Sykes's warbler facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Sykes's warbler |
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| Wintering in West Bengal, India | |
| Conservation status | |
| Scientific classification | |
| Genus: |
Iduna
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| Species: |
rama
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| Distribution of Sykes's Warbler Resident Breeding Non-breeding | |
| Synonyms | |
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Hippolais rama Sykes, 1832 |
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The Sykes's warbler (scientific name: Iduna rama) is a small, active bird. It belongs to a group of birds called "Old World warblers." These birds are known for their beautiful songs and for eating insects. This warbler was once thought to be a type of booted warbler, but now scientists know it's its own unique species.
Sykes's warblers live and raise their young in places like northeast Arabia, Turkestan, western China, and Afghanistan. When winter comes, many of these birds fly south. They travel all the way to the Indian subcontinent, even reaching Sri Lanka.
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What's in a Name?
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The English name of this bird, Sykes's warbler, honors Colonel William Henry Sykes. He was a British military officer who worked in India a long time ago.
The scientific name Iduna might come from Norse mythology. In these old stories, Iðunn (or Iduna) is the goddess of spring and new life. She was even said to have turned into a sparrow once! The second part of the scientific name, rama, refers to Rama. He is a very important Hindu god, seen as a form of the god Vishnu.
How Scientists Classify This Bird
Scientists use special studies to understand how different animals are related. In 2009, studies on the genes of these birds showed something interesting. They found that the Sykes's warbler was different enough from other Hippolais warblers. Because of this, it was moved to an older, separate group called Iduna.
There are also differences in how these birds build their nests. The eggs of the Sykes's warbler (rama) also look different from those of the booted warbler (caligata). These small differences helped scientists decide they were separate species.
Where Sykes's Warblers Live
The Sykes's warbler is a small passerine bird. Passerine birds are often called "perching birds" because they have feet made for gripping branches. You can find Sykes's warblers in open areas. They like places with bushes and other tall plants.
These birds build their nests in bushes or other plants. The female usually lays three or four eggs. Like most warblers, they are insectivorous. This means they mostly eat insects.
What Does a Sykes's Warbler Look Like?
The Sykes's warbler is a small bird, even compared to other warblers. Its feathers are a pale brown color on its back. Its belly is whitish, and its sides have a slightly buff (yellowish-tan) color. The outer feathers on its tail have light edges.
This warbler has a short, pale stripe above its eye. This stripe is called a supercilium. Its beak is strong and pointed, which is good for catching insects. The Sykes's warbler is a bit larger and more grey than the booted warbler. It looks most similar to an eastern olivaceous warbler.
