Greater Antillean elaenia facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Greater Antillean elaenia |
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| Conservation status | |
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| Genus: |
Elaenia
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| Species: |
fallax
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| Subspecies | |
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The Greater Antillean elaenia (its scientific name is Elaenia fallax) is a small bird. It belongs to the Tyrannidae family, which is a group of birds often called "tyrant flycatchers." These birds are known for catching insects in the air.
You can find this bird on the island of Hispaniola, which is shared by two countries: the Dominican Republic and Haiti. It also lives on the island of Jamaica.
These birds like to live in certain places. Their favorite homes are moist forests in warm, tropical areas. They can be found in lowland forests, which are close to sea level. They also live in moist montane forests, which are forests found higher up in the mountains.
What is a Subspecies?
Sometimes, animals of the same species can look a little different or live in different places. When these differences are big enough, but not quite enough to make them a completely new species, scientists call them subspecies. Think of them like different types of the same animal.
Scientists currently recognize two different subspecies of the Greater Antillean elaenia:
- Elaenia fallax fallax – This subspecies was first described by Philip Sclater in 1861. You can find this specific type of elaenia living in Jamaica.
- Elaenia fallax cherriei – This subspecies was described by Charles B. Cory in 1895. This type of elaenia lives on the island of Hispaniola, in both the Dominican Republic and Haiti.
Scientists have noticed that these two subspecies have some important differences. For example, their genes are quite different, and they also make different sounds or calls. Because of these differences, some scientists think that one day, these two subspecies might become separate species entirely!
See also
In Spanish: Fiofío canoso para niños
