Golden-backed mountain tanager facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Golden-backed mountain tanager |
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| Conservation status | |
| Scientific classification | |
| Genus: |
Cnemathraupis
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| Species: |
aureodorsalis
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| Synonyms | |
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Buthraupis aureodorsalis |
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The golden-backed mountain tanager (scientific name: Cnemathraupis aureodorsalis) is a beautiful bird. It is part of the tanager family. This bird is quite large and has bright colors.
It is an endangered species. This means there are not many of these birds left in the wild. They live only in a special type of elfin forest in the Andean mountains of central Peru. These forests are often misty and have small, twisted trees. The biggest threat to these birds is habitat loss. This means their forest homes are disappearing.
Contents
What is a Golden-backed Mountain Tanager?
The golden-backed mountain tanager is a type of songbird. It belongs to the tanager family, which has many colorful birds. This specific bird is known for its bright feathers. It has a striking golden patch on its back. This makes it stand out in the green forest.
Where Does This Bird Live?
This special bird lives only in the high mountains of central Peru. It prefers what scientists call "elfin forests." These are unique forests found at high altitudes. They are often covered in mist and clouds. The trees there are usually small and twisted. This habitat is very specific. It is the only place where the golden-backed mountain tanager can survive.
Why is the Golden-backed Mountain Tanager Endangered?
The main reason this bird is endangered is habitat loss. People are cutting down the forests where these birds live. This happens for farming, logging, and other human activities. When their forest home disappears, the birds have nowhere to live. They also lose their food sources and safe places to build nests. Protecting these forests is very important for the birds' survival.
The Story of Its Scientific Name
Scientists often change how they group animals as they learn more. The golden-backed mountain tanager was once in a group called Buthraupis. In 2010, scientists did a special study. They looked closely at the birds' DNA. This study helped them understand how different bird species are related. They found that Buthraupis was not a single, clear group. Because of this, the golden-backed mountain tanager was moved. It now belongs to an older, "resurrected" group called Cnemathraupis. This new name helps scientists better understand its family tree.
Images for kids
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A golden-backed mountain tanager perched on a branch.
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Map showing the range of the golden-backed mountain tanager in Peru.
