Blackish cinclodes facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Blackish cinclodes |
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| Genus: |
Cinclodes
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| Species: |
antarcticus
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The blackish cinclodes (Cinclodes antarcticus) is a type of passerine bird. It belongs to a group of birds called Cinclodes, which are part of the ovenbird family, Furnariidae. This bird lives in the very southern part of South America, including the Falkland Islands. On the Falklands, people often call it the tussac-bird or tussock-bird. These birds are known for being very friendly and often come close to people.
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What Does a Blackish Cinclodes Look Like?
This bird is about 18 to 23 centimeters (7 to 9 inches) long. Both male and female blackish cinclodes look very similar. Their feathers are almost completely dark brown. Their throat is a bit lighter brown and has some small, pale spots. You might also notice a faint light stripe above their eye. There's also a slight reddish-brown bar on their wings.
Their bill is quite long and strong, curving slightly downwards. Birds not from the Falklands often have a pale yellow spot at the base of their bill.
Sounds and Calls
The blackish cinclodes makes loud, high-pitched sounds. Its trilling song can be heard when it's sitting on a branch or even when it's flying.
Where Do Blackish Cinclodes Live?
The blackish cinclodes loves to live near coasts and on islands. You can often find it among rocks, in kelp (a type of seaweed) on beaches, and in areas with tussac grass.
There are two main types, or subspecies, of blackish cinclodes. One type, called C. a. antarcticus, lives on the Falkland Islands. It's common on many smaller islands there. However, it's harder to find on West and East Falkland because of animals like cats and rats that were brought to the islands and hunt these birds.
The other type, C. a. maculirostris, lives in the very southern parts of Chile and Argentina. This includes Tierra del Fuego and the islands nearby.
What Do Blackish Cinclodes Eat?
The blackish cinclodes mainly eats small invertebrates, which are creatures without backbones, like insects. But their diet can be quite varied! They also eat fish that have been thrown up by seabirds near their nesting areas. Sometimes, they even eat crumbs left by humans or small pieces of carrion (dead animals). They often look for food among seaweed washed up on the beach or right along the water's edge.
How Do Blackish Cinclodes Raise Their Young?
The breeding season for the blackish cinclodes runs from September to December. They often raise two groups of young birds during this time.
Their nest is shaped like a cup and is made from grass. They line the inside with soft feathers. They usually build their nests under rocks, inside clumps of grass, under buildings, or in a hole in the ground. The female bird lays one to three eggs. These eggs are white, sometimes with a few red spots. The parents incubate (sit on) the eggs for about two weeks. After the chicks hatch, they stay in the nest for another two weeks before they are ready to fledge (fly for the first time).
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