Coal-crested finch facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Coal-crested finch |
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;_Cod%C3%B3;_Maranh%C3%A3o,_Brazil.jpg) |
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| male at Codó, Maranhão, Brazil | |
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Charitospiza
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| Species: |
eucosma
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The coal-crested finch (scientific name: Charitospiza eucosma) is a small, pretty bird. It belongs to the Thraupidae family, which includes many types of tanagers. This bird is special because it's the only species in its group, called the Charitospiza genus.
Scientists used to think it was part of the sparrow family. But newer studies, looking at the birds' DNA, showed it's actually a tanager.
You can find the coal-crested finch mostly in a unique area of Brazil called the Cerrado. It also lives in small parts of Bolivia and northern Argentina. Its favorite place to live is dry savanna areas. These birds eat seeds from plants that grow only in these special habitats. Sadly, their homes are shrinking, which means this bird is facing a threat.
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About the Coal-crested Finch
The coal-crested finch is known for its distinctive look. Males often have a dark, almost black, crest on their heads, which gives them their name. They are relatively small birds, fitting right into the savanna environment.
These birds are quite shy and can be hard to spot. They spend their days looking for seeds on the ground. Their diet is very specific to the plants found in the Cerrado. This makes them very dependent on this particular habitat.
Where They Live: The Cerrado
The Cerrado is a huge area in Brazil. It's a type of tropical savanna. Think of it as a mix of grasslands, woodlands, and forests. It has a dry season and a wet season. Many unique plants and animals live there, including the coal-crested finch.
The Cerrado is very important for biodiversity. This means it has a wide variety of life. It's like a special treasure chest of nature. Protecting this area helps many species, not just the finch.
Why They Are Threatened
The biggest challenge for the coal-crested finch is habitat loss. This means the places where they live are disappearing. People are clearing land in the Cerrado for farms and other developments. When their habitat is destroyed, these birds lose their homes and their food sources.
Because the finch relies on specific plants in the savanna, it's hard for them to move to new places. Conservation efforts are important to protect the Cerrado. This helps ensure the coal-crested finch and other animals have a safe place to live.
Naming the Finch
The coal-crested finch was officially named in 1905. An American bird expert named Harry C. Oberholser gave it its scientific name, Charitospiza eucosma.
- The first part, Charitospiza, comes from two old Greek words: kharis, meaning "grace" or "beauty," and spiza, meaning "finch." So, it's like a "beautiful finch."
- The second part, eucosma, also comes from old Greek. It means "well-adorned" or "decorous." This name fits the bird's neat and striking appearance.
Gallery
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Charitospiza eucosma, 1838
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Coal-crested finch
