Seychelles magpie-robin facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Seychelles magpie-robin |
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| On the Seychelles | |
| Conservation status | |
| Scientific classification | |
| Genus: |
Copsychus
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| Species: |
sechellarum
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The Seychelles magpie-robin (Copsychus sechellarum) is a special bird found only on the Seychelles islands in the Indian Ocean. This medium-sized bird is currently listed as an endangered species.
Contents
About the Seychelles Magpie-Robin
What Does This Bird Look Like?
The Seychelles magpie-robin is about 25 centimeters (10 inches) long. Females weigh around 65 grams (2.3 ounces), and males are a bit heavier at 76 grams (2.7 ounces). This makes them one of the larger birds in their family, the Muscicapidae.
They have shiny, coal-black feathers all over their body. Each wing has a clear white stripe, which helps them stand out. These birds are known to live a long time, often more than 15 years!
Where Does the Magpie-Robin Live?
These birds make their homes in forests, on farms, and even near gardens. They like areas with open ground and lots of fallen leaves. Historically, they lived on most of the larger Seychelles islands.
Saving the Seychelles Magpie-Robin
Why Were They in Danger?
In the past, the Seychelles magpie-robin faced big problems. Their homes were destroyed, and new animals like pet cats and rats were brought to the islands. These new animals hunted the birds, which made their numbers drop very quickly.
By 1970, there were only 16 Seychelles magpie-robins left in the world! All of them lived on just one island called Frégate Island. They were very close to disappearing forever.
How Were They Rescued?
For the next 20 years, people worked hard to protect these birds. By 1990, their population had slowly grown to 21 birds. That same year, an organization called BirdLife International started a big effort to save them.
To help the birds, some were moved to new, safe islands. In 1994, some birds went to Cousin Island. In 1995, more moved to Cousine Island. Later, in 2002, birds were taken to Aride Island, and in 2008, to Denis Island. This helped spread the birds out and create new safe places for them.
Where Are They Now?
Thanks to these efforts, the Seychelles magpie-robin now lives on five different islands! In 2012, there were between 244 and 248 birds in total.
- Frégate Island: 115 birds
- Cousin Island: 38 birds
- Cousine Island: 31 birds
- Aride Island: 24 birds
- Denis Island: 36-40 birds
Because their numbers have grown, the IUCN (International Union for Conservation of Nature) changed their status. They are no longer "Critically Endangered" but are now listed as "Endangered." This is still serious, but it shows great progress! Scientists are still watching them closely to make sure they stay healthy.
A Special Bird on Money
The Seychelles magpie-robin is so important that it is featured on the latest 25 Seychelles rupee banknotes. These banknotes, released in 2016, celebrate the local birds of the Seychelles.
