This Spunky Little Bird Has A Handlebar Mustache That Will Capture Your Heart
Even if you're not necessarily a "bird person," you still have to admit that birds are remarkable creatures. There are more than 10,000 different bird species, and around 4,000 of those migrate at various times during the year to avoid bad weather or have access to better food.
Birds have no teeth, which means they need to swallow their food whole. Instead of teeth, they have a gizzard that grinds up their food - essentially, they have a small garbage disposal inside them.
And the most obvious thing about birds - they can fly! I mean, how much cooler can you get?
Well, this little guy is pretty darn cool! It's the White-whiskered Spinetail (or Synallaxis candei).
This cute little bird is part of the Furnariidae family, and you will find him in Colombia and Venezuela. At just 6.5 inches long, this little bird is mostly chestnut in color, with a white belly, grey-brown crown, black throat, and best of all, a mustache-shaped white band under its beak.
White-whiskered Spinetails are usually found in desert scrub and dry forest edges. With their striking looks, they can easily be spotted hopping around in pairs or alone foraging for insects.
My favorite thing about these birds? They are believed to be monogamous - how lovely is that?
Spinetails breed in the wet season - between October and January.
They lay three to four eggs in their rounded nest, which they build out of twigs, sticks, and bark. The birds line their nests with green leaves and place them in thorny scrubs one to five meters above the ground.
Instagram/gobirdingcolombiaThe species is relatively common and has a stable population, not currently under threat.
Nick AthanasInterestingly, the species is named after Admiral Antoine Marie Ferdinand de Maussion de Candé.
Instagram/_samirjoban.birdsThe South American explorer was born in 1801 and served as governor of Martinique from 1859 to 1864.
When he passed away in 1867, Maussion de Candé was a grand officer of the Legion of Honor and commander of the Order of St. Gregory the Great. Apart from the Synallaxis candei, various gastropods were also named after him.
Instagram/davehawkinsphotographyTheir rusty orange-brown coloring is equal parts pretty and unique, which is not always easy when it comes to birds because birds are so diverse in appearance as it is.
Instagram/aramacaovenezuelaNot to mention that mustache? Surely you and I alike can appreciate a quality mustache.
Instagram/colombianatureguidesJust look at this adorable, little bird face. It's precious, honestly.
Instagram/avesdesantamarta
This bird is really such a cutie.
Instagram/cristiandelasierra
Take a look at the White-whiskered Spinetail in action below.
So, what do you think of our little friend, the White-whiskered Spinetail? Has he won you over with his charm and incredible handlebar mustache?
I'm willing to bet that he has. Whether it's his pretty colors, loyalty, or epic mustache, how could anyone resist this little cutie?
There are some pretty incredible things in this world, thanks to Mother Nature. And the White-whiskered Spinetail is undoubtedly one of them!
So, if you're planning a trip to beautiful South America anytime soon, make sure you keep an eye out for these spunky little guys. They are bound to brighten your day!
H/T: OneBigBirdCage
