Javan shortwing facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Javan shortwing |
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|---|---|
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| in Jawa Barat, Jawa, Indonesia | |
| Conservation status | |
| Scientific classification | |
| Genus: |
Brachypteryx
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| Species: |
montana
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The Javan shortwing (Brachypteryx montana) is a small bird found only on the island of Java. It lives in montane forests, which are forests found in mountains. This bird belongs to the family of Old World flycatchers, called Muscicapidae.
Contents
About the Javan Shortwing
The Javan shortwing is a shy bird that likes to stay hidden. It usually stays on or near the ground, deep inside thick plants. It finds its food in these dark, leafy places.
What the Javan Shortwing Eats
This bird eats a variety of things. Its diet includes small insects and their larvae. It also enjoys berries, seeds, and the fresh new sprouts and buds of plants.
Where the Javan Shortwing Builds its Nest
When it's time to build a home, the Javan shortwing makes its nest from moss and grass stems. It places these nests in a dense shrub, keeping them well hidden and safe.
How Scientists Named This Bird
The Javan shortwing was officially described by an American naturalist named Thomas Horsfield in 1821. He gave it the scientific name Brachypteryx montana. This two-part name is called a binomial name.
Why the Name Changed
This bird used to be called the "white-browed shortwing." At that time, it included many different subspecies, which are like different groups within the same species.
However, scientists later discovered big differences between these groups. They found deep genetic differences, meaning their DNA was quite different. There were also clear differences in their feathers and the sounds they made.
Because of these discoveries, the white-browed shortwing was split into five separate species. The new species include:
- The Philippine shortwing (Brachypteryx poliogyna)
- The Bornean shortwing (Brachypteryx erythrogyna)
- The Sumatran shortwing (Brachypteryx saturata)
- The Flores shortwing (Brachypteryx floris)
The original white-browed shortwing, with its much smaller living area, was then renamed the Javan shortwing. Now, the Javan shortwing is considered monotypic. This means it does not have any recognized subspecies; it's just one distinct species.
