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Marañón spinetail facts for kids

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Marañón spinetail
Synallaxis maranonica 119779653.jpg
Conservation status
Scientific classification
Genus:
Synallaxis
Species:
maranonica
Synallaxis maranonica map.svg

The Marañón spinetail (Synallaxis maranonica) is a small bird that lives in parts of South America. It belongs to a bird family called Furnariidae, which are often known as ovenbirds. This special bird gets its name from the Marañón River valley where it lives.

Sadly, the Marañón spinetail is in big trouble. It is listed as "critically endangered" because its home is disappearing.

About the Marañón Spinetail

The Marañón spinetail is a unique bird. It was first described by a scientist named Władysław Taczanowski in 1879. Like other "spinetails," it might have stiff, pointed tail feathers.

These birds are usually quite small. They spend their lives in dense bushes and trees, often hidden from view.

Where It Lives

The Marañón spinetail is found in only two countries: Ecuador and Peru. Specifically, it lives near the Marañón River. This river flows through dry valleys in the Andes mountains.

Its favorite places to live are special types of forests and shrubland. These include dry forests, moist lowland forests, and dry shrublands. These areas have specific plants and climates that the spinetail needs to survive.

Why It's in Danger

The biggest threat to the Marañón spinetail is habitat loss. This means the places where it lives are being destroyed or changed. Because it lives in a very specific area, losing even a small part of its home can have a huge impact.

What is Habitat Loss?

Habitat loss happens when natural areas are cleared for farming, building, or other human activities. For the Marañón spinetail, its forests and shrublands are being cut down. This leaves the birds with fewer places to find food, build nests, and raise their young.

When a species is "critically endangered," it means there are very few of them left. Without help, they could disappear forever. Protecting their habitat is super important to save these unique birds.

Learn More

You can find more information about the Marañón spinetail and other birds. Learning about them helps us understand why it's important to protect nature.

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