Chuuk monarch facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Chuuk monarch |
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_-_Monarchidae_-_bird_skin_specimen.jpeg) |
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| Conservation status | |
| Scientific classification | |
| Genus: |
Metabolus
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| Species: |
rugensis
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| Synonyms | |
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The Chuuk monarch (also called the Truk monarch) is a special kind of bird. It belongs to a bird family called Monarchidae. This bird is found only on the island of Chuuk in Micronesia. This means it is an endemic species, living nowhere else in the world!
Contents
What's in a Name? (Taxonomy)
Scientists give every living thing a special name. This helps them organize and study nature. The Chuuk monarch's scientific name is Metabolus rugensis. When it was first discovered, scientists thought it belonged to a different group of birds called Muscicapa.
What Does It Look Like?
The Chuuk monarch is a fairly large bird, about 20 centimeters (8 inches) long. Its feathers are very interesting because males and females look quite different.
Male and Female Differences
- Male Chuuk monarchs are mostly white. They have a black face and a black throat.
- Female Chuuk monarchs are completely black.
Both male and female Chuuk monarchs have a large, pale blue beak.
Where Does It Live? (Habitat)
The Chuuk monarch lives only on Chuuk Island. It likes to live in several types of places:
- Dry forests in warm areas.
- Mangrove forests, which are found near the coast.
- Moist forests on mountains.
- Wet shrubland areas.
- Even in plantations, which are farms where trees are grown.
Why Is It in Danger?
Sadly, the Chuuk monarch is a threatened species. Its biggest problem is habitat loss. This means the places where it lives are disappearing. As the island develops, more and more of its forest home is cut down. This makes it harder for the Chuuk monarch to find food and raise its young.
