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Buff-bridled Inca finch facts for kids

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Buff-bridled Inca finch
Buff-bridled Inca-Finch - Incaspiza laeta (cropped).jpg
Conservation status
Scientific classification
Genus:
Incaspiza
Species:
laeta
Incaspiza laeta map.svg

The buff-bridled Inca finch (Incaspiza laeta) is a small bird that lives only in Peru. It's a special kind of bird because it's found nowhere else in the world! Scientists usually group it with birds in the Emberizidae family, like sparrows and buntings. However, some think it might be more closely related to the Thraupidae family, which includes tanagers.

This finch makes its home in warm, dry forests and high-up shrubland areas in the mountains. Imagine places with lots of bushes and small trees, often found in tropical or subtropical regions.

What is the Buff-Bridled Inca Finch?

The buff-bridled Inca finch is a unique bird. Its name comes from the "buff" or yellowish-brown stripe that looks like a bridle across its face. This bird is part of the Incaspiza group, which are finches named after the ancient Inca civilization of Peru.

Where Does It Live?

This finch is an endemic species, which means it lives only in Peru. You won't find it flying around in any other country! Its natural habitats are:

  • Subtropical or tropical dry forests: These are forests in warm areas that have a long dry season. The trees might lose their leaves during this time.
  • Subtropical or tropical high-altitude shrubland: These are areas high up in the mountains, but still in warm regions. Instead of tall trees, you'll find lots of shrubs and bushes.

How Are Birds Grouped?

Scientists group birds into different families based on their features and how they are related. The buff-bridled Inca finch has traditionally been placed in the Emberizidae family. This family includes many types of sparrows and buntings. However, some scientists believe it might actually belong to the Thraupidae family, which is a large group of colorful birds like tanagers. This shows that sometimes, even scientists debate where a species fits best!

Is It Endangered?

According to the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN), the buff-bridled Inca finch is listed as "Least Concern" (LC). This is good news! It means that its population is currently stable and not considered to be at risk of extinction. However, it's always important to protect their habitats to keep them safe for the future.

Who Discovered This Bird?

The buff-bridled Inca finch was first described by a scientist named Osbert Salvin in 1895. When a scientist "describes" a species, it means they officially name it and write down its unique features so others can identify it.

See Also

Kids robot.svg In Spanish: Incaspiza bigotudo para niños

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