Inaccessible Island finch

The Inaccessible Island finch (Nesospiza acunhae), also known as the Inaccessible bunting, is a species of bird in the family Thraupidae (formerly in Emberizidae).[1]

Inaccessible Island finch
On Inaccessible Island
Scientific classification
Kingdom: Animalia
Phylum: Chordata
Class: Aves
Order: Passeriformes
Family: Thraupidae
Genus: Nesospiza
Species:
N. acunhae
Binomial name
Nesospiza acunhae
Cabanis, 1873

It is endemic to Inaccessible Island of the Tristan da Cunha archipelago where its natural habitats are temperate shrubland and subantarctic grassland. It is threatened by habitat loss.

Taxonomy and systematics

The Inaccessible Island finch was previously considered two species, but the three subspecies are now grouped together.[1]

Subspecies

The subspecies of this species are:[1][2][3]

N. a. acunhae Cabanis, 1873. Found along the coastline, and has a small beak and drab olive-grey plumage, though the male is slightly brighter than the female.

N. a. dunnei Hagen, 1952. Found on the eastern edge of the island's plateau and the coastline, and has a large beak. It is larger than the other subspecies.

N. a. fraseri Ryan, 2008. Found on the Island's plateau at 300–600 meters (984–1969 feet), and has a small beak and bright yellow plumage. It has a large head long wings.

Description

It ranges from 17 to 21 centimeters (7 to 8 inches) in length and weighs 24 to 49 grams (0.8 to 1.7 ounces). All subspecies are some shade of olive-green. The call is a repeated series of three to four notes.[1]

Diet

The Inaccessible Island finch eats mainly seeds and insects. The plants consumed vary by subspecies. N. a. acunhae eats the seeds of Spartinia grasses, such as Spartina arundinacea, as well as Carex. N. a. fraseri feeds on Nertera. N.a. dunnei feeds on Phylica. All subspecies use flies as their main source of prey.[3]

Reproduction

It breeds from November to February. They are usually monogamous, and partners remain together for successive breeding attempts. Females lay one or two eggs in a cup nest close to the ground.[1]

References
Specific
  1. Sinclair, Ian; Ryan, Peter (2009). Complete Photographic Guide Birds of Southern Africa. Struik Nature.
  2. "Inaccessible Finch (Nesospiza acunhae)". www.hbw.com. Retrieved 2018-02-21.
  3. "Inaccessible Island Finch". www.oiseaux-birds.com. Retrieved 2018-02-21.


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