Translation. Region: Russian Federation –
Source: Moscow Government – Moscow Government –
An important disclaimer is at the bottom of this article.
February 19th marks Ornithologist Day in Russia. The vast grounds of VDNKh are home to over 70 bird species, including those listed in the Red Book. The country's premier exhibition explains where to spot a wide variety of birds—from elegant shelducks to magnificent peacocks—and what to treat them with.
The main bird habitats at VDNKh are the Kamensky Ponds cascade, the Sheremetyevskaya oak grove, the aerial ecotrail, and Ostankino Park. Tits, crows, nuthatches, sparrows, pikas, magpies, and jays can be seen here at any time of year. Sparrowhawks and goshawks are also common in Ostankino Park. These birds of prey hunt small and medium-sized birds. They are most active during the day.
Keen observers might spot a long-eared owl in the oak grove. This species gets its name from the large tufts of feathers on its head. The bird can raise its "ears," lower them, or hold them flat against its head. Owls fly out to hunt at night and sleep during the day, hiding in tree branches and trying to remain inconspicuous. Incidentally, even at night, it's very difficult to spot an owl. Their soft feathers allow them to fly silently.
Mallards are the most common ducks seen near the VDNKh ponds. In winter, males develop a vibrant new color—an emerald head and neck. Females are more modest, with brown plumage. To woo a mate, males perform characteristic courtship dances. Mallards typically build nests on the ground by the end of April, and the first chicks hatch in May.
Another recognizable red-faced duck that has settled on Kamensky Ponds is the shelduck. During winter, shelducks gather in groups with other bird species, and when nesting, they form strong family groups.
Woodpeckers can also be spotted at VDNKh. These birds' plumage consists of a complex alternation of black and white patches and a red undertail. A key distinguishing feature of males is the red "cap" on the back of their heads. Woodpeckers feed on insects hidden under tree bark.
For a more detailed look at local birds, their habits, diet, and characteristics, check out the guidebook "VDNKh Bird Book." It's available atofficial website exhibitions.
Lard for tits, berries for bullfinches
Winter is a serious challenge for birds. Prolonged frosts, blizzards, and heavy snowfall make it significantly more difficult for birds to find food. During this time, they need to be fed. However, it's important to remember that birds should not be fed chips, fresh rye or white bread, millet, salted seeds, or sweet pastries. These foods can cause digestive upset, which can have serious consequences for their health.
It's best to fill bird feeders with unroasted sunflower seeds, fresh or dried fruits and berries, oatmeal, barley, and wheat grains. Sparrows will be especially pleased with sunflower seeds, oatmeal, or barley. Woodpeckers and jays will be attracted to nuts and acorns. Thrushes and bullfinches love dried rowan and hawthorn berries. And tits are known to love unsalted lard.
Treats for waterfowl, such as mallards and shelducks, are available from vending machines located near the Garden and Palace Ponds in Ostankino Park. This specialized food will benefit the feathered inhabitants of the country's main exhibition and help preserve the ecology of these water bodies.
Birds from the "City Farm"
The "City Farm" is now open at VDNKh—a family-friendly educational center where you can meet friendly feathered residents. It's home to various breeds of chickens, geese, and ducks, all of whom are completely unafraid of people.
Adults and children alike can watch chicken and duck eggs develop in an incubator—a special device designed to hatch tiny chicks and ducklings. A visit to the incubator is part of the "Young Farmer" program, which teaches participants about livestock farming, crop production, and creativity.
In the summer of 2025, new residents arrived here—two young Indian peafowl, a male and a female. Now they're adults, have adapted well to their new home, and delight visitors. Adult peafowl reach 80–100 centimeters in length and weigh four kilograms. These birds can fly up to three meters high and live for about 20 years. You can see these long-tailed beauties in the peacock house, located opposite the enclosure housing Skazka the reindeer.
Red-breasted bullfinches and thrifty nuthatches: what birds can you see at VDNKh in winter?Mallards, shelducks, and Cochins: Where to meet the birds of VDNKhLearn all about geese and chickens: where at VDNKh you can learn about poultry farming traditions
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