Golden-collared honeycreeper facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Golden-collared honeycreeper |
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| Male in Ecuador | |
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| Genus: |
Iridophanes
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| Species: |
pulcherrimus
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The golden-collared honeycreeper (Iridophanes pulcherrimus) is a beautiful and somewhat rare bird. It belongs to the tanager family, which includes many colorful birds found in the Americas. This special bird is the only member of its genus called Iridophanes.
You can find the golden-collared honeycreeper in Colombia, Ecuador, and Peru. It lives in warm, wet montane forests, which are forests found on mountains. It can also be seen in areas where forests have been changed by people.
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About the Golden-Collared Honeycreeper
This bird is known for its striking looks. The males often have bright, rainbow-like colors, especially around their neck. They are usually found high up in the trees.
Where They Live
Golden-collared honeycreepers prefer tropical and subtropical mountain forests. These forests are often misty and full of tall trees. They need these specific habitats to find food and build their nests.
Naming and Discovery
The golden-collared honeycreeper was first officially described in 1853. An English zoologist named Philip Sclater gave it its first scientific name. He studied a bird specimen found near Bogotá in Colombia.
What the Name Means
The scientific name Iridophanes pulcherrimus tells us a lot about the bird. The genus name Iridophanes comes from Ancient Greek words. Iris means "rainbow," and -phanēs means "showing." So, Iridophanes means "showing rainbows." The species name pulcherrimus is a Latin word meaning "very beautiful." This name perfectly describes this colorful bird!
Bird Family Tree
Scientists use special studies to understand how birds are related. A study in 2014 looked at the tanager family. It found that the golden-collared honeycreeper is closely related to the green honeycreeper. They are like "sister species" in their bird family tree.
Different Types of Golden-Collared Honeycreepers
There are two main types, or subspecies, of the golden-collared honeycreeper:
- I. p. pulcherrimus: This type is found from central Colombia, through eastern Ecuador, and into south-central Peru.
- I. p. aureinucha: This type lives in western Colombia and northwestern Ecuador.
