Cajamarca antpitta facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Cajamarca antpitta |
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| Scientific classification | |
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Grallaria
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| Species: |
cajamarcae
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The Cajamarca antpitta (Grallaria cajamarcae) is a small bird that lives only in Peru. It belongs to a bird family called Grallariidae. This bird was once thought to be a type of rufous antpitta. But in 2020, scientists decided it was special enough to be its own unique species!
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What is the Cajamarca Antpitta?
The Cajamarca antpitta is a type of bird known for its shy nature. It often hides in the thick parts of the forest. These birds are usually heard more often than they are seen. They have special calls that help scientists tell them apart.
How Was It Discovered?
In 1927, a scientist named Chapman first described the Cajamarca antpitta. At that time, it was considered a subspecies. This means it was seen as a different kind of the same species.
However, in 2020, a new study looked closely at these birds. Scientists found that the Cajamarca antpitta had unique calls. It also had slightly different plumage (feather colors). Plus, its DNA was different from other similar birds. Because of these differences, it was officially made its own species.
The bird is named after the Cajamarca region in Peru. This is where most of these birds live. Its scientific name, cajamarcae, also honors this region.
Where Does the Cajamarca Antpitta Live?
The Cajamarca antpitta lives only in the north-western Andes mountains of Peru. It is found west of the Marañón River. You can find it in three specific areas of Peru. These areas are called Cajamarca, Piura, and Lambayeque.
Its Home in the Andes
These birds live high up in the mountains. They are found at elevations between 2,850 and 3,400 meters. That's like living on top of some very tall mountains!
Their favorite home is in humid mountain forests. They also like the edges of these forests. They prefer to stay in the lower parts of the forest. This means they are often found near the ground or in the understory.
You might see them most often near the city of Cajamarca. This city is the capital of the Cajamarca region. They can also be found in a special protected area. This area is called the Pagaibamba Protection Forest.
Two rivers, the Marañón and Huancabamba rivers, act like natural borders. They separate the Cajamarca antpitta from a bird called the Equatorial antpitta. These two birds are very closely related.
