Magdalena tapaculo facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Magdalena tapaculo |
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| Conservation status | |
| Scientific classification | |
| Genus: |
Scytalopus
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| Species: |
rodriguezi
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The Magdalena tapaculo (Scytalopus rodriguezi), also known as the Upper Magdalena tapaculo, is a small bird from a group called tapaculos. These birds live in the Neotropical region, which includes parts of Central and South America. Scientists officially described this bird as a new species in 2005.
Where It Lives
This bird is a restricted-range endemic, which means it lives only in a very small area. The Magdalena tapaculo is found in just two places on the eastern side of the Central Mountain Range in Colombia. These areas are at the top of the Magdalena Valley, high up in the mountains, at least 2,000 meters (about 6,500 feet) above sea level.
Scientists believe its home range is very small, less than 170 square kilometers (about 65 square miles). There are estimated to be around 2,200 pairs of these birds. Because it was discovered recently, its official conservation status is still being studied. It prefers to live in wet forests that have a lot of dense plants and bushes growing close to the ground.
Discovery and Name
The scientific name for this bird, Scytalopus rodriguezi, honors José Vicente Rodriguez Mahecha. He is a Colombian conservationist who works to protect nature and wildlife.
People first thought this bird might exist in 1986. That's when someone recorded its unique song. However, due to difficult conditions in the region, scientists couldn't go back to study the bird until 2002 and 2003. During those visits, they finally confirmed that the Magdalena tapaculo was indeed a new species.
Images for kids
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Learn more about the Magdalena tapaculo in Spanish!
