Sira tanager facts for kids
The Sira tanager (Stilpnia phillipsi) is a special kind of bird that belongs to the Thraupidae family. It's a small, colorful bird, and it's quite rare! This bird lives only in one specific place: the Sira mountain range in Peru. Because it's found nowhere else on Earth, we say it is endemic to Peru.
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Discovering the Sira Tanager
This unique bird was first found in July 1969. Two explorers, Gary R. Graves and John S. Weske, were on an expedition when they discovered it. It was an exciting moment for bird experts!
Between 1969 and 1972, John Terborgh and Weske continued their studies in the Cerros del Sira. They shared their findings about this new species of tanager. They also noted that the Sira tanager is related to another bird called the black-capped tanager.
Where the Sira Tanager Lives
The Sira tanager's natural habitat is in montane forests. These are forests that grow on the sides of mountains. The forests where the Sira tanager lives are usually warm and wet, which is why they are called "subtropical or tropical moist" forests. These special forests provide everything the Sira tanager needs to survive.
Protecting the Sira Tanager
Sadly, the Sira tanager is currently facing a big problem. Its home, the montane forest, is being lost. This is called habitat loss. When forests are cut down or changed, the Sira tanager loses its food, shelter, and places to raise its young. This makes it harder for the birds to survive and thrive. Because of this, the Sira tanager is considered a "threatened" species. People are working to protect these important forests and help the Sira tanager continue to live freely in its mountain home.
