Tapajós hermit facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Tapajós hermit |
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| Genus: |
Phaethornis
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| Species: |
aethopygus
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The Tapajós hermit (Phaethornis aethopygus) is a type of hummingbird that lives in Brazil. It's known for its unique looks and its home near the Tapajós and Xingu Rivers. This bird is special because it's only found in this part of the world.
Contents
About the Tapajós Hermit
How Scientists Identified It
When the Tapajós hermit was first discovered in 1950, scientists thought it was a kind of subspecies of another bird, the little hermit. Many small hummingbirds were once grouped together.
Later, in 1996, some thought the Tapajós hermit might not be a real species at all. They believed it could be a mix, or hybrid, of two other hummingbirds: the reddish hermit and the streak-throated hermit.
But in 2009, new research proved that idea wrong. Scientists confirmed that the Tapajós hermit is indeed its own unique species. This means it's not a mix of other birds, but a distinct type of hummingbird.
What Does It Look Like?
The Tapajós hermit is a small bird, about 9 centimeters (3.5 inches) long.
- Males have a shiny olive-green head and back. Their feathers have reddish edges, and their lower back is a rich reddish color. Their tail feathers are brownish with reddish centers and white at the bottom. Their face is dark with a light stripe above the eye and a reddish stripe below it. They have a white chin, a dark throat, and a reddish-brown neck, chest, and belly.
- Females look similar to males but have a lighter reddish lower back. Their underparts are more buffy-olive with a hint of red.
Where It Lives
The Tapajós hermit is found in Brazil. It lives in the area between the Tapajós River and the Xingu River. These two rivers flow north into the Amazon River.
This hummingbird usually lives in thick, untouched forests. However, it can also survive in areas where trees have been cut down or where there have been fires. It has even been seen in a very changed forest area called terra firme, which is dry land forest that doesn't flood.
Behavior and Life Cycle
What It Eats
The Tapajós hermit mainly eats nectar from flowers. Scientists also believe it eats small insects and other tiny creatures.
Reproduction
Male Tapajós hermits gather in special spots called leks. Here, they perform displays to attract females. Not much else is known about how these birds raise their young or their full breeding cycle.
Its Song
The song of the Tapajós hermit is a long, high-pitched sound. It repeats this sound over and over without stopping. An example of its song sounds like: "tsi ... tsi ... tsi ... tsi .. tsi-tsi-tse-tsee-chup-chup."
Conservation Status
The IUCN (International Union for Conservation of Nature) has listed the Tapajós hermit as a Vulnerable species. This means it faces a high risk of becoming endangered in the wild.
The exact number of these birds is unknown, but their population is thought to be shrinking. This is mainly because of deforestation, which is when forests are cut down. Building new roads and other developments also threaten their home.
See also
In Spanish: Ermitaño del Tapajós para niños
