Fülleborn's longclaw facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Fülleborn's longclaw |
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The Fülleborn's longclaw (Macronyx fuelleborni) is a special bird. It belongs to the wagtail family, called Motacillidae. You can find this bird in wet, grassy areas across south-central Africa. It's known for its bright colors and unique look.
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Discovering Fülleborn's Longclaw Types
Did you know there are two main types, or subspecies, of Fülleborn's longclaws? These are slightly different groups within the same species.
Where Each Subspecies Lives
- The Macronyx fuellebornii ascensi type lives in places like Angola. You can also find it in the central and southern parts of the Democratic Republic of Congo. It lives in Zambia, west of the Luangwa River valley. Sometimes, it is even seen in the very north of Namibia. This subspecies was first described by Tommaso Salvadori in 1907.
- The M. f. fuelleborni type is found only in southwestern Tanzania. Anton Reichenow first described this specific type in 1900.
What Does Fülleborn's Longclaw Look Like?
The Fülleborn's longclaw is a beautiful bird. It looks a bit like the yellow-throated longclaw. However, it is a little smaller and has a more solid build.
Key Features of This Bird
Adult Fülleborn's longclaws have a bright yellow throat. This yellow patch is surrounded by a clear black band. Young birds, called juveniles, have a duller yellow throat. They do not have the black band. Juveniles might also have some faint streaks on their chest. These streaks are much less noticeable than on other similar birds.
Where in the World Do They Live?
Fülleborn's longclaws live in western central Africa. Their home stretches from southwestern Tanzania all the way to Angola. They are sometimes seen in the very northern part of Namibia, but this is rare.
Home and Habits of Fülleborn's Longclaw
This bird loves wet, grassy places. You will often find them near water. They usually live in areas that are higher than 1,000 meters (about 3,280 feet) above sea level.
What Do They Eat?
Fülleborn's longclaws mainly eat insects. They especially enjoy munching on grasshoppers and beetles. They also like to eat termites and spiders.
How Do They Build Nests?
These birds build their nests on the ground. They usually do this during the rainy season. This is when there is plenty of food and water for their young.
Keeping Fülleborn's Longclaw Safe
The Fülleborn's longclaw has a very wide range where it lives. There are also many of these birds. Because of this, groups like Birdlife International and the IUCN say they are of "Least Concern." This means they are not currently in danger of disappearing.
How Did This Bird Get Its Name?
The name of this bird, both its specific scientific name and its common name, honors a German doctor. His name was Friedrich Fülleborn (1866-1933). He was a military doctor and also studied parasites.
