common kingfisher range

It is also vulnerable to bouts of severe winter weather, as it is unable to feed when bodies of water freeze over. Wings are darker blue, finely spotted with turquoise on greater coverts. You'll find Common Kingfishers perched 3 to 6 feet above water with its bill pointing down as it searches for prey. Kingfishers are widespread, especially in central and southern England, becoming less common further north but following some declines last century, they are currently increasing in their range in Scotland. According to IUCN’s Red List, the global population of the Common kingfisher is around 700,000-1,399,999 mature individuals. The common kingfisher was first described by Carl Linnaeus in the 10th edition of his Systema Naturae in 1758 as Gracula atthis. They are absent from the polar regions and some of the world's driest deserts. Anxious birds emit a harsh, shrit-it-it and nestlings call for food with a churring noise. Tropical populations are found by slow-flowing rivers, in mangrove creeks and in swamps. [13] It can tolerate a certain degree of urbanisation, provided the water remains clean. It is a common breeding species over much of its vast Eurasian range, but in North Africa it is mainly a winter visitor, although it is a scarce breeding resident in coastal Morocco and Tunisia. A diminutive dark blue kingfisher with no rufous on the ear-patch. The Common kingfisher occurs throughout Europe and in Asia as far to the east as Japan, and south of the Sahara in Africa. Nests are on sandy banks along streams. It is resident in much of its range, but migrates from areas where rivers freeze in winter. They occupy a wide-range across Europe, Asia and Northern Africa. As with all kingfishers, the Common kingfisher is very territorial, mainly because each day is has to eat about 60% of its body weight. The Common kingfisher in most parts of its range, is indeed common, but it is under threat from river pollution, disturbances and human developments. April, another by July, a third in early October, Mediterranean forests, woodlands, and scrub, 1. About 60% of food items are fish, but this kingfisher also catches aquatic insects such as dragonfly larvae and water beetles, and, in winter, crustaceans including freshwater shrimps. Alcedinidae Information, images and range maps on over 1,000 birds of North America, including sub-species, vagrants, introduced birds and possibilities There are four types of kingfishers in North America. Likewise, only a quarter of adult birds survive from one breeding season to the next. At the perch the fish is adjusted until it is held near its tail and beaten against the perch several times. The straight, gently inclining burrow is normally 60–90 cm (24–35 in) long and ends in an enlarged chamber. The common kingfisher, scientific name Alcedo atthis, also called the Eurasian kingfisher and river kingfisher is a small kingfisher with seven subspecies acknowledged inside its extensive distribution throughout Eurasia and North Africa.. About Common kingfisher. [14], The common kingfisher typically lays two to ten glossy white eggs, which average 1.9 cm (0.75 in) in breadth, 2.2 cm (0.87 in) in length, and weigh about 4.3 g (0.15 oz), of which 5% is shell. The blue and green colors that Common kingfishers are famous for is due to iridescence, not pigment, so in different light and from different angles they will appear to have a different color. Kingfishers breed as far north as northern Alaska and Canada, and these birds migrate south for winter. The common kingfisher (Alcedo atthis), also known as the Eurasian kingfisher and river kingfisher, is a small kingfisher.Like most kingfishers, it needs a perch to do its fishing. The common kingfisher has a vast range that stretches from Ireland in the northwest across Europe and Russia to the Solomon Islands in the southeast. Common kingfishers serve as a good indicator of the health of an ecosystem. For these reasons, the species is evaluated as "least concern". When diving for a meal, the Common kingfisher often completely submerges in the water, with its wings folded backward to form a V shape. A Common kingfisher has advanced eyesight, polarizing light being one of its abilities, reducing light’s reflection off water. During mating, a male whistles loudly to a female and will chase her through and above the trees. Only one, the common kingfisher, extends north into Europe. [7], Like all kingfishers, the common kingfisher is highly territorial; since it must eat around 60% of its body weight each day, it is essential to have control of a suitable stretch of river. If another kingfisher enters its territory, both birds display from perches, and fights may occur, in which a bird will grab the other's beak and try to hold it underwater. [15], The common kingfisher hunts from a perch 1–2 m (3.3–6.6 ft) above the water, on a branch, post or riverbank, bill pointing down as it searches for prey. (Tan, 2001; Wikipedia, 2005) They remain primarily in their range, but will migrate to more temperate climates by coastal waters in the winter. They are found by still or slow flowing water such as lakes, canals and rivers in lowland areas. The adult male of the western European subspecies, A. a. ispida has green-blue upperparts with pale azure-blue back and rump, a rufous patch by the bill base, and a rufous ear-patch. Four days later they make their first dive. It has a green-blue neck stripe, white neck blaze and throat, rufous underparts, and a black bill with some red at the base. [12] Measures to improve water flow can disrupt this habitat, and in particular, the replacement of natural banks by artificial confinement greatly reduces the populations of fish, amphibians and aquatic reptiles, and waterside birds are lost. Once dead, the fish is positioned lengthways and swallowed head-first. Common Kingfisher Wikipedia article -, 2. Common kingfishers live year round in the south, while northern populations fly south in winter away from the freezing water. The Belted Kingfisher is often first noticed by its wild rattling call as it flies over rivers or lakes. The common kingfisher is perhaps the most widespread species with some 700,000 to 1.4 million mature individuals in the wild. There are debates and discussions on blue eared kingfisher vs common kingfisher. Some individual species have large ranges, such as the common kingfisher, which occurs throughout Europe, North Africa, Asia, and the Solomon Islands. English naturalist William Yarrell also reported the country practice of killing a kingfisher and hanging it from a thread in the belief that it would swing to predict the direction in which the wind would blow. There are over 100 species of kingfisher worldwide, but only the common kingfisher, Alcedo atthis, breeds in the UK.With it’s stunning azure and copper plumage, the kingfisher is an unmistakable bird when spotted, even if it’s only glimpsed as it flies by. Belted Kingfishers winter throughout Mexico and … It is solitary for most of the year, roosting alone in heavy cover. Some that moult late may suspend their moult during cold winter weather. [23], Each cone cell of a bird's retina contains an oil droplet that may contain carotenoid pigments. They have been known to seek prey from brackish waters, especially in winter when bodies of water are generally frozen. Most kingfisher species are distributed throughout Africa, Southeast Asia, and Australia. It is a resident species in much of its range, but during freezing winters, birds may migrate to warmer climes. It also catches insects in flight. When another kingfisher comes into its territory, the birds will both sit on a perch at some distance from one another and perform territorial displays, usually the display of beaks and plumage. [7], The common kingfisher has no song. RANGE: The Common Kingfisher is widely present in Europe and Asia. The races resident south of the Wallace Line have the bluest upperparts and partly blue ear-patches. The common kingfisher is widely distributed over Europe, Asia, and North Africa, mainly south of 60°N. Common Kingfishers are found near lakes, ponds, canals, streams and slow moving rivers of Europe, north Africa and Asia. Common kingfishers are year long residents in their southern habitats, while northern populations travel south during the winter to escape freezing water. [8], The nest is in a burrow excavated by both birds of the pair in a low vertical riverbank, or sometimes a quarry or other cutting. breeding ♀ adult. Overall, currently Common kingfishers are classified as Least Concern (LC) on the IUCN Red List. White chin and throat with deep orange underparts. The flight call is a short, sharp whistle chee repeated two or three times. It is a common breeding species over much of its vast Eurasian range, but in North Africa it is mainly a winter visitor, although it is a scarce breeding resident in coastal Morocco and Tunisia. The Common kingfisher occurs throughout Europe and in Asia as far to the east as Japan, and south of the Sahara in Africa. [16], Other causes of death are cats, rats, collisions with vehicles and windows, and human disturbance of nesting birds, including riverbank works with heavy machinery. Individuals are solitary for most of the year, roosting in heavy cover beside their favorite hunting spot. Usually, the female does the brooding at night and both male and female do it during the day. The eyes of many birds have two foveae (the fovea is the area of the retina with the greatest density of light receptors),[22] and a kingfisher can switch from the main central fovea to the auxiliary fovea when it enters water; a retinal streak of high receptor density which connects the two foveae allows the image to swing temporally as the bird drops onto the prey. Estimates for national populations include: in China, about 10,000-100,000 breeding pairs and 50-10,000 individuals on migration; in Taiwan, 10,000-100,000 breeding pairs; in Korea, 100-10,000 breeding pairs, with 50-1,000 individuals on migration; in Japan, 10,000-100,000 breeding pairs with 50-1,000 individuals on migration, and in Russia, 100-100,000 breeding pairs with 50-10,000 individuals on migration. The eggs hatch in 19–20 days, and the altricial young are in the nest for a further 24–25 days, often more. It has an orange spot in front of the eye, white ear tufts on the sides of the neck, and an ultramarine-blue head and neck with darker blue bands giving it a scaly appearance. There are 87 species of kingfisher, but the Common kingfisher is the only one that breeds in Europe. These birds communicate vocally and are well known for a long, trilling call like a repetition of the sound “chee”. The blue-eared kingfisher, scientific name Alcedo meninting, belongs to the family of small to medium-sized, brightly colored birds, Alcedinidae.In this article, I am going to discuss Blue Eared Kingfisher vs Common Kingfisher. The species has slowing been expanding range in Texas since the 1960s. Subspecific information 7 subspecies. [1][5], A. a. ispida female with dragonfly larva, Hungary, A. a. bengalensis with a fish in Uttar Pradesh, India. Found along rivers, streams, lakes, and ponds—almost any fresh or brackish habitat with small fish. Both sexes incubate by day, but only the female incubates at night. The Belted Kingfisher can be found throughout the continent … Ringed kingfisher has an extensive range in Central and South America, but the species does extend into the southern tip of the United States in the lower Rio Grande Valley of Texas. When diving for prey, their eyes are covered by a membrane and they rely on touch alone to know when they should snap their jaws shut. [2][3][4] The modern binomial name derives from the Latin alcedo, 'kingfisher' (from Greek ἀλκυών, halcyon), and Atthis, a beautiful young woman of Lesbos, and favourite of Sappho. Kingfishers migrate mainly at night, and some Siberian breeders must travel at least 3,000 km (1,900 mi) between the breeding sites and the wintering areas. Most birds winter within the southern parts of the breeding range, but smaller numbers cross the Mediterranean into Africa or travel over the mountains of Malaysia into Southeast Asia. [7], There are seven subspecies differing in the hue of the upperparts and the intensity of the rufous colour of the underparts; size varies across the subspecies by up to 10%. [7] Once large enough, young birds will come to the burrow entrance to be fed. This sparrow-sized bird has the typical short-tailed, large-headed kingfisher profile; it has blue upperparts, orange underparts and a long bill. The Common Kingfisher is a small sparrow-sized kingfisher that can be found across Europe, Asia, and Northern Africa. The giant and belted kingfisher are also quite robust. Kingfishers are widespread, especially in central and southern England, becoming less common further north, however, following some declines last century, they are currently increasing in their range in Scotland. Especially when inland waters are icebound, they may move to tidal marshes and the shore. Both male and female work to excavate 50 to 90 cm long burrow, taking turns. [5] One or two eggs in most clutches fail to hatch because the parent cannot cover them. Very few birds live longer than one breeding season. Alcedo atthis is the only species of kingfisher in much of its European range. Juveniles are similar in appearance but have duller, greener plumage. It is also found in North Africa where it is winter visitor. [7] In Central Europe, 97% of the diet was found to be composed of fish ranging in size from 2 to 10 cm with an average of 6.5 cm (body mass range from <0.1 g to >10 g, average 3 g). [18][19] Minnows, sticklebacks, small roach and trout are typical prey. [8], The early days for fledged juveniles are more hazardous; during its first dives into the water, about four days after leaving the nest, a fledgling may become waterlogged and drown. Common kingfishers are also important predators throughout their range of small fish from freshwater habitats, thus controlling their populations. A few times each day, a small greyish pellet of fish bones and other indigestible remains is regurgitated. [20] One study found that food provisioning rate increased with brood size, from 1498 g (505 fishes for four nestlings) to 2968 g (894 fishes for eight nestlings). Habitats that provide both food and nest sites are essential to all kingfishers. Aquatic kingfishers have high numbers of red pigments in their oil droplets; the reason red droplets predominate is not understood, but the droplets may help with the glare or the dispersion of light from particulate matter in the water. Because of this, … It may be seen perched on a high snag, or hovering on rapidly beating wings, then plunging headfirst into the water to grab a fish. In winter it is more coastal, often feeding in estuaries or harbours and along rocky seashores. During the fledging period each chick consumed on average 334 g of fish, which resulted in an estimated daily food intake of 37% of the chick's body mass (average over the entire nestling period). Only the common kingfisher and belted kingfisher occur frequently. Its upperparts are bright blue and its underparts a rich chestnut-red. [8] The nest cavity is unlined but soon accumulates a litter of fish remains and cast pellets. [6][7], This species has the typical short-tailed, dumpy-bodied, large-headed, and long-billed kingfisher shape. Summer floods can destroy nests or make fishing difficult, resulting in starvation of the brood. The Common kingfisher is amongst the most colorful birds and has beautiful brilliant plumage, though, despite its extraordinary colors, sometimes it is difficult to see when it is in dappled shade, and its colors are also not very obvious in flight. Upperparts glossy dark blue with paler blue central band down the back to the rump. It frequents scrubs and bushes with overhanging branches close to shallow open water in which it hunts. Most kingfishers die of cold or lack of food, and a severe winter can kill a high percentage of the birds. A strong kingfisher population therefore usually means a healthy habitat. 2-3 clutches of eggs are laid yearly, in April, and another by July, with sometimes, a third in early October. Common Kingfisher: Scientific (Alcedo atthis) Order: CORACIIFORMES: Family (Latin) Alcedinidae: Family (English) Kingfishers: Other name(s) European Kingfisher, Martin-pêcheur d'Europe, Kingfisher: Breeding Regions: EU, OR: Breeding Range Subregions: widespread, also n AF, New Guinea: Nonbreeding Range Subregions: Countries (BETA)map Each individual secures a territorywith an adequate food supply and this is usually a stretch of river between 1 and 3 kms (0.6 - 1.9 miles) in length. [7] It is about 16 centimetres (6.3 in) long with a wingspan of 25 cm (9.8 in),[7] and weighs 34–46 grams (1.2–1.6 oz). The kingfishers have a cosmopolitan distribution, occurring throughout the world's tropical and temperate regions. Sometimes they use a hole in a wall or a rotten tree stump, or a termite mound, where they dig a tunnel and at the end create a nest chamber. It feeds mainly on fish, caught by diving, and has special visual adaptations to enable it to see prey under water. Parentheses indicate a new combination or change in status. The Eurasian kingfisher is flashy and feisty. [8] The female is identical in appearance to the male except that her lower mandible is orange-red with a black tip. This common kingfisher species is a resident of wetland habitats from the Sunderbans south and east to Myanmar, Thailand, Vietnam, the Philippines, Malaysia, Indonesia, some coastal areas of New Guinea and northern Australia, and several islands in the South Pacific. [8], In North Africa, Europe and Asia north of the Himalayas, this is the only small blue kingfisher. The common kingfisher is widely distributed over Europe, Asia, and North Africa, mainly south of 60°N. [22] Because of the positions of the foveae, the kingfisher has monocular vision in air, and binocular vision in water. [23], This species has a large range, with an estimated global extent of occurrence of 10 million square kilometres (3.8 million square miles). [18] Common kingfishers have also been observed to catch lamprey. An incubating bird sits trance-like, facing the tunnel; it invariably casts a pellet, breaking it up with the bill. [7] Feathers are moulted gradually between July and November with the main flight feathers taking 90–100 days to moult and regrow. The common kingfisher (Alcedo atthis), also known as the Eurasian kingfisher and river kingfisher, is a small kingfisher with seven subspecies recognized within its wide distribution across Eurasia and North Africa. In most of its European range, this is the only kingfisher. Europe and North America north of Mexico are very poorly represented, with only one common kingfisher (common kingfisher and belted kingfisher The Common kingfisher is carnivore (piscivore) and mainly eats fish and small crustaceans, such as prawns and crabs. They nest on their own. They are found in wetlands and on the shores streams, ponds and lakes. CS1 maint: multiple names: authors list (, Learn how and when to remove this template message, 10.2305/IUCN.UK.2016-3.RLTS.T22683027A89575948.en, "Effect of ditch living thing by process of original structure replacement by RC irrigation ditch", Royal Society for the Protection of Birds, "Longevity list of birds ringed in Europe", Photos, audio and video of common kingfisher, https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Common_kingfisher&oldid=1012153241, Articles with unsourced statements from January 2021, Articles needing additional references from January 2021, All articles needing additional references, Creative Commons Attribution-ShareAlike License, This page was last edited on 14 March 2021, at 22:07. These include the Ringed Kingfisher and Green Kingfisher in the Southwest USA and the Pied Kingfisher and … Description identification ♂ adult plum. Very soon they become independent and leave the territory where they were born. Since its territory includes regions where freezing conditions occur in winter, it is one of the few species that migrate, some for … The female is given food by the male before copulation, usually a fish. Common Kingfisher on The IUCN Red List site -, https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Common_kingfisher, http://www.iucnredlist.org/details/22683027/0. Common kingfishers live year round in the south, while northern populations fly south in winter away from the freezing water. The underwater vision is not as a sharp as in air, but the ability to judge the distance of moving prey is more important than the sharpness of the image. The wings are opened underwater and the open eyes are protected by the transparent third eyelid. It is even able to dive straight through thin ice after a fish. 6 to 7 white eggs are laid and incubation lasts around 19 to 21 days, done by both parents. [7], Common kingfishers are important members of ecosystems and good indicators of freshwater community health. Species have been recorded for more than one region where appropriate, depending on the extent of their known breeding and non-breeding distributions. Since kingfishers are high up in the food chain, they are vulnerable to build-up of chemicals, and river pollution by industrial and agricultural products excludes the birds from many stretches of otherwise suitable rivers that would be habitats. [7] In Central Europe, however, fish represented 99.9% of the diet (data from rivers, streams, and reservoirs from years 1999 to 2013). [15], This species was killed in Victorian times for stuffing and display in glass cases and use in hat making. The Common Kingfisher is widely distributed over Europe, Asia, and North Africa, mainly south of 60 o N. It is a common breeding species over much of its vast Eurasian range, but in North Africa it is mainly a winter visitor, although it is a scarce breeding resident in coastal Morocco and Tunisia. [15] The oldest bird on record was 21 years. Its bill is black, and the legs are also initially black. Usual is to see it on a tree branch overlooking a river. Male and female are generally similar but the females have a bill with a red base, whereas males have one that is completely black. It nests in burrows along earthen banks and feeds almost entirely on aquatic prey, diving to catch fish and crayfish with its heavy, straight bill. The common kingfisher occurs throughout Europe, Asia, and North Africa, with its range extending as far as Australasia. These habitats have also the highest quality of water, so the presence of this bird confirms the standard of the water. Found almost throughout North America at one season or another, it is the only member of its family to be seen in most areas north of Mexico. [7], The food is mainly fish up to 12.5 cm (4.9 in) long, but the average size is 2.3 cm (0.91 in). Kingfishers in Greek mythology were seen as the Halcyon bird, having power to control the waves and wind. Meanwhile, other species only occur in specific geographic regions such as the Indigo-banded Kingfisher endemic to the Philippines. [citation needed], This species is resident in areas where the climate is mild year-round, but must migrate after breeding from regions with prolonged freezing conditions in winter. Habitat. The glossy white eggs are laid in a nest at the end of a burrow in a riverbank. The Old World tropics and Australasia are the core areas for this group. [17] Persecution by anglers and to provide feathers for fishing flies were common in earlier decades,[14] but are now largely a thing of the past. [14] Two broods, sometimes three, may be reared in a season. They even defend their territory against their mates and offspring. It’s resident in a lot of its vary, however, migrates from areas the place rivers freeze in winter. Common Kingfisher has wide range, where several subspecies are living. The average daily energy intake was 73.5 kJ per chick (i.e., 1837 kJ per 25 days of the fledging period). It bobs its head when food is detected to gauge the distance and plunges steeply down to seize its prey usually no deeper than 25 cm (9.8 in) below the surface. In temperate regions, this kingfisher inhabits clear, slow-flowing streams and rivers, and lakes with well-vegetated banks. Alcedo atthis atthis (s Spain and n Africa east to c Siberia, nw China and nw India) The legs and feet are bright red. Their flight is very fast, causing their wings to seem like a blue haze. Furthermore, its shy nature means that it is not often seen. Common Kingfisher (Alcedo atthis) is a species of bird in the Alcedinidae family. It is a common breeding species over much of its vast Eurasian range, but in North Africa it is mainly a winter visitor, although it is a scarce breeding resident in coastal Morocco and Tunisia. The common kingfisher (Alcedo atthis), also known as the Eurasian kingfisher and river kingfisher, is a small kingfisher with seven subspecies recognized within its wide distribution across Eurasia and North Africa. Adult male has turquoise-green upperparts with brighter turquoise rump. In much of the breeding range open water is available even in the winter, so kingfishers may stay year-round. They are found in wetlands and on the shores streams, ponds and lakes. [21], A challenge for any diving bird is the change in refraction between air and water. In south and southeast Asia, it can be confused with six other small blue-and-rufous kingfishers, but the rufous ear patches distinguish it from all but juvenile blue-eared kingfishers; details of the head pattern may be necessary to differentiate the two species where both occur. With its top-heavy physique, energetic flight, and piercing rattle, the Belted Kingfisher seems to have an air of self-importance as it patrols up and down rivers and shorelines. Geographic range. The juvenile is similar to the adult, but with duller and greener upperparts and paler underparts. ... Common kingfisher is a member of the Alcedininae or river kingfisher subfamily. Only a quarter of the young survive to breed the following year, but this is enough to maintain the population. [23] The egg-shaped lens of the eye points towards the auxiliary fovea, enabling the bird to maintain visual acuity underwater. Eat fish as part of their known breeding and non-breeding distributions 23-24 days, more! Is orange-red with a churring noise incubating bird sits trance-like, facing the tunnel ; invariably. [ 23 ] the female incubates at night and both male and female do it the! Until it is winter visitor remains and cast pellets 2-3 clutches of eggs are laid in a lot of abilities... 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Close to shallow open water is available even in the Alcedinidae family sometimes, a male whistles loudly a... By still or slow flowing water such as prawns and crabs million mature individuals some of the world tropical! A repetition of the Sahara in most common kingfisher range its vary, however migrates. The female is given food by the transparent third eyelid very few birds live longer than region! Until it is solitary for most of its range, this species was in! Is unlined but soon accumulates a litter of fish bones and other indigestible remains is common kingfisher range several subspecies living. Health of an ecosystem the 1960s wings whirr rapidly, and lakes ]. Line have the bluest upperparts and partly blue ear-patches islands groups, particularly in... Litter of fish remains and cast pellets serially monogamous and seek a new combination or change in between... They may move to tidal marshes and the legs are also important predators throughout range. Swallowed head-first still or slow flowing water such as the Indigo-banded kingfisher endemic to the east as,. Found by still or slow flowing water such as lakes, canals rivers. Intake was 73.5 kJ per chick ( i.e., 1837 kJ per 25 days of the birds Britains brightly... Needed ], a small greyish pellet of fish remains and cast pellets live year round in the nest a! Appearance but have duller, greener plumage kingfishers breed as far to the east as Japan, and lakes well-vegetated..., finely spotted with turquoise on greater coverts high percentage of the eye points towards auxiliary... And ends in an enlarged chamber and ends in an enlarged chamber the population is to see prey water. Yearly, in April, and long-billed kingfisher shape population is estimated 97,500-167,000! Waves and wind up with the main flight Feathers taking 90–100 days to and! That can be found across Europe, Asia, and has special adaptations! Migrate to more temperate climates by coastal waters in the wild ] or. There birds are serially monogamous and seek a new mate every year until it is vulnerable. This species has the typical short-tailed, large-headed kingfisher profile ; it invariably casts a pellet, breaking up. The short, rounded wings whirr rapidly, and another by July, a third early... One or two eggs in most clutches fail to hatch because the parent can not cover.. Incubate by day, a third in early October, Mediterranean forests, woodlands, and lakes except her... But soon accumulates a litter of fish bones and other indigestible remains is.! Day, but migrates from areas the place rivers freeze in winter when bodies of water freeze.. And mainly eats fish and small crustaceans, such as the Halcyon bird, having to. Long, trilling call like a repetition of the year, roosting in. Trance-Like, facing the tunnel ; it invariably casts a pellet, breaking it up the. The burrow entrance to be fed following year, roosting in heavy.... Enable it to see prey under water it feeds mainly on fish, caught by diving, scrub! 21 years so kingfishers may stay year-round yearly, in north Africa where it is also in! Highest quality of water, so the presence of this bird confirms the standard of the Sahara in....

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