Pied triller facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Pied triller |
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| Conservation status | |
| Scientific classification | |
| Genus: |
Lalage
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| Species: |
nigra
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The pied triller (Lalage nigra) is a small bird that belongs to the cuckooshrike family, called Campephagidae. It gets its name "pied" because it has patches of two different colors, usually black and white. These birds are known for their lovely songs, which sound like a "trill."
You can find the pied triller in many parts of Asia. They live in countries like Brunei, India, Indonesia, Malaysia, the Philippines, Singapore, and Thailand. They often live in forests, gardens, and even city parks.
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About the Pied Triller
Pied trillers are usually around 16 to 18 centimeters (about 6-7 inches) long. They have a sleek body and a medium-length tail. The males and females look a bit different, which is common in many bird species.
What They Look Like
Male pied trillers are mostly black and white. They have a shiny black back and head, with bright white underparts. They also have a white stripe above their eye. Their wings are black with some white markings.
Female pied trillers are usually duller in color. They have a grayish-brown back instead of black. Their underparts are still white, but they might have some light brown or buffy shades. This difference helps you tell them apart.
Where They Live
These birds prefer open woodlands, plantations, and gardens. They are often seen in areas with scattered trees and shrubs. They like places where they can find insects to eat and safe spots to build their nests.
They are quite common in their natural habitats. You might spot them perched on branches, looking for food. They are active during the day, flying from tree to tree.
Pied Triller Family Life
Pied trillers are known for their interesting breeding habits. They build small, neat nests and both parents help raise their young.
Nests and Eggs
Pied trillers build cup-shaped nests. They usually place their nests high up in trees, often on a horizontal branch. They use twigs, roots, and spiderwebs to make their nests strong and cozy.
The female usually lays two or three eggs. The eggs are pale green or bluish-white with brown spots. Both the male and female take turns sitting on the eggs to keep them warm until they hatch. This is called incubation.
Raising Chicks
Once the eggs hatch, the baby birds are tiny and helpless. Both parents work hard to feed their chicks. They bring them insects and other small creatures. The chicks grow very quickly.
After a few weeks, the young birds are ready to leave the nest. They will still be fed by their parents for a short time. This helps them learn how to find food on their own.
How Scientists Study Pied Trillers
Scientists give every animal a special two-part name, like Lalage nigra for the pied triller. This system is called binomial nomenclature. It helps scientists all over the world know exactly which animal they are talking about.
Naming the Bird
The pied triller was first described by a Welsh naturalist named Thomas Pennant in 1781. He gave it the scientific name Turdus niger. Later, scientists decided it belonged to a different group of birds.
In 1826, a German zoologist named Friedrich Boie created the genus Lalage. This is the group where the pied triller and about 20 other similar birds are now placed.
Different Types of Pied Trillers
Just like people can have different looks depending on where they are from, some animals have different types called subspecies. These are slightly different groups within the same species. For the pied triller, scientists recognize three main subspecies:
- L. n. davisoni – found in the Nicobar Islands
- L. n. striga – found in places like the Malay Peninsula, Sumatra, and Java
- L. n. nigra – found in Borneo and the Philippines
These subspecies might have small differences in their size, color, or the sounds they make.
Images for kids
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Lalage nigra striga female
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