Painted manakin facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Painted manakin |
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| Scientific classification | |
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Machaeropterus
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| Species: |
eckelberryi
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The painted manakin (Machaeropterus eckelberryi) is a small, colorful bird from South America. It belongs to the manakin family, known for their bright feathers and unique calls. This bird was first discovered and described in 2017. Scientists found it in the northwest part of Peru.
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About the Painted Manakin
The painted manakin is a type of passerine bird. This means it's a perching bird, like many songbirds you might see. It's quite small, as most manakins are.
How it Got its Name
The painted manakin was officially named by American bird expert Daniel Lane and his team in 2017. They gave it the scientific name Machaeropterus eckelberryi. The second part of its name, eckelberryi, honors a famous American bird artist named Donald R. Eckelberry. He lived from 1921 to 2000 and loved painting birds.
The first part of the name, Machaeropterus, is the name of the group, or genus, of birds it belongs to. This group was first named by a French scientist, Charles Lucien Bonaparte, way back in 1854.
Why It's a New Species
Scientists decided the painted manakin was a brand new species mainly because of its unique calls. Even though it looks exactly like a certain type of striolated manakin (called M. striolatus aureopectus), its songs and chirps are different. So far, no genetic tests have been published to show if their DNA is different.
Where it Lives
You can find the painted manakin in the eastern mountains of Peru. It lives on the slopes of the Cordillera Escalera and Cordillera Azul mountains. These areas are close to the Rio Mayo valley. This bird is found in the San Martín and Loreto Regions of Peru.
Official Recognition
Important bird organizations have agreed that the painted manakin is a real, separate species. The South American Classification Committee (SACC) of the American Ornithological Society recognizes it. Also, Frank Gill and David Donsker, who keep the official list of bird species for the International Ornithological Committee, have added it to their list.
Images for kids
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Map showing where the painted manakin lives in Peru.
