Mindoro Cuckoo

from Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
Mindoro Cuckoo
Systematics
Class : Birds (aves)
Order : Cuckoo birds (Cuculiformes)
Family : Cuckoos (Cuculidae)
Subfamily : Spur cuckoo (Centropodinae)
Genre : Spur cuckoo ( Centropus )
Type : Mindoro Cuckoo
Scientific name
Centropus steerii
Bourns & Worcester , 1894

The Mindoro Cuckoo ( Centropus steerii ) is a rare species of cuckoo from the genus of the spur cuckoo ( Centropus ). It is endemic to the Philippine island of Mindoro . The species is named after the American ornithologist Joseph Beal Steere .

description

The Mindoro Cuckoo is a large cuckoo in which the females are slightly larger than the males. The female reaches a size of 49.5 centimeters and a wing length of 16 centimeters. The male is about 43 centimeters tall and has a wing length of 15.5 centimeters. The head and bonnet are glossy black. The rest of the plumage is brownish. The tail is glossy green-black. The beak and legs are black. The eyes are brown.

distribution

In the past the Mindoro Cuckoo was widespread across Mindoro, today there are only three populations left in Siburan , Puerto Galera and Malpalon . Its habitat are dipterocarp forests at altitudes of up to 760 m.

Danger

The Mindoro Cuckoo has become very rare due to habitat destruction. BirdLife International currently estimates the population to be less than 250 individuals and classifies the species as "critically endangered". The rainforests on Mindoro have been severely fragmented by slash and burn and today only cover an area of ​​120 km². Another threat is the clearing of rattan palms for rattan production and blasting for marble quarrying .

literature

  • Kennedy, RS, Gonzales PC, Dickinson EC, Miranda, Jr, HC, Fisher TH (2000) A Guide to the Birds of the Philippines , Oxford University Press, Oxford.
  • Payne, RB (2005): The Cuckoos. Bird Families of the World. Volume 15 , Oxford University Press. ISBN 0-19-850213-3
  • Del Hoyo, J., Elliot, A. & Sargatal, J. (Editors) (1997). Handbook of the Birds of the World. Volume 4: Sandgrouse to Cuckoos . Lynx Edicions. ISBN 84-87334-22-9
  • Bournes, FS & Worcester, DC (1894): Preliminary notes on the birds and mammals collected by the Menage Scientific Expedition to the Philippine Islands. (First scientific description) ( Online )

Web links