Alagoas antwren facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Alagoas antwren |
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| Conservation status | |
| Scientific classification | |
| Genus: |
Myrmotherula
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| Species: |
snowi
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The Alagoas antwren (scientific name: Myrmotherula snowi) is a tiny bird found only in Brazil. It's part of a bird family called Thamnophilidae, often known as "typical antbirds." Sadly, this special bird is Critically Endangered, meaning it's at a very high risk of disappearing forever.
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What is the Alagoas Antwren?
The Alagoas antwren was first thought to be a type of unicolored antwren. But later, scientists realized it was its own unique species. These two antwrens are very closely related. The Alagoas antwren, the unicolored antwren, the Yungas antwren, and the plain-winged antwren are all part of a group that sings similar songs and lives in similar places.
This bird's scientific name, snowi, honors David Snow. He was a British scientist who studied the lives of birds in South America.
What Does the Alagoas Antwren Look Like?
The Alagoas antwren is a small bird, about 9.5 to 10.5 cm (3.7 to 4.1 in) long. It weighs around 8 to 11.5 g (0.28 to 0.41 oz), which is about the weight of a few paper clips. It has a short tail.
- Males: Adult males are mostly gray. Their belly and chest are lighter gray than their back.
- Females: Adult females are mostly reddish-brown. Their wing feathers are darker, and their cheeks and throat are paler.
Both males and females have brown eyes. Their beak is brownish-gray, and their legs and feet are a dark gray color.
Where Does the Alagoas Antwren Live?
The Alagoas antwren was first found in 1979, near a place called Murici in eastern Brazil. For many years, this was the only known place where they lived. Later, in the early 2000s, they were found in a few spots about 500 km (310 mi) north in Pernambuco. However, by 2020, they could only be found again at Murici.
This bird lives in small, separate areas of semi-humid evergreen forest. These are forests where trees stay green all year. They are found at heights between 430 to 790 m (1,400 to 2,600 ft) above sea level. Scientists believe these birds used to live in much larger areas. But most of the forests in this region have been cut down.
How Does the Alagoas Antwren Move?
The Alagoas antwren stays in its home area all year long. It does not migrate.
What Does the Alagoas Antwren Eat?
Scientists don't know all the details about what the Alagoas antwren eats. But they do know it eats insects. These birds usually hunt for food in pairs. They often join "mixed-species feeding flocks." This means they forage with other types of birds.
They actively search for food on leaves, both living and dead, in the lower parts of the forest. They usually look for food between 5 and 8 m (20 and 30 ft) above the ground. Sometimes, they even search closer to the ground.
How Does the Alagoas Antwren Breed?
For a long time, not much was known about how the Alagoas antwren raises its young. In 2021, scientists found four of their nests.
- Nests: All the nests were shaped like a deep cup. They were made of fungal parts with dried leaves on the outside. The nests were hung in the forks of branches, about 1.1 and 1.6 m (3.6 and 5.2 ft) above the ground.
- Eggs: One nest found in November had two eggs. Both parent birds took turns sitting on the eggs to keep them warm. This nest was later destroyed, likely by a predator.
- Young Birds: Scientists also caught young Alagoas antwrens between December and April. They think that these birds start building nests in September, lay eggs in October or November, and the chicks hatch in November or December. The young birds then leave the nest in December or January.
What Does the Alagoas Antwren Sound Like?
The Alagoas antwren's song is a series of high, sharp, drawn-out notes. Each note sounds like "seeup" and goes down in pitch.
Their calls include:
- A single "kleek" sound, which they use to keep in touch with their mate.
- A three-syllable sound, "nyiih-nyeeh-nyaah," which goes down slightly in pitch. This seems to be an alarm call.
Why is the Alagoas Antwren Endangered?
The IUCN (International Union for Conservation of Nature) has listed the Alagoas antwren as Critically Endangered. This means it faces a very high risk of extinction.
- Small Population: There are fewer than 50 adult Alagoas antwrens left, possibly as few as 30. This number is still shrinking.
- Habitat Loss: The forest where they live in Murici has shrunk a lot. In the 1970s, it was about 70 km2 (27 sq mi). By 1999, it was only 30 km2 (12 sq mi) and very broken up. This happened because of logging and clearing land for farms, like sugarcane fields.
- Ongoing Threats: The remaining forest is still in danger from fires, hunting, cutting down trees, and farming.
- Climate Change: Because these birds live at higher altitudes, they might also be affected by changes in climate.
Scientists are suggesting ways to help these birds. This includes protecting their nests, helping them join mixed-species flocks, moving some birds to safer areas, and even trying to breed them in zoos or special centers.
