Chatham fernbird facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Chatham fernbird |
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| Chatham fernbird below | |
| Conservation status | |
| Scientific classification | |
| Genus: |
Poodytes
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| Species: |
rufescens
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| Synonyms | |
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Bowdleria rufescens |
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The Chatham fernbird (Poodytes rufescens) was a type of bird that lived only on the Chatham Islands. These islands are located far out in the Pacific Ocean. This bird is now extinct, meaning it no longer exists. It was once found on Mangere Island. Its bones have also been found on Pitt Island and Chatham Island.
The Chatham fernbird was closely related to the New Zealand fernbird. Scientists used to think it was a subspecies of the New Zealand fernbird. But now, most experts agree it was its own unique species.
Description
The Chatham fernbird grew to about 18 centimeters (7 inches) long. Its wings were about 5.9 to 6.7 centimeters long. It looked a bit different from its relative, the New Zealand fernbird.
The Chatham fernbird had white feathers on its belly that were not spotted. It also had a chestnut brown cap on its head. A clear white spot was visible near its eyes. Its back was a dark red-brown color. This bird ate insects. We do not know much more about its daily life or habits.
Extinction
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The first Chatham fernbird known to science was found in 1868. A New Zealand scientist named Charles Traill collected it on Mangere Island. He sent it to Sir Walter Buller. Buller then described it as a new species in 1869.
By 1871, the bird was quite common on Mangere Island. However, its numbers were already decreasing on Pitt Island. The Chatham fernbird became extinct due to several reasons. These included brush fires that destroyed its home. Animals like goats and rabbits ate too much of the plants it needed. Also, new animals like rats and wild cats hunted the birds.
The very last known bird was collected in 1895. This happened shortly after cats were brought to Mangere Island. By 1900, the Chatham fernbird was officially considered extinct.
You can see specimens of the Chatham fernbird in several museums. These include the Auckland War Memorial Museum in New Zealand. Other museums are in Harvard, Berlin, Chicago, Christchurch, and the Natural History Museum in London. You can also find them in the World Museum Liverpool, the American Museum of Natural History, and museums in Paris, Pittsburgh, and Stockholm.
See also
In Spanish: Yerbera de las Chatham para niños
