Bare-cheeked babbler
Species of bird
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
The bare-cheeked babbler (Turdoides gymnogenys) is a passerine bird in the family Leiothrichidae and is native to arid savannas of southwestern Africa, specifically northwestern Namibia and southwestern Angola.[2][3] It is known for its brown feathers and the bare skin on its cheeks.[3][4] The species is listed as Least Concern by the International Union for Conservation of Nature and is a commonly found local bird.[2]
| Bare-cheeked babbler | |
|---|---|
| |
| An individual in woodland at Ongava Game Reserve in Kunene Region | |
Scientific classification  | |
| Kingdom: | Animalia |
| Phylum: | Chordata |
| Class: | Aves |
| Order: | Passeriformes |
| Family: | Leiothrichidae |
| Genus: | Turdoides |
| Species: | T. gymnogenys |
| Binomial name | |
| Turdoides gymnogenys (Hartlaub, 1865) | |
| Synonyms | |
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Taxonomy and systematics
The species was first described in 1865 by Gustav Hartlaub as Crateropus gymnogenys and later reassigned to Turdoides.[4][5] It is classified to the family Leiothrichidae, known as the laughingthrushes and allies, which is a group recognized for its social living and unique vocals.[4] The bare-cheeked babbler is identified as having two different species, gymnogenys in Angola and kaokensis in Namibia but most authorities regard the species as one due to minimal variation.[3][4]
Description
Adults measure 23–25 cm (9–10 in) in length and weigh roughly 60–70 g (2.1–2.5 oz).[3] Their upperparts are a medium brown, have gray or white underparts, and a light gray crown.[3] The bare bluish gray facial skin on the cheeks and the yellow eyes are the most distinctive features. They have a bill that is dark and slightly curved for searching through litter and soil.[3][4] The sexes hold a similar appearance. The juveniles have duller colors and less prominent facial skin patches than that of the adults.[3]
Distribution and habitat
This species is near-endemic to southwestern Africa and is confined mainly to northwestern Namibia and bordering parts of Angola.[2][5] It favors Mopane woodlands, dry thorn scrub, and rocky semi-desert up to about 1,500 m (4,900 ft) elevation.[2][3] The bare-cheeked babbler is non-migratory as it maintains permanent territories and resides year-round in family groups.[2][5] In Namibia, it is especially common in the Kunene Region and Etosha National Park.[5]
Behavior and ecology
Bare-cheeked babblers live in family groups of 6–12 birds.[3][4] They are highly vocal, they produce harsh "babbles" that help maintain group cohesion and defend territories.[4] They forage on the ground looking through leaf litter for insects, spiders, and small arthropods. They occasionally are seen eating seeds and berries in the dry season.[3][4] Groups coordinate defense against predators through calls and mobbing behavior.[4]
Breeding
Breeding takes place during the rainy season (November–January).[3][5] Nests are cup-shaped, made of coarse grass and plant fibers, and placed 1–3 m (3–10 ft) above ground in dense shrubs or Mopane trees.[3] Clutches usually contain 2–4 eggs. Cooperative breeding is typical, the older offspring will watch the newly hatched offspring until they are old enough to defend themselves.[4][5]
Conservation status
The IUCN classifies the species as Least Concern. They have a stable population and have a large range.[2] Their main threats include overgrazing and habitat loss, but much of its habitat lies in protected areas, supporting long-term stability.[5]