Andean Negrito
A species of Negritos Scientific name : Lessonia oreas Genus : Negritos
Andean Negrito, A species of Negritos
Botanical name: Lessonia oreas
Genus: Negritos
Content
Description General Info
Photo By Lars Petersson
Description
The Andean negrito is around 12.5 cm (4.9 in) long, with males being slightly larger. It is sexually dimorphic in its plumage; males having black plumage with a rufous back and silvery-white flight feathers (that area only noticeable in flight). The female has a rufous back as well but the undersides and head are sooty and the upperparts are blackish brown. The throat is whitish and the breast tinged with dull rufous. The species has exceptionally long hindclaws, like those of a pipit.
Size
12 cm
Feeding Habits
Andean Negrito primarily consumes small insects, foraging in pairs or family groups. Terrestrial in nature, andean Negrito often perches on tussocks for sallying or runs in quick bursts on the ground to capture prey.
Habitat
The habitat of andean Negrito encompasses montane freshwater systems including lakes, streams, and bogs that are characterized by short vegetation and muddy sections. These birds are frequently found around heavily grazed lake shores and areas that experience seasonal flooding. The species is typically associated with the Altiplano region, replacing its relative in this high-altitude plateau.
Dite type
Herbivorous
General Info
Behavior
The Andean negrito is a terrestrial insect hunter that is found in pairs or small family groups. Often perches on elevated tussocks or rocks to watch for prey. Prey is either sallied after on the wing from on or close to the ground, or chased after on foot. Little is known about its breeding behaviour. In Chile it breeds between October and January. Males perform a fluttering display flight that goes 10–15 m (33–49 ft) in the air. Nests are simple cups hidden inside tussock grass, into which 3-4 eggs are laid.
Distribution Area
The Andean negrito ranges through the mountainous regions of central Peru south into western Bolivia, down into north eastern Chile and northern Argentina. It is most commonly found between 3,000–4,000 m (9,800–13,100 ft) above sea level, but may go higher in Peru or drop down to 1,000 m (3,300 ft) in Chile. It lives around lakes, streams and bogs and in seasonally flooded plains, in areas with low ground cover. The species is non-migratory.
Photo By Lars Petersson
Scientific Classification
Phylum
Chordates Class
Birds Order
Perching birds Family
Tyrant flycatchers Genus
Negritos Species
Andean Negrito