Emin's shrike facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Emin's shrike |
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| Conservation status | |
Scientific classification  |
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| Kingdom: | Animalia |
| Phylum: | Chordata |
| Class: | Aves |
| Order: | Passeriformes |
| Family: | Laniidae |
| Genus: | Lanius |
| Species: |
L. gubernator
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| Binomial name | |
| Lanius gubernator Hartlaub, 1882
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Emin's shrike (Lanius gubernator) is a small bird that belongs to the shrike family. Shrikes are known for their strong beaks and how they hunt. This special bird lives in different parts of Africa, from the Ivory Coast all the way to South Sudan and Uganda.
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Understanding Emin's Shrike: Classification
Scientists use a system called taxonomy to group living things. This helps us understand how different species are related. Emin's shrike was first officially described in 1882. A German doctor and bird expert named Gustav Hartlaub gave it its scientific name.
At first, people thought Emin's shrike was closely related to the red-backed shrike. This was because they look a bit alike. However, later studies looked at their DNA. These studies showed that Emin's shrike is actually more closely related to Mackinnon's shrike.
Emin's shrike is part of the Lanius genus. This genus belongs to the Laniidae family, which is the shrike family. All these birds are also part of a larger group called Passeriformes, which includes all perching birds.
The Name Behind the Bird: Etymology
The genus name Lanius comes from a Latin word meaning "butcher." This is because some shrikes are called "butcherbirds." They have a special way of storing their food. They might stick their prey onto thorns or sharp branches.
The specific name, gubernator, means "governor." Both this name and the common name "Emin's shrike" honor a person. They refer to Emin Pasha. He was a German-born governor in an area of Egypt along the upper Nile River. Emin Pasha helped collect some of the first birds that were used to describe this species.
What Emin's Shrike Looks Like: Description
Emin's shrike looks a bit like the red-backed shrike. But it is smaller and has darker colors. It has a black "mask" that goes from its beak, through its eye, and to its ear. This black mask separates its grey head from its white throat.
The top part of its body is brown. Its chest, belly, and under the tail are a dark, pale yellow-brown color. Its tail is black with white on the sides and a white tip. You can also see a clear white patch on its wing feathers.
Male and female Emin's shrikes look quite similar. Females are usually a bit duller than males. Their backs are browner, and their grey heads might have a brownish tint. Young birds are brownish with blackish bars on their upper parts. Their undersides are pale yellow-brown with blackish bars.
This is the smallest bird in the Lanius genus. It is about 14 to 15 centimeters (about 5.5 to 6 inches) long.
Where Emin's Shrike Lives: Distribution and Habitat
Emin's shrike is found in western and north-central Africa. It lives in different areas that form a broken belt north of the equator. You can find it in places like Mali and the Ivory Coast. It also lives east to South Sudan and northern Uganda.
We know for sure that they breed in Nigeria, Ghana, and the Democratic Republic of Congo. They have also been seen in the Central African Republic and Benin. This bird likes areas with savanna, open woodlands, and clearings in forests. This includes old farm fields and places where people used to live.
Emin's Shrike Behavior and Life Cycle: Biology
Not a lot is known about Emin's shrike. Sometimes, they are seen in small groups. But usually, you will see them alone or in pairs. They are often easy to spot. They like to perch on top of bushes or on power lines.
Their hunting style is typical for shrikes. They usually swoop down from a perch to catch food on the ground. Sometimes, they will also catch insects in the air.
Scientists still don't know much about their nests or eggs. We only know about their breeding from seeing adult birds feeding young ones. Young birds with barred feathers have been seen in the Democratic Republic of Congo in July. This suggests that they might start breeding when the rainy season begins, around March or April.
 | Kyle Baker |
 | Joseph Yoakum |
 | Laura Wheeler Waring |
 | Henry Ossawa Tanner |
