Brown-throated wattle-eye facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Brown-throated wattle-eye |
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| Conservation status | |
| Scientific classification | |
| Genus: |
Platysteira
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| Species: |
cyanea
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The brown-throated wattle-eye (Platysteira cyanea) is a small bird. It is also known as the common wattle-eye or scarlet-spectacled wattle-eye. This bird loves to eat insects.
Wattle-eyes used to be grouped with a family of birds called Old World flycatchers. But now, scientists usually place them in their own group.
Contents
Where Do Brown-throated Wattle-eyes Live?
These birds live in parts of Africa. You can find them in west, central, and northeast tropical areas. They are quite common.
They like to live in places with lots of trees. This includes forests that are growing back, other woodlands, and even gardens.
What Do Their Nests Look Like?
Brown-throated wattle-eyes build small, neat nests. They use lichen and spiderwebs to make them. The nests are usually low down in a tree or bush.
What Do Brown-throated Wattle-eyes Look Like?
The adult brown-throated wattle-eye is a strong little bird. It is about 14 centimeters (5.5 inches) long.
Male Wattle-eyes
When breeding, the male bird has shiny black feathers on its back and head. Its belly is white. It also has a clear black band across its chest. You can see a bright white stripe on its wings. Above each eye, there is a bright red, fleshy patch. These patches are called "wattles."
Female Wattle-eyes
Female wattle-eyes have grey-black feathers on their upper parts. They also have the white wing stripe and red wattles like the males. Below their beak, there is a small white patch. Their throat and chest are a pretty maroon color. A black band separates this maroon from their white belly.
Young Wattle-eyes
Young male wattle-eyes look a bit like the females. But their colors are not as bright. They are usually a duller, greyer version.
Their Habits and Sounds
These birds are very active. They are always looking for insects to eat. You will often see them in pairs or small groups.
The brown-throated wattle-eye has a special call. It is a ringing sound with six notes. It sounds like "doo-dd-dum-di-do-do."
Gallery
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Brown-throated wattle-eye, Gambia
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Male photographed at Bwindi, SW. Uganda
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Female Common Wattle-eye (Platysteira cyanea), Uganda
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