Rockwarbler facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Rockwarbler |
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|---|---|
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| Conservation status | |
| Scientific classification | |
| Genus: |
Origma
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| Species: |
solitaria
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| Synonyms | |
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Sylvia solitaria, Lewin |
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The rockwarbler (Origma solitaria) is a small bird that belongs to the Acanthizidae family. It is special because it is the only bird species found only in the state of New South Wales in Australia. This means it is endemic to that area and lives nowhere else in the world!
The rockwarbler was first described in 1808 by an English artist and naturalist named John Lewin. For a long time, it was thought to be the only bird of its kind. However, scientists later used genetic studies to find out that it is related to two other types of birds called mousewarblers, which live in New Guinea. The rockwarbler's ancestors separated from the mousewarblers about 9 million years ago.
The official name for this bird, Rockwarbler, was given by the International Ornithologists' Union (IOC). People also call it by other names like cataract-bird, cave-bird, or rock-robin. One old name, "hanging dick," came from its unique nest, which hangs inside caves.
Contents
About the Rockwarbler
What Does It Look Like?
The rockwarbler is about 14 cm (5.5 in) long, which is roughly the length of a pen. It weighs around 14 g (0.49 oz), which is about the same as two quarters. Most of its feathers, called its plumage, are dark grey-brown. Its wings are even darker, and its belly and chest are more of a reddish-brown color. Its face and forehead have a hint of cinnamon, and its throat is whitish. The tail of the rockwarbler is black.
Where Does It Live?
You can often see the rockwarbler hopping quickly over rocks, flicking its tail as it moves. It prefers to live in woodlands and deep valleys, called gullies, where there are lots of exposed sandstone or limestone rocks. It often lives near water.
This bird is found in central eastern New South Wales, mostly within about 240 km (150 mi) of Sydney. Sadly, the rockwarbler has been affected by changes humans have made to its natural home, and its numbers have gone down in some areas.
Its Home and Family Life
Rockwarblers usually stay with the same partner. They protect their own area, called a territory, and build their nests in sandstone caves. Their nest is a hanging structure, almost like a little basket, made from grasses, roots, bark, and moss. They use spider web to help stick it all together! The nest has a dome shape with an entrance.
The breeding season for rockwarblers is from August to January. During this time, the female bird lays a clutch of three eggs. It takes about 23 days for the eggs to hatch.
See also
In Spanish: Acantiza Minero para niños
