Barred cuckoo-dove facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Barred cuckoo-dove |
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| Conservation status | |
| Scientific classification | |
| Genus: |
Macropygia
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| Species: |
unchall
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The barred cuckoo-dove (Macropygia unchall) is a type of bird that belongs to the Columbidae family. This family includes all the different kinds of pigeons and doves. This bird lives in parts of South Asia and Southeast Asia. It is currently listed as a species of Least Concern by the IUCN Red List. This means it is not considered to be in danger of disappearing.
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Discovering the Barred Cuckoo-Dove
The barred cuckoo-dove was first described by a German scientist named Johann Georg Wagler in 1827. When scientists describe a new animal, they give it a special scientific name. This helps everyone around the world know exactly which animal they are talking about.
Different Types of Barred Cuckoo-Doves
Just like there can be different types of dogs, there are also different types of barred cuckoo-doves. These are called "subspecies." Scientists have found three main subspecies of this bird:
- M. u. tusalia
- M. u. minor
- M. u. unchall
What Does the Barred Cuckoo-Dove Look Like?
The barred cuckoo-dove is a medium-sized bird. It is about 37 to 41 centimeters (about 15 to 16 inches) long. It weighs between 153 to 182 grams (about 5 to 6 ounces).
Colors and Features
This dove has a light, yellowish-brown throat and forehead. The top of its head, called the crown, is a pinkish-grey color. Its eyes, or iris, are yellow or light brown. The bird has a short, black beak and red feet.
The feathers on its upper body are blackish-brown. Its back, shoulders, and the top parts of its wings have reddish-brown edges. Its tail is blackish-brown with strong reddish-brown stripes or "bars."
How is it Different from Other Doves?
The barred cuckoo-dove looks a bit like the little cuckoo-dove. However, the barred cuckoo-dove is much bigger and has darker feathers. You can also tell it apart by the black stripes on its back, chest, and tail.
Where Do Barred Cuckoo-Doves Live?
Barred cuckoo-doves live in a wide area, from the Himalayas mountains to many countries in Southeast Asia.
Their Favorite Homes
These birds like to live in thick, green forests. They prefer places that are high up, usually between 800 to 3,000 meters (about 2,600 to 9,800 feet) above sea level. These high places are often found on the sides of mountains. They especially like areas where the forest opens up or at the edges of very old forests. They also live in forests that have grown back after being cut down.
How Do Barred Cuckoo-Doves Behave?
Barred cuckoo-doves often live in small groups or "flocks." This means you might see a few of them together.
What Sounds Do They Make?
These doves have a special call. They make a loud sound that sounds like "kro-uum" or "u-va." The second part of their call is usually louder than the first.
Is the Barred Cuckoo-Dove Safe?
Since 1998, the barred cuckoo-dove has been listed as "least concern" by the IUCN Red List. This is good news!
Why They Are Not in Danger
There are a few reasons why this bird is considered safe:
- They live in a very large area.
- The number of these birds seems to be staying steady.
- Even though scientists don't know the exact number, they believe there are more than 10,000 barred cuckoo-doves in the world.
Local Names
The Lepcha people who live in Sikkim have their own name for this bird. They call it ka ar fo.
