Large-footed finch facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Large-footed finch |
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| In Costa Rica | |
| Conservation status | |
| Scientific classification | |
| Genus: |
Pezopetes
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| Species: |
capitalis
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The large-footed finch (Pezopetes capitalis) is a special type of bird found only in the mountains of Costa Rica and western Panama. Even though its name includes "finch," it's actually part of a different bird family called Passerellidae. This family also includes birds like American sparrows and juncos. The large-footed finch is the only bird in its group, or genus, called Pezopetes.
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Where the Large-Footed Finch Lives
This bird is quite common in its mountain home. You can find it in the thick plants of mountain forests. It also lives in areas where forests are growing back, in clumps of bamboo, and in grassy fields. These birds prefer high places, from about 2,150 meters (7,050 feet) up to 3,350 meters (11,000 feet) high. A good place to spot them is in areas like Cerro de la Muerte in Costa Rica.
What the Large-Footed Finch Looks Like
The large-footed finch is a big, strong bird that lives mostly on the ground. It grows to about 20 centimeters (8 inches) long. It weighs around 56 grams (2 ounces), which is quite heavy for its bird family. This bird has a thin beak and a tail that isn't too long. Its most noticeable feature is its very large and powerful feet and legs.
Adult large-footed finches have a dark gray head. This color turns black on their throat, forehead, and the sides of their crown. Their upper body is a dark olive green. Their wings and tail are black with olive green edges. The underside of their body is a bright olive green, with a brownish color on their sides and lower belly. Young birds look a bit different. They have a streaky dark olive head and dark scales on their upper body. Their undersides are a buff-olive color.
Life Cycle and Reproduction
The female large-footed finch builds the nest. It's a big, loose cup made from plant materials. She usually places it less than 2 meters (6.5 feet) off the ground. Nests are often found in bamboo or thick bushes.
A female typically lays one or two eggs. These eggs are white or bluish-white with brown marks. The female bird sits on the eggs by herself. She keeps them warm for about 12 to 14 days until they hatch.
What the Large-Footed Finch Eats
The large-footed finch finds its food on the ground. It eats insects, spiders, and seeds. It uses its strong feet to scratch through fallen leaves and dirt. It can kick debris up to 30 centimeters (1 foot) away to find hidden food! This bird also enjoys eating berries from low bushes. You will usually see large-footed finches moving around in pairs.
Sounds and Songs
This finch has a thin call that sounds like "seet." The male bird sings from the ground or a low branch. His song is a mix of different sounds. It includes whistles, warbles, chattering noises, and sometimes he even copies other bird calls.
