New Zealand wattlebirds facts for kids
Quick facts for kids New Zealand wattlebirds |
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| Huia (Heteralocha acutirostris) | |
Scientific classification  |
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| Kingdom: | Animalia |
| Phylum: | Chordata |
| Class: | Aves |
| Order: | Passeriformes |
| Superfamily: | Corvoidea |
| Family: | Callaeidae Sundevall, 1836 |
| Genera | |
The New Zealand wattlebirds (scientific name: Callaeidae) are a unique family of passerine birds. Passerine birds are often called "perching birds" or "songbirds." These wattlebirds are found only in New Zealand, meaning they are endemic to that country.
There are three main groups, or genera, of New Zealand wattlebirds, with five different species in total. Sadly, one of these species, the huia, became extinct (died out completely) in the early 1900s. Another species, the South Island kokako, is in great danger and might also be extinct.
Even though some people call them "wattled crows," these birds are not related to crows at all. "New Zealand wattlebirds" is the proper name used by scientists for this special bird family.
Contents
What Are Wattlebirds Like?
New Zealand wattlebirds are songbirds that usually stay on the ground. They are medium-sized, growing to be about 26 to 38 centimeters (10 to 15 inches) long. They have strong legs and special fleshy growths called wattles behind their beaks. These wattles are usually brightly colored.
Their wings are round and not very strong, which means they can't fly very far or very well. They prefer to hop and run through the forest.
Where Do They Live and What Do They Eat?
These birds live in thick forests. They search for their food on the ground and in trees. Their main diet is insects, which they find by digging around with their strong beaks.
Family Life
New Zealand wattlebirds are monogamous, which means a male and female bird stay together as a pair for a long time, often for life. They also keep the same territory (their home area) all the time. This helps them protect their nesting spots and food sources.
A Look at Their History
Scientists believe these wattlebirds are very old birds that arrived in New Zealand a long, long time ago. They are a unique part of New Zealand's wildlife because they are only distantly related to other birds found elsewhere in the world. Their closest known relative is another New Zealand bird called the stitchbird.
Types of Wattlebirds
Here are the different types of New Zealand wattlebirds:
- Genus Callaeas
- North Island kokako, Callaeas wilsoni
- South Island kokako, Callaeas cinereus (This one might be extinct)
- Genus Philesturnus
- North Island saddleback, Philesturnus rufusater
- South Island saddleback, Philesturnus carunculatus
- Genus Heteralocha
- Huia, Heteralocha acutirostris (This one is extinct)
Images for kids
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Huia, Heteralocha acutirostris (extinct)
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North Island kokako, Callaeas wilsoni
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North Island saddleback, Philesturnus rufusater
See also
In Spanish: Callaeidae para niños
