The Sierra Madre Ground Warbler looks similar to two other species of ground warblers in the Philippines, The Bicol Ground Warbler and the Cordillera Ground Warbler. These three species are identical in size, shape, and juvenile plumage coloration held in their first year of life, but they differ from one another in adult plumage coloration. The feathers of an adult bird is variegated brown, gray and red. This difference in plumage between juvenile and adult Warbler's was discovered by University of Kansas biologist, Pete Hosner.
Researchers from the University of Kansas discovered that the DNA of these three birds is highly divergent, proving that the Sierra Madre Ground Warbler, dubbed Robsonius Thompsoni [1] is its own species. This new species is named after Max Thompson, a retired professor from Southwestern College and a research associate in the Biodiversity Institute at the University of Kansas.
The Sierra Madre Ground Warbler is 20 centimeters long with relatively long legs. Their robust shape and weak wings prevent them from flying well, therefore they are usually found walking on the ground. They have the ability to use their high-pitched, ventriloquial sound as a defensive way to keep away from predators.[2] This bird is characterized by white wing spots on a brown body, differentiating from other similar species by the coloration patters found on its head, throat, and breast.[3]
references edit
http://news.mongabay.com/2013/0918-new-bird-philippines.html<ref>
<ref>https://news.ku.edu/2013/09/03/researchers-discover-new-species-ventriloquist-bird-philippines<ref>
http://www.natureworldnews.com/articles/3817/20130904/new-bird-species-acts-ventriloquist.htm<ref>
- ^ "Recognition of a new species of bird in the Philippines: the Sierra Madre Turdinule". Retrieved 3/16/14.
{{cite web}}: Check date values in:|accessdate=(help) - ^ "'Ventriloquist' bird discovered in Philippines".
- ^ "New PHL bird species found in Northern Luzon".