Truk spectacle bird
| Truk spectacle bird | ||||||||||||
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| Systematics | ||||||||||||
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| Scientific name | ||||||||||||
| Rukia ruki | ||||||||||||
| ( Hartert , 1897) |
The Truk spectacle bird ( Rukia ruki ) is a rare songbird from the spectacle bird family . It is common on the Chuuk Islands in the Federated States of Micronesia .
description
The Truk spectacle bird reaches a size of fourteen centimeters. The plumage is uniformly dark brown. The beak is black. The legs are orange. A noticeable teardrop-shaped spot under the eyes is characteristic. His lively singing consists of warbling flute tones.
distribution and habitat
The Truk-eyed bird is endemic to the four islets of Tol South, Wonei, Pata, and Polle in the Chuuk Lagoon. It inhabits original primeval forest stands, especially the well-developed forest above 400 m on Mount Winipot on Tol South. Its habitat is dominated by figs, palms of the genera Clinostigma , Parinarium and Randia as well as trees of the species Semecarpus kraemeri .
Way of life
Little is known about his way of life. The only known nest was found in 1988 in the poisonous tree species Semecarpus kraemeri , which is endemic to the islands of the Chuuk Lagoon. Breeding birds were observed in April. The food of the Truk spectacle bird consists of insects that it gathers in the leaves.
status
During an expedition by researchers from the United States Fish and Wildlife Service in 1984, the Truk Spectacled Bird population was estimated at 526 individuals. Of these, 19 specimens were on Wonei, 32 specimens on Pata, 93 specimens on Polle and the largest proportion of 382 specimens on Mount Winipot on Tol South.
The jungle has disappeared in large parts of the Chuuk Islands. The trees of the species Semecarpus kraemeri are also severely cleared because the locals consider them a nuisance.
literature
- Erik Hirschfeld: The Rare Birds Yearbook 2008. MagDig Media Ltd., Shrewsbury 2007, ISBN 978-0-9552607-3-5
Web links
- Rukia ruki in endangered species red list of the IUCN 2008. Posted by: BirdLife International, 2008. Accessed January 31 of 2009.
- BirdLife Species factsheet
- About a search expedition for the Truk spectacle bird in 1988 Remembering Bob Pyle, PDF, engl. ( Memento from October 31, 2012 in the Internet Archive )