Kinglet calyptura facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Kinglet calyptura |
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| Kinglet calyptura illustrated by William John Swainson | |
| Conservation status | |
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| Genus: |
Calyptura
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| Species: |
cristata
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| Synonyms | |
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Pardalotus cristatus Vieillot, 1818 |
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The kinglet calyptura (Calyptura cristata) is a tiny passerine bird. It's the only bird in its group, called Calyptura, within the family Tyrannidae. For a long time, people thought it belonged to the Cotinga family.
This special bird lives only in the Atlantic forest in south-eastern Brazil. For many years, people worried it was extinct because no one saw it during the whole 20th century. But then, in October 1996, two of these birds were spotted in Serra dos Órgãos! Since then, there haven't been any confirmed sightings, though there's one unconfirmed report from near Ubatuba. Because it's so rare, the kinglet calyptura is now considered Critically Endangered by BirdLife International.
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What's in a Name?
The kinglet calyptura was first described in 1818. Its scientific name, Pardalotus cristatus, was given by Louis Pierre Vieillot. Later, it was placed in its own unique group, Calyptura.
The name Calyptura comes from ancient Greek words meaning "to cover" and "tail." This describes the bird's very short tail, which is almost hidden by its feathers. The word cristata comes from Latin and means "crested," referring to a crest on its head. Another common name for this bird is Kinglet Cotinga.
Appearance and Sounds
When it was thought to be a cotinga, the kinglet calyptura was the smallest bird in that family.
This tiny bird has a surprisingly loud call for its size. People have described its call as short, rough, and not very pleasant.
Where It Lives
We don't have much information about where the kinglet calyptura lives because it's so hard to find. Scientists think these birds might move to different altitudes depending on the season and what food is available.
They can live in forests that have been regrown after being cut down, but they usually prefer forests in the foothills of mountains.
Daily Life and Habits
Kinglet calypturas are usually seen in pairs. They are very active, climbing in all directions on lianas (vines) to find food. They eat both insects and small berries, depending on the time of year.
They especially like fruits from plants called Marianeira, which are two types of shrubs found in Brazil. These birds have also been seen looking for food inside the rosettes of bromeliad leaves, where dew often collects.
Why It's Endangered
The kinglet calyptura lives in the Atlantic forest in south-eastern Brazil. Sadly, this area has seen a lot of deforestation and pollution because of the country's growth.
In the past, it seems the kinglet calyptura was not uncommon. But now, its habitat is shrinking. Projects in the 1970s, like building a bridge, led to harmful chemicals entering the bird's home.
Some experts believe that researchers simply can't reach the high parts of the rainforest where these birds might be hiding. However, others point out that deforestation has forced many Atlantic birds out of their homes. With so much habitat loss, it's unlikely the species has just moved somewhere else.
Sightings of the kinglet calyptura have been very rare. The last confirmed sighting was in Serra dos Orgaos in October 1996. Since then, there have been no official records, though there's one unconfirmed report. This makes the kinglet calyptura a critically endangered species, meaning it's at a very high risk of becoming extinct.
