American spinebill (SciiFii)

The American spinebill (Nothocanthorhynchus terrestris) is a species of honeyeater, most closely related to honeyeaters of the genus Moho, despite its name or appearance resembling spinebills of Australia, that originally did not exist, but has since been created by SciiFii and introduced throughout the rainforests, wetlands, forests, and open woodlands across North America to help boost biodiversity. The American spinebill is around 15 centimeters (5.9 inches), and has a distinctive black, white, and chestnut plumage, red eyes, and a long downcurved bill. The American spinebill is diurnal and primarily feeds on the nectar from many species of flowering plants, but it has been known to eat invertebrates to supplement its diet and to obtain proteins. During periods of abundant flowering there may be periods of low nectar production, and it appears that the American spinebill responds to these periodic shortages by storing fat during periods of high nectar production, increasing the amount of time spent feeding, or dropping its day-time mmetabolic rate to night-time levels. Breeding season is from February to July, with between 1 and 3 broods raised. The nest is a deep cup-shaped structure of grass and bark strips, lined with feathers and soft plant fibres, hanging by the rim in the fork of a small bushy tree or shrub, 1-15 meters (3-49 feet) above ground. The clutch is one to six, with three to four being the average, pinkish eggs with dark reddish-brown blotches and spots. American spinebills can breed 5 times per season. The female incubates the eggs for 13 to 16 days before hatching. Once born, the chicks weigh about 8 grams each. Both parents feed the chicks and remove faecal sacs from the nest. It takes an average of 14 days for the young to fledge, and they become independent and begin foraging 8 days later. The conservation status of the American spinebill is Least Concern due to successful conservation efforts, the American spinebill's wide range and its tolerance to many of the human activities.
Category:Animals
Category:Species
Category:SciiFii