Forest robin facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Forest robin |
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_Ankasa.jpg) |
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| Ankasa Forest Reserve, Ghana | |
| Conservation status | |
| Scientific classification | |
| Genus: |
Stiphrornis
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| Species: |
erythrothorax
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The forest robin or orange-breasted forest robin (Stiphrornis erythrothorax) is a small bird found in Central and West Africa. It is the only species in its group, called Stiphrornis. Scientists used to place it in the thrush family, but now it is usually considered part of the Muscicapidae family, which includes birds known as chats.
Most scientists think the forest robin is one species. However, some studies suggest there might be as many as eight different types. This little bird is about 12 cm (4+3⁄4 in) long. It has dark feathers on its back and a bright yellow-orange or deep orange throat and chest. The exact color can depend on where the bird lives.
What Does the Forest Robin Look Like?
The forest robin is a small bird, usually around 12 cm (4+3⁄4 in) from its beak to its tail. Its upper body, like its back and wings, is covered in dark feathers.
The most striking feature of this bird is its chest and throat. These areas can be a bright yellow-orange or a deeper orange color. The exact shade of orange can vary slightly among different groups of forest robins.
Understanding Forest Robin Types
Scientists who study birds often group them into different types. For the forest robin, there's been some debate about how many different kinds there are. Most experts agree it's one main species. However, some research suggests there could be several distinct types.
This idea of different types started in 1999. Researchers looked at how the birds were related and suggested that several groups, once thought to be just different versions of the forest robin, should be seen as their own species. For example, the Gabon forest robin and the Yellow-bellied forest robin were once considered subspecies.
Later, in 2008, another type called the Olive-backed forest robin was discovered. Its unique features also added to the discussion about how many distinct forest robin species exist. In 2016, three more types were identified: the Dahomey forest robin, the Ghana forest robin, and Rudder's forest robin.
These discoveries show that the world of bird classification is always changing. Scientists continue to study these birds to understand their relationships better.
Different Kinds of Forest Robins
Even though scientists are still discussing how many distinct species there are, here are the different types of forest robins that have been identified:
- Olive-backed forest robin (Stiphrornis erythrothorax pyrrholaemus)
- Western forest robin (Stiphrornis erythrothorax erythrothorax)
- Gabon forest robin (Stiphrornis erythrothorax gabonensis)
- Dahomey forest robin (Stiphrornis erythrothorax dahomeyensis)
- Ghana forest robin (Stiphrornis erythrothorax inexpectatus)
- Eastern forest robin (Stiphrornis erythrothorax xanthogaster)
- Sangha forest robin (Stiphrornis erythrothorax sanghensis)
- Rudder's forest robin (Stiphrornis erythrothorax rudderi)
