Santa Marta brushfinch facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Santa Marta brushfinch |
|
|---|---|
 |
|
| Conservation status | |
| Scientific classification | |
| Genus: |
Atlapetes
|
| Species: |
melanocephalus
|
 |
|
The Santa Marta brushfinch (Atlapetes melanocephalus) is a unique bird found only in one special place. It belongs to the sparrow family. This bird lives only in the Sierra Nevada de Santa Marta mountains in Colombia.
It makes its home in moist mountain forests. It can also live in areas where some trees have been cut down.
Contents
About the Santa Marta Brushfinch
The Santa Marta brushfinch is a small bird. It was first described in 1880. This means scientists officially named and studied it that year. The scientists who first described it were Osbert Salvin and Frederick DuCane Godman.
Where Does It Live?
This bird is an endemic species. This means it lives only in one specific area. For the Santa Marta brushfinch, that area is the Sierra Nevada de Santa Marta. This is a large mountain range in northern Colombia. It is very special because it is isolated from other mountain ranges.
The brushfinch prefers to live in certain types of places. It likes subtropical and tropical moist mountain forests. These are forests that get a lot of rain and are found in warm, high-altitude areas. It can also be found in areas where forests have been changed by people.
What Does It Look Like?
The name "melanocephalus" gives a clue about its appearance. "Melano" means black, and "cephalus" means head. So, this bird has a distinctive black head. It is a type of "brushfinch," which usually refers to birds that live in dense bushes and undergrowth.
Conservation Status
The Santa Marta brushfinch is currently listed as "Least Concern" (LC) by the IUCN. This means that its population is not in immediate danger. However, its habitat can be affected by deforestation. Protecting its mountain forest home is important for its future.
See also
In Spanish: Gorrión montés de Santa Marta para niños
