Goldenface facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Goldenface |
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| Illustration by John Gould and W. Hart | |
| Conservation status | |
Scientific classification  |
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| Kingdom: | Animalia |
| Phylum: | Chordata |
| Class: | Aves |
| Order: | Passeriformes |
| Family: | Acanthizidae |
| Genus: | Pachycare Gould, 1876 |
| Species: |
P. flavogriseum
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| Binomial name | |
| Pachycare flavogriseum (A.B. Meyer, 1874)
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| Subspecies | |
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The goldenface (Pachycare flavogriseum) is a small passerine bird. It is found only on the island of New Guinea. This bird is the only species in its group, called a monotypic genus. Its scientific name is Pachycare flavogriseum.
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What is the Goldenface?
Scientists are still learning where the goldenface fits in the bird family tree. Some think it belongs with the whistlers. This is because of its bright yellow feathers and its unique voice. It is sometimes called the dwarf whistler.
Others have suggested it might be related to Australasian robins. But its nest looks very different from robin nests. In fact, its nests look more like those of thornbills. A study in 2009 used DNA to look at its relationships. This study suggested the goldenface is indeed part of the thornbill family.
There are four types, or subspecies, of goldenface. They are Pachycare flavogriseum flavogriseum, P. f. subaurantium, P. f. subpallidum, and P. f. lecroyae.
Where Goldenfaces Live
The goldenface lives only on the island of New Guinea. You can find it in both Papua (Indonesia) and Papua New Guinea.
These birds prefer to live in hill and mountain forests. They are usually found at heights between 400 and 1800 meters (about 1,300 to 5,900 feet). They are more common in thick forests at higher elevations.
How to Spot a Goldenface
The goldenface is a small bird, about 13 centimeters (5 inches) long. It weighs between 14 and 19 grams (about half an ounce).
Its plumage (feathers) are very colorful. The most common type has a slate-grey back, tail, and wings. Its head and the back of its neck are also grey. But its face, throat, chest, and belly are bright yellow. A black line goes from its head to its shoulder. The tips of its wing feathers are black and white. Its eyes and bill are black, and its legs are pink.
Male and female goldenfaces look a little different. This is called sexual dimorphism. Females have a slightly darker patch on their face. Young birds look similar to the female. The other three subspecies look much like the main type. They have small differences in their feather colors.
Goldenface Habits
Goldenfaces mainly eat insects and spiders. They find their food by picking it off the outer leaves of trees. They usually search in the middle parts of the forest. Sometimes, they go higher up into the treetops. Goldenfaces might also join other bird species when they are looking for food. This is called a mixed-species feeding flock.
Nesting and Chicks
Not much is known about how goldenfaces raise their young. They might breed at certain times of the year. Birds ready to breed have been seen in August and October. Eggs and baby birds have been found from June to November.
Both parents help build the nest. It is shaped like a ball with an entrance that points downwards.
 | Emma Amos |
 | Edward Mitchell Bannister |
 | Larry D. Alexander |
 | Ernie Barnes |
