Bolivian earthcreeper facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Bolivian earthcreeper |
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| Conservation status | |
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| Genus: |
Tarphonomus
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| Species: |
harterti
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| Synonyms | |
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Ochetorhynchus harterti |
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The Bolivian earthcreeper (Tarphonomus harterti) is a small bird that lives in parts of Argentina and Bolivia. It is part of the ovenbird family, called Furnariidae. These birds are known for building unique nests.
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Understanding the Bolivian Earthcreeper's Family Tree
Scientists group living things into families. The Bolivian earthcreeper is in the Tarphonomus group. For a while, it was placed in other groups like Ochetorhynchus or Upucerthia. But since the early 2000s, experts agree it belongs in Tarphonomus. This bird is the only type of Bolivian earthcreeper.
What Does the Bolivian Earthcreeper Look Like?
This bird is about 16 centimeters (6.3 inches) long. It weighs between 22 and 26 grams (about 0.8 to 0.9 ounces). It is a small bird with a long, slightly curved beak. Both male and female birds look alike.
- Face: They have a wide, light-colored stripe above their eye. Their face is mostly dark brownish.
- Body: Their head is dark brown. Their back and rump are a rich brown color. The feathers covering their tail are reddish-brown.
- Tail: Most of their tail feathers are reddish-brown at the bottom. They fade to a dark brown at the tips. The very outer tail feathers are completely reddish-brown.
- Wings: Their wings are a rich brown. The flight feathers have dark reddish-brown bases.
- Underparts: Their throat and cheeks are white. Their chest and belly are a light cinnamon-buff color. Their sides are reddish-brown. The feathers under their tail are a dull reddish-brown.
- Eyes, Beak, and Legs: Their eyes are brown. The top part of their beak is blackish. The bottom part is pale with a blackish tip. Their legs and feet are brownish-olive or gray.
Where Do Bolivian Earthcreepers Live?
The Bolivian earthcreeper lives in the Andes mountains. You can find them in southern Bolivia in areas like Cochabamba, Santa Cruz, and Chuquisaca. Some experts also say they live in northern Argentina.
These birds prefer dry mountain areas. They live in scrublands with short, leafy trees that lose their leaves. They are found at heights between 1,400 and 3,000 meters (about 4,600 to 9,800 feet) above sea level.
How Do Bolivian Earthcreepers Behave?
Staying in One Place: Movement Habits
The Bolivian earthcreeper does not migrate. It stays in the same area all year long.
What Do Bolivian Earthcreepers Eat?
This bird mainly eats small insects and other arthropods. Sometimes, it also eats tiny molluscs, like snails. It usually looks for food alone. It pecks and probes for prey on the ground. It also searches in cracks in rocks.
Raising Young: Breeding Habits
Scientists do not know much about how Bolivian earthcreepers raise their young. However, they believe these birds build nests and lay eggs during the summer months in the southern part of the world.
What Sounds Do Bolivian Earthcreepers Make?
The Bolivian earthcreeper has a special song. It is a series of 7 to 15 loud, clear "zeet" notes. These notes get louder and lower in pitch. The song ends with a chattering sound. Its call is a sharp "bzeeeeeep" or "dzyoot" sound, which it repeats often. It can also make a high-pitched, whistling sound like "dzeea."
Is the Bolivian Earthcreeper in Danger?
The IUCN (International Union for Conservation of Nature) says the Bolivian earthcreeper is a species of "Least Concern." This means it is not currently in danger of disappearing. Even though its home range is a bit small, and its population size is unknown and might be shrinking, there are no big threats right now. The bird is not very common. It can handle some changes to its habitat. This includes areas where animals graze too much or where trees are cut for firewood.
