Sincorá antwren facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Sincora antwren |
|
|---|---|
 |
|
| Adult male | |
| Conservation status | |
| Scientific classification | |
| Genus: |
Formicivora
|
| Species: |
grantsaui
|
 |
|
The Sincora antwren (Formicivora grantsaui) is a small bird. It belongs to a group called "typical antbirds". This bird is an Endangered Species, meaning it is at risk of disappearing. You can only find it in a small part of eastern Brazil.
Contents
About the Sincora Antwren
How it Got its Name
Scientists first described the Sincora antwren in 2007. They found it near a town called Mucugê in Bahia, Brazil. The bird's scientific name, grantsaui, honors Rolf Grantsau. He was a German naturalist who collected a specimen of this bird in 1965. Interestingly, another new bird, the Diamantina tapaculo, was also found in the same area that year.
The Sincora antwren is a unique species. It does not have any subspecies.
What it Looks Like
The Sincora antwren is about 12 to 13 centimeters (5 inches) long. It weighs between 8.5 and 11.5 grams. That's about as much as a few paper clips!
- Males: Adult males have a white stripe above their eye. This stripe goes down their neck and along their sides. Their head and back are deep brown. Their wings are black with white spots. Their tail feathers are gray and black with white tips. Their face, throat, and belly are black.
- Females: Adult females have a lighter brown head and back. They have a thin black line through their eye. Their face, throat, and chest are whitish with black stripes.
Both male and female Sincora antwrens have dark brown eyes. They have grayish-black skin around their eyes. Their legs and feet are dark gray. Males have a black beak. Females have a black beak with a bluish-gray base.
Where the Sincora Antwren Lives
The Sincora antwren lives in a place called the Serra do Sincorá. This area is part of the Espinhaço Mountains in Brazil. It is found in a special type of habitat called campo rupestre. This habitat has scrubby plants and grasses. It grows on poor soil among rocky areas, especially sandstone. These birds live at elevations between 850 and 1100 meters (about 2,800 to 3,600 feet).
Sincora Antwren Behavior
Movement and Daily Life
Scientists believe the Sincora antwren stays in its home area all year long. It does not migrate.
What it Eats
We don't know much about what the Sincora antwren eats. However, other birds in its family usually eat arthropods. These are creatures like insects and spiders. Sincora antwrens likely hunt for food in pairs or small family groups.
Sounds and Calls
The Sincora antwren has a special song. It sounds like a slow series of high-pitched "tjew" notes. It also has a unique alarm call. This call has more than two notes.
Protecting the Sincora Antwren
The IUCN (International Union for Conservation of Nature) first listed the Sincora antwren as "Near Threatened" in 2011. In 2016, its status was changed to "Endangered." This means it faces a high risk of extinction.
- Limited Space: Even though its habitat covers a large area, the bird is only found in about four specific spots. The actual area where they live is quite small.
- Population: We don't know exactly how many Sincora antwrens there are. However, their numbers seem to be stable.
- Threats: The biggest dangers to this bird are mining, logging, and fires. These activities destroy their habitat.
- Protection: Part of the Sincora antwren's home is protected. This is in the Chapada Diamantina National Park. This protection helps the plants grow back after mining. However, fires can still be a problem for their habitat. Brazilian authorities also consider this bird endangered.
