Carrizal seedeater facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Carrizal seedeater |
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| Scientific classification | |
| Genus: |
Amaurospiza
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| Species: |
carrizalensis
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The Carrizal seedeater (Amaurospiza carrizalensis) is a small bird that belongs to the family called Cardinalidae. This family includes cardinals and grosbeaks. The Carrizal seedeater is found only in Venezuela.
Contents
How it Was Discovered
Scientists first found the Carrizal seedeater in 2001. They studied three birds and realized it was a brand new species! The scientists, Miguel Lentino and Robin L. Restall, gave it its name. They first called it the "Carrizal blue seedeater." But later, the "blue" part was removed. This was done to avoid confusion with another bird that was already known as the blue seedeater.
What it Looks Like
The Carrizal seedeater is about 12 cm (4.7 in) long. That's about the length of a pen. It weighs between 12 to 14 g (0.42 to 0.49 oz), which is very light.
- Males: Male Carrizal seedeaters are a shiny, dark blue-gray color. Their face and belly are even darker.
- Females: Female birds have warm brown feathers on their back. Their belly is a yellowish-tan color, and their sides are a bit darker.
Where it Lives
The first Carrizal seedeaters were found on an island called Isla Carrizal. This island is in the Caroni River in northern Venezuela.
Sadly, a large project called the Tocoma Dam started in 2006. This dam caused the island where these birds lived to be flooded. However, the Carrizal seedeater has since been found in other parts of the Caroni River area.
This bird lives only in special places. It likes to live among spiny types of bamboo plants. These bamboo plants grow in forests where trees lose their leaves in certain seasons.
Bird Behavior
What it Eats
Scientists looked inside the stomachs of the Carrizal seedeater specimens. They found that these birds eat small beetles. They also eat parts of plants.
How it Raises Young
We don't have much information about how the Carrizal seedeater breeds. Scientists are still learning about when and how they lay eggs and raise their chicks.
Its Song
The Carrizal seedeater has a very pleasant song. It sounds like a gentle whistle. People describe its song as "sweet sweet pit-swee pit-swoo." You can even listen to its song online! [1]
Why it Needs Our Help
The Carrizal seedeater is considered a critically endangered species. This means it is at a very high risk of disappearing forever.
Here's why it's in danger:
- Few Locations: It is known from fewer than 20 places in the world. All these places are in a very small area.
- Habitat Loss: Its home, especially the bamboo forests, is shrinking. The flooding from the Tocoma Dam was a big problem.
Experts believe it's super important to protect the places where this bird can live. If we don't protect its habitat, this special bird might not survive in the future.
See also
In Spanish: Semillero de carrizal para niños
