- Pardalotus quadragintus
Identification
Small (9-10cm) 4-4.5in) an energetic passerine
Rump is olive, under-tail dull yellow. Chest white with light yellow tints. Wings are black with white tips, appearing as many as 60 (instead of 40) discrete dots when the wings are folded. No seasonal variation in plumage; juveniles slightly less colorful than adults.
Similar Species
Similar to the much more common Spotted Pardalote, with which it shares range, but the Forty-spotted has a dull greenish-brown back and head, compared to the more colorful plumage of the former, and has no brow line.
Distribution
Australasia: now found reliably only in a few isolated colonies on south-eastern Tasmania, Maria and South Bruny Islands. Occasionally spotted in the suburbs of Hobart. Sedentary or locally nomadic over its restricted range; declining in numbers. Most successful on Maria Island, which is managed as a refuge, with man's introduced predators having been eliminated.
One of Australia's rarest birds, this species is declining, and is currently listed as endangered.
Taxonomy
This is a monotypic species[1].
Habitat
Relatively dry Eucalypt forests with high concentration of the manna gum, Eucalyptus viminalis, where it forages.
Behaviour
Usually in pairs or small flocks.
Diet
Forages methodically and relatively slowly for small insects in the foliage of the manna gum tree.
Breeding
Nests in tree hollows.
References
- Clements, J. F., T. S. Schulenberg, M. J. Iliff, D. Roberson, T. A. Fredericks, B. L. Sullivan, and C. L. Wood. 2014. The eBird/Clements checklist of birds of the world: Version 6.9., with updates to August 2014. Downloaded from http://www.birds.cornell.edu/clementschecklist/download/
Recommended Citation
- BirdForum Opus contributors. (2024) Forty-spotted Pardalote. In: BirdForum, the forum for wild birds and birding. Retrieved 3 May 2024 from https://www.birdforum.net/opus/Forty-spotted_Pardalote
External Links
[1]BirdLife International (2004). Pardalotus quadragintus.
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