Shetland wren
| Shetland wren | |
|---|---|
Scientific classification
| |
| Domain: | Eukaryota |
| Kingdom: | Animalia |
| Phylum: | Chordata |
| Class: | Aves |
| Order: | Passeriformes |
| Family: | Troglodytidae |
| Genus: | Troglodytes |
| Species: | |
| Subspecies: | T. t. zetlandicus
|
| Trinomial name | |
| Troglodytes troglodytes zetlandicus Hartert,1910
| |
TheShetland wren(Troglodytes troglodytes zetlandicus) is a smallpasserinebird in thewrenfamily. It is asubspeciesof theEurasian wrenendemicto theShetlandarchipelagoofScotland,with the exception ofFair Islewhich has its own endemic subspecies, theFair Isle wren.The Shetland wren is distinguished by its darker and more rufous-brown colouring from the mainland form, with a heavily barred underside, the barring extending from belly to breast. Thebillis stouter and longer and it has stronger legs.[1]
Description
[edit]Adult birds are about 9 to 11 cm (3.5 to 4.3 in) and the sexes are similar in this species. As compared to theEurasian wren(Troglodytes troglodytes), it is much darker in colouration, especially the crown and nape which are nearly black. The barring on the upper parts is blacker and the markings on the lores and ear coverts are darker brown. The throat and breast are brownish-buff rather than white and the dark speckling on the belly extends further up the flanks and breast. The beak is dark brown and the sturdy legs are mid-brown.[2]The song is rather louder and more varied than the Eurasian wren, perhaps to make it more audible on the boulder beaches where it mainly breeds.[3]
Distribution and habitat
[edit]This wren isendemicto the Shetland Islands. It is found on and near cliffs and rocky shores, around crofts and walls.[2]The main breedinghabitatof Shetland wrens is boulder beaches, though when population levels increase some birds will nest further inland, in bushes or beside streams.[3]
Status
[edit]An estimate of the population, dating back to the start of the 21st century, was of 1500–3000 breeding pairs.[3]
References
[edit]- ^McGowan, R.Y.; Clugston, D.L.; & Forrester, R.W. (2003). Scotland's endemic subspecies.Scottish Birds24:18–35.
- ^abWitherby, Harry Forbes; Jourdain, F.C.R.; Ticehurst, Norman F.; Tucker, Bernard W. (1948).The Handbook of British Birds: Warblers to Owls.H.F. & G. Witherby Ltd. pp. 218–219.
- ^abc"Shetland Wren".Nature in Shetland.Retrieved4 March2020.
