Daurian redstart facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Daurian redstart |
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| Adult male | |
| Conservation status | |
| Scientific classification | |
| Genus: |
Phoenicurus
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| Species: |
auroreus
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The Daurian redstart (Phoenicurus auroreus) is a small, colorful bird found in Asia. It's known for its bright orange and black feathers, especially in males. This bird is a type of passerine, which means it's a perching bird. It was first described by a scientist named Peter Simon Pallas in 1776.
Contents
Meet the Daurian Redstart: Appearance and Family
The Daurian redstart is a small bird, usually about 14 to 15 centimeters (5.5 to 6 inches) long. It weighs between 11 and 20 grams, which is about as much as a few quarters!
Spotting the Differences: Males and Females
Male and female Daurian redstarts look quite different. This is called sexual dimorphism.
- Males: Breeding males have a grey head and neck, with a lighter forehead. Their face and chin are black. Their back and wings are brownish, but they have a big white patch on their wings. Their chest, lower back, and rump (the area above the tail) are bright orange. Their tail is black with orange sides. Young males look similar but their colors are not as bright.
- Females: Females are warm brown on top and lighter brown underneath. They also have an orange rump and orange sides on their tail, just like the males. They have a large white wing patch, similar to the males.
Both males and females have black beaks, eyes, legs, and feet.
Bird Family Tree: Where Do They Belong?
Scientists used to think the Daurian redstart belonged to the thrush family (Turdidae). But now, most agree it's part of the Old World flycatcher family (Muscicapidae). This shows how our understanding of nature can change as we learn more!
There are two main types, or subspecies, of Daurian redstarts:
- P. a. auroreus is found in the eastern parts of their range.
- P. a. leucopterus is found in the western parts.
The Daurian redstart is closely related to other redstarts found in Eurasia. These include the black redstart, Hodgson's redstart, and the white-winged redstart. Scientists believe these birds all started to become separate species about 3 to 1.5 million years ago. This happened during a time when Earth's climate was changing a lot, with many ice ages starting.
Where Do Daurian Redstarts Live?
You can find Daurian redstarts in places like Manchuria, southeastern Russia, northeastern Mongolia, central China, and Korea.
Traveling Birds: Migration Habits
These birds are migratory. This means they don't stay in one place all year round.
- The P. a. auroreus subspecies spends its winters in Korea, Japan, the southeast coast of China, and Taiwan.
- The P. a. leucopterus subspecies travels to northeast India and parts of Southeast Asia for the winter.
Their Favorite Places to Call Home
Daurian redstarts like to live in open forests and at the edges of forests. They also enjoy areas where forests meet farms. You can often spot them in parks and gardens in cities too! They are quite friendly birds and often let people get close before they fly away. They usually breed during the summer months.
Are They in Danger?
No, the Daurian redstart is not considered a threatened species. It is widespread and quite common, which is good news for this beautiful bird!
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