Austral negrito facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Austral negrito |
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| Male | |
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| Female | |
| Conservation status | |
| Scientific classification | |
| Genus: |
Lessonia
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| Species: |
rufa
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| Breeding Non-Breeding | |
The austral negrito (also known as the Patagonian negrito) is a small bird. It belongs to the tyrant flycatcher family. These birds live in Argentina and Chile. They fly north for the winter to places like Bolivia, southern Brazil, Paraguay, and Uruguay. Sometimes, they even visit the Falkland Islands or the South Shetland Islands.
Austral negritos like to live near freshwater lakes and salty marshes. They mostly eat insects. But they can also eat algae. They hunt in grassy areas where the grass is short. They often sit on branches or move through bushes to find their prey.
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About the Austral Negrito
The austral negrito is a fascinating bird. It is known for its dark feathers, which is where its name "negrito" comes from. This bird is quite small, but it is very active.
Where Do They Live?
Austral negritos are found in South America. They spend their breeding season in Argentina and Chile. When winter comes, they fly north. This journey takes them to warmer areas. They can be seen in countries like Bolivia, Brazil, Paraguay, and Uruguay. Sometimes, they even go as far as the Falkland Islands.
What Do They Eat?
These birds are mainly insect eaters. They are very good at catching insects in the air or on the ground. They fly low over grasslands to spot their next meal. They also search for insects among plants and shrubs. Besides insects, they can also eat algae, which is a type of plant found in water.
Their Home Environment
Austral negritos prefer open spaces. They like areas with short grass. You can often find them near water, such as lakes or marshes. These watery places provide them with plenty of insects to eat. They are well-adapted to living in these kinds of environments.
Naming the Austral Negrito
The austral negrito was first officially described in 1789. A German scientist named Johann Friedrich Gmelin gave it its first scientific name. He called it Alauda rufa. The word rufa comes from Latin. It means "red" or "ruddy," which refers to some of the bird's reddish-brown feathers.
Later, the austral negrito was placed in a different genus called Lessonia. This new group was created in 1832 by William John Swainson. Today, the austral negrito is known by its scientific name, Lessonia rufa. It is the only species in its group that is recognized.
