World's newest species flies in forest of Gabon

Brian Schmidt, a research ornithologist at the Smithsonian National Museum of Natural History, makes notes of a female specimen of the newly-discovered olive-backed forest robin in this photo taken in September 2003.A red-breasted bird discovered by accident in the forests of Gabon is a new species, U.S. scientists said on August 15, 2008.(Xinhua/Reuters Photo)

BEIJING,Aug. 18 (Xinhuanet)-- A red-breasted robin living in the forests of Gabon has become the world's newest species discovered by humans, according to media reports Sunday quoting astudyin the journal Zootaxa.

The little bird, which measures 4.5 inches (11.43
centimeters)in length and averages half an ounce (14 grams) in weight, was
confirmed by genetic tests a unique species.

It was discovered by the Smithsonian Institution team
when it was conducting a studyon a biodiversity in the forest, said Brian
Schmidt, a research ornithologist at the Smithsonian's National Museum of
Natural History.

The scientists have named the bird the olive-backed
forest robin, or Stiphrornis pyrrholaemus.

According to the scientists, the males have a fiery
orange throat and breast, yellow belly, olive back and black feathers on the
head. Females are similar, but less vibrant. A distinctive feature of the
species is a white dot in front of each eye.

(Agencies)