Rufous-margined antwren facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Rufous-margined antwren |
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| Male at São Paulo, São Paulo State, Brazil | |
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| Female at Bertioga, São Paulo State, Brazil | |
| Scientific classification | |
| Genus: |
Herpsilochmus
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| Species: |
rufimarginatus
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The rufous-margined antwren (Herpsilochmus rufimarginatus) is a small bird that eats insects. It belongs to a group of birds called "typical antbirds." You can find this bird in parts of Argentina, Brazil, and Paraguay.
Contents
About This Bird's Name
Scientists give every animal a special two-part name. This helps everyone know exactly which animal they are talking about. The rufous-margined antwren was first described by a Dutch zoologist named Coenraad Jacob Temminck in 1822. He gave it the name Myiothera rufimarginata. Later, it was moved into the group (genus) called Herpsilochmus.
The name "rufous-margined" tells us something about the bird's looks. "Rufous" means reddish-brown, and "margined" means it has edges or borders of that color. So, it's a bird with reddish-brown edges on its feathers.
Sometimes, scientists change how they group animals as they learn more. For a while, the rufous-margined antwren and another bird, the rusty-winged antwren, were thought to be the same species. But starting in 2020, most scientists agreed to split them into two different species. This means they are now considered separate kinds of birds.
What the Bird Looks Like
The rufous-margined antwren is a small bird, about 10 to 12.5 centimeters (4 to 5 inches) long.
- Males: Adult males have a black cap on their head and neck. They have a wide white stripe above their eye and a black stripe through their eye. Their cheeks are a mix of black, white, or pale yellow. Most of their back is olive-gray with some black spots. Their tail feathers are dark gray with white tips. Their wings have black feathers with white tips and bright reddish-brown edges. Their throat and belly are light yellow.
- Females: Adult females have a reddish-brown forehead and a reddish-brown cap. Their back is olive-brown. Their wings, tail, and belly look similar to the male's.
Where It Lives and Its Home
The rufous-margined antwren lives in different areas that are not connected.
- One small group lives north of the Rio São Francisco in Brazil.
- Another larger group lives from southeastern Brazil down into Paraguay and northeastern Argentina.
This bird mostly lives deep inside humid evergreen forests, especially the Atlantic Forest. It sometimes lives at the edges of these forests. It also lives in special restinga woodlands, which grow on white-sand soils. These birds usually stay in the middle or upper parts of the forest, often in thick areas with many vines. They can be found from sea level up to about 1,100 meters (3,600 feet) high.
Behavior
Movement
Scientists believe the rufous-margined antwren stays in the same area all year long. It does not migrate to other places.
Feeding
The rufous-margined antwren mainly eats insects and spiders. It has also been seen eating berries from Rapanea mistletoe plants. This bird is very active when it looks for food. It usually finds its prey by picking insects off leaves, stems, and vines. It often reaches out or lunges from its perch to catch food. Sometimes, it flies out briefly to grab insects from the underside of leaves. It is not known to follow swarms of army ants to find food.
Reproduction
Not much is known about how the rufous-margined antwren reproduces or raises its young.
Vocalization
The rufous-margined antwren has a special song. It starts with 3 to 4 slow notes that get higher in sound. Then, it sings a series of fast notes that slow down and get lower in sound. Pairs of these birds often sing together in a duet.
Its most common call is a nice, whistled note that sounds like "tew." It might repeat this note up to five times quickly, or just sing it now and then. It also makes a short, soft trill sound. This bird sings all year round, usually during the day from the top of the forest trees.
Status
The rufous-margined antwren is considered a species of "Least Concern" by conservation groups. This means it is not currently in danger of disappearing. It lives across a large area, and its population is thought to be stable. There are no immediate threats to this bird. It lives in several protected areas and also in other large areas of forest that are not formally protected but seem safe for now. It is considered fairly common in most places where it lives.
