Atlapetes facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Atlapetes |
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| Rufous-capped brushfinch, Atlapetes pileatus | |
Scientific classification  |
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| Kingdom: | Animalia |
| Phylum: | Chordata |
| Class: | Aves |
| Order: | Passeriformes |
| Family: | Passerellidae |
| Genus: | Atlapetes Wagler, 1831 |
| Type species | |
| Atlapetes pileatus Wagler, 1831
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| Species | |
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Atlapetes is a group of birds, often called brushfinches. These birds belong to the New World sparrow family, Passerellidae. You can mostly find them living in mountain forests. They live in a wide area, from Mexico all the way down to northwestern Argentina.
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Meet the Atlapetes Birds
Atlapetes birds are known for their colorful feathers. Many have bright rufous (reddish-brown) or yellow markings. They often have distinct patterns on their heads. These patterns help scientists tell them apart.
Where Do They Live?
Most Atlapetes species live in montane forests. This means they prefer forests found in mountains. They can be found at different heights, from lower slopes to high altitudes. Their range stretches from Mexico in North America, through Central America, and into South America. You can find them as far south as northwestern Argentina.
What Do They Eat?
Like many small birds, Atlapetes brushfinches mostly eat insects. They also enjoy seeds and fruits. They spend a lot of time searching for food among the leaves and branches.
Naming and Family Tree
The group Atlapetes was first named in 1831. A German scientist named Johann Georg Wagler gave them this name. The very first bird put into this group was the rufous-capped brushfinch. Its scientific name is Atlapetes pileatus.
What Does the Name Mean?
The name Atlapetes comes from Ancient Greek. It combines the name of a mythical giant, Atlas, with the word petēs. Petēs means "flyer" or "one who flies". So, it could mean "Atlas's flyer" or "a powerful flyer."
Bird Family Connections
Atlapetes birds are part of the Passerellidae family. This family includes many types of New World sparrows. Scientists study how different bird groups are related. They have found that Atlapetes is closely related to the genus Pipilo. Birds in the Pipilo group are often called towhees. This means they share a common ancestor.
How Many Species Are There?
There are many different kinds of Atlapetes brushfinches. Scientists currently recognize 33 different species. Each species has its own unique look and habits. Some examples include:
- Rufous-capped brushfinch, Atlapetes pileatus
- Moustached brushfinch, Atlapetes albofrenatus
- Merida brushfinch, Atlapetes meridae
- Ochre-breasted brushfinch, Atlapetes semirufus
- Tepui brushfinch, Atlapetes personatus
- White-naped brushfinch, Atlapetes albinucha
- Santa Marta brushfinch, Atlapetes melanocephalus
- Pale-naped brushfinch, Atlapetes pallidinucha
- Yellow-headed brushfinch, Atlapetes flaviceps
See also
In Spanish: Atlapetes para niños
