Réunion cuckooshrike facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Réunion cuckooshrike |
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| Conservation status | |
| Scientific classification | |
| Genus: |
Lalage
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| Species: |
newtoni
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| Approximate distribution map
Resident Extirpated |
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| Synonyms | |
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Coracina newtoni |
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The Réunion cuckooshrike (Lalage newtoni) is a small passerine bird. It belongs to the cuckooshrike family. This special bird lives only on the island of Réunion. It is found in just two mountain forest areas in the northern part of the island.
Sadly, the number of these birds has been going down. Their living space is also shrinking. The International Union for Conservation of Nature says this bird is "critically endangered". This means it is in great danger of disappearing forever. A big storm could even wipe them out. People are working hard to protect them. They are trying to control cats and rats that hunt the chicks. This work seems to be helping the bird numbers stay steady.
Contents
About the Réunion Cuckooshrike
What Does the Réunion Cuckooshrike Look Like?
The Réunion cuckooshrike is a small bird that lives in trees. Male and female birds look different. This is called sexual dimorphism.
Male birds are mostly grey. Their backs are darker grey. Their undersides are lighter grey. Their faces are darker, looking a bit like they wear a mask.
Female birds are quite different. They have dark brown upper parts. Their undersides are striped. They also have a white line above their eyes.
What Does the Réunion Cuckooshrike Sound Like?
The bird's call is a clear whistle. It sounds like tui tui tui. This sound gave the bird its local name. In Réunion Creole and French, it is called tuit-tuit.
Where the Réunion Cuckooshrike Lives
Réunion Cuckooshrike Habitat and Range
This bird lives only in the tops of trees. It needs native subtropical mountain forests. Its home is limited to two small areas in northern Réunion.
The bird used to live in more places across the island. Now, its main home is the Plaine des Chicots – Plaine d'Affouches Important Bird Area. This area is close to the island's capital, Saint-Denis.
What Does the Réunion Cuckooshrike Eat?
The Réunion cuckooshrike mainly eats insects. It also eats some fruit.
Protecting the Réunion Cuckooshrike
Why the Réunion Cuckooshrike Is Endangered
The Réunion cuckooshrike is a critically endangered species. This means it faces a very high risk of becoming extinct in the wild. Its living area has become much smaller. It is now only about 16 square kilometers (about 6 square miles).
There are only about 50 adult birds left. This small number makes them very vulnerable. A single event, like a forest fire or a big tropical cyclone, could wipe them out.
Threats to the Réunion Cuckooshrike
Several things threaten these birds. Introduced animals are a big problem. Cats and rats hunt the birds, especially the young chicks. Also, deer were brought to the island. They eat the plants that make up the bird's forest home. This damages the little habitat that is left.
Conservation Efforts for the Réunion Cuckooshrike
People are working hard to save the Réunion cuckooshrike. Studies have shown that controlling rats and cats helps more chicks survive. Programs are now trapping and poisoning these predators. This work is being expanded.
Another plan is to move some birds. They want to take some individuals to other suitable forest areas on the island. This would help create new, safe homes for them.
