks begin to fly.