Spectacled monarch facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Spectacled monarch |
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| Conservation status | |
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| Genus: |
Symposiachrus
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| Species: |
trivirgatus
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| Subspecies | |
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The spectacled monarch (scientific name: Symposiachrus trivirgatus) is a small, colorful bird. It belongs to a bird family called Monarchidae. You can find these birds in places like Australia, Indonesia, and Papua New Guinea. They love living in warm, wet forests. This includes forests near the coast, like mangrove forests, and even forests high up in the mountains.
Contents
About the Spectacled Monarch
Spectacled monarchs are known for their distinctive "spectacles." These are markings around their eyes that look like glasses. They are active birds that often fly through the forest canopy. They use their sharp eyesight to find insects to eat.
Bird Classification: How Scientists Group Birds
Scientists group living things based on how they are related. This is called taxonomy. The spectacled monarch has been moved between different groups over time. It was first placed in a group called Drymophila. Later, it moved to Monarcha. In 2009, scientists decided it best fit into the group Symposiachrus. This shows how our understanding of nature can change as we learn more!
Different Types of Spectacled Monarchs
Within the spectacled monarch species, there are several different types. These are called subspecies. They are slightly different from each other, often based on where they live. For example, the Boano monarch and Moluccan monarch were once thought to be subspecies of the spectacled monarch.
Currently, scientists recognize six main subspecies:
- S. t. trivirgatus: This type is found in the central and eastern Lesser Sunda Islands.
- S. t. bernsteinii: You can find this subspecies on Salawati, an island near western New Guinea.
- S. t. albiventris: This type lives in southern New Guinea, the islands in the Torres Strait, and the Cape York Peninsula in Australia.
- S. t. melanorrhous: This subspecies is found in north-eastern Queensland, Australia.
- S. t. gouldii: This type lives in eastern Australia.
Gallery
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Juvenile Spectacled Monarch in Dayboro, Queensland
