Nilgiri blue robin facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Nilgiri blue robin |
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| Conservation status | |
| Scientific classification | |
| Genus: |
Sholicola
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| Species: |
major
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| Synonyms | |
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Phaenicura major |
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The Nilgiri blue robin (Sholicola major), also known as Nilgiri shortwing or white-bellied shortwing, is a small bird found only in the `Shola` forests of southern `India`. It lives mainly in the higher hills north of the `Palghat Gap`.
This little bird prefers the `forest floor` and `undergrowth` in thick forest patches. These patches are often found in valleys within `montane grasslands`. This special home is quite small and is unfortunately threatened.
For a long time, the `white-bellied blue robin` was thought to be the same species as the Nilgiri blue robin. But in 2005, a scientist named `Pamela C. Rasmussen` suggested they were actually two different species. Later, in 2017, a study looked at the birds' `DNA`. This study showed that these two birds from southern India are very closely related. They form a unique group, so scientists created a new `genus` (a group of similar species) called Sholicola just for them.
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What Does It Look Like?
This bird looks a bit like a `chat` (a type of small songbird). It has long legs and a chunky body with a short tail and wings.
The Nilgiri blue robin has black feathers around its eyes (called `lores`). Its upper body, throat, and chest are a dark `slaty blue` color. The lower part of its body is `rufous` (a reddish-brown). The very center of its belly is `buffy white`.
How Scientists Study This Bird
Scientists group animals together to understand how they are related. The Nilgiri blue robin has had a few different scientific names over the years!
In 1844, `Thomas C. Jerdon` first described this bird from the `Nilgiris` region. He called it Phaenicura major. Over time, other scientists suggested different names and groups, like Callene and Brachypteryx.
In 2010, studies looking at the birds' `DNA` showed that the Nilgiri blue robin and the white-bellied blue robin were indeed separate species. These DNA studies also helped scientists figure out that these birds belong to the `Old World flycatcher family` (Muscicapidae).
Finally, a 2017 study confirmed that these two birds from southern India are unique. They are closely related to other flycatchers like those in the Eumyias and Niltava groups. Because they are so special, a new genus, Sholicola, was created for them.
Where Does It Live?
The Nilgiri blue robin's natural home is in `shola` forests. These are small patches of forest found in the valleys of high-altitude grasslands. You can only find this bird in the `Western Ghats` mountains, usually above 1200 meters (about 4,000 feet) in height.
These forest patches are quite small, which means the bird's home is limited. Because of this, the Nilgiri blue robin is considered `threatened` by `habitat loss`. You can find populations of this bird in the `Nilgiris`, `Bababudan hills`, and `Brahmagiris` regions of India.
Behaviour and Life Cycle
These birds live in dense forests, staying mostly in the dark lower parts of the trees and on the forest floor. They can be shy and like to hide, but sometimes they are quite trusting.
They often make calls that sound like `tit-like notes` and `harsh rattles`. The song of the Nilgiri blue robin is described as a series of `shrill whistles` and `twangy buzzing sounds`. Birds from different areas might have slightly different songs.
The breeding season for these birds is usually from April to June, after the rains. They lay two eggs that are grayish-green with brown marks. The nest is built in a tree hole or on a bank, close to the ground. It's made of `moss` and `fibrous roots`.
Both parent birds help with nesting duties. They take turns `incubating` (keeping the eggs warm) for about 16 to 17 days. They also both feed the baby birds once they hatch. Sometimes, they might even reuse an old nest from the previous year!
