Wrenthrush facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Wrenthrush |
|
|---|---|
 |
|
| Conservation status | |
| Scientific classification | |
| Genus: |
Zeledonia
|
| Species: |
coronata
|
 |
|
The wrenthrush or zeledonia (Zeledonia coronata) is a very special bird. It lives only in the mountains of Costa Rica and Panama. This small bird is quite unique because it's the only member of its entire bird family!
Contents
What Makes the Wrenthrush Special?
Even though it's called a wrenthrush, this bird is not related to wrens or thrushes at all. For a long time, scientists weren't sure where it fit in the bird family tree. They thought it might be related to New World warblers.
But then, scientists studied the bird's DNA. These studies showed that the wrenthrush needed its own special family. Now, most experts agree it's related to other small bird families from the Caribbean.
The wrenthrush's scientific name, Zeledonia, honors José Castulo Zeledón. He was a famous bird expert from Costa Rica. This bird is also monotypic, which means it's the only species in its group.
How to Spot a Wrenthrush
.jpg)
The wrenthrush is a small, plump bird. It is about 10 to 11.5 centimeters (4 to 4.5 inches) long. It weighs around 21 grams (less than an ounce). It has a short tail and a thin bill.
Both male and female wrenthrushes look alike. Adults have a bright yellow-orange patch on their head. This patch has black edges. Their face and neck sides are gray. Their back, tail, and sides are a dull olive-bronze color. Their belly is gray. Young wrenthrushes don't have the orange head patch. Their backs are more brownish.
Where the Wrenthrush Lives
You can find the wrenthrush in the mountains of Costa Rica and western Panama. It lives in wet, foggy forests high up in the mountains. These forests are always damp and often covered in mist.
The wrenthrush loves dense plants near streams. It especially likes areas with Chusquea bamboo. It lives at high elevations, usually around 2,500 meters (about 8,200 feet) in Costa Rica.
Wrenthrush Behavior
How it Moves
The wrenthrush doesn't move around much. It mostly stays in the same mountain areas. It doesn't fly far or often.
A Bird That Doesn't Fly Much
The wrenthrush is not a strong flyer. It has short, rounded wings. It rarely flies and only for short distances. Some scientists even thought it might be slowly losing its ability to fly!
What's for Dinner?
The wrenthrush finds its food by hopping on branches and the ground. It looks for small bugs, like spiders and caterpillars. It usually hunts in thick plants. Sometimes, it searches higher up in vines and plants growing on trees.
Reproduction
Wrenthrushes seem to have their babies from March to early July. Not many of their nests have been found. Their nests are shaped like domes. They are made of moss, twigs, and leaves. The inside is lined with dried leaves and grass.
These nests are built in holes in dirt banks. They are often hidden by plants hanging over them. A female wrenthrush usually lays three eggs. We don't know how long the eggs take to hatch. But the baby birds stay in the nest for at least 18 days. Both parents help feed the young birds.
Its Song and Calls
Both male and female wrenthrushes sing. They often sing together as a duet. They sing more during the breeding season. You can hear them most at dawn and dusk, but sometimes throughout the day.
Their main song sounds like "ssee-del-deet" with the "deet" part being strong. They can sing this song for several minutes. Their main call is a thin "pseee".
Is the Wrenthrush Safe?
The IUCN (a group that checks on animals) says the wrenthrush is a species of "Least Concern." This means it's not currently in danger. It lives in a small area, and its population seems stable.
There are no big threats right now. Its special high-mountain home also seems safe for now.
