Data Zone
Justification of Red List category
This species has a very large range, and hence does not approach the thresholds for Vulnerable under the range size criterion (extent of occurrence <20,000 km² combined with a declining or fluctuating range size, habitat extent/quality, or population size and a small number of locations or severe fragmentation). Despite the fact that the population trend appears to be decreasing, the decline is not believed to be sufficiently rapid to approach the thresholds for Vulnerable under the population trend criterion (>30% decline over ten years or three generations). The population size has not been quantified, but it is not believed to approach the thresholds for Vulnerable under the population size criterion (<10,000 mature individuals with a continuing decline estimated to be >10% in ten years or three generations, or with a specified population structure). For these reasons the species is evaluated as Least Concern.
Population justification
The global population size has not been quantified, but this species is described as common (Stotz et al. 1996, Remsen Jr. 2020, Silveira et al. 2023). Given the high number of records within its very large range (see eBird 2023), the population is unlikely to be small.
Trend justification
A population decline is suspected to be occurring, owing to the destruction of Araucaria woodlands.
The overall rate of tree cover loss within the range is 7-9% over ten years (Global Forest Watch 2023, using Hansen et al. [2013] data and methods disclosed therein). The species however thrives in Araucaria plantation forest and is able to tolerate habitat alteration as long as Araucaria trees are present (Cabanne et al. 2007, Silveira et al. 2023). Despite historical losses, Araucaria angustifolia currently remains abundant and widepsread (B. Phalan in litt. 2024). Population declines are therefore likely slow; they are here tentatively placed in the band 1-9% over ten years.
Leptasthenura setaria occurs in south-east Brazil (from south Rio de Janeiro and Minas Gerais to Rio Grande do Sul) and north-east Argentina (Misiones).
This species occurs in temperate and secondary forests (Ridgely and Tudor 1994, Parker et al. 1996). It is entirely dependent upon, and relatively common in, stands of Araucaria angustifolia, commonly occurring in commercially planted Araucaria groves around buildings and in gardens (Ridgely and Tudor 1994, J. C. Chebez in litt. 1999, Cabanne et al. 2007). The overall population in commercial plantations in Argentina appears to be large, suggesting that such Araucaria plantations play an important role in the conservation of this species (Cabanne et al. 2007).
It is threatened by the destruction of Araucaria forests as result of large-scale clearance for pastureland and cultivation (Hueck 1978, Stattersfield et al. 1998, Silveira et al. 2023).
Conservation Actions Underway
The species is listed as Vulnerable at the national level in Argentina (MAyDS and AA 2017) and as Least Concern in Brazil (Silveira et al. 2023). It occurs in several protected areas across its range (Silveira et al. 2023).
Conservation Actions Proposed
Survey to accurately quantify the population size. Quantify the impact of threats on the population size. Monitor the population trend. Monitor rates of habitat change. Ensure that remaining tracts of Araucaria woodland receive adequate protection. Continue afforestation of Araucaria.
Size: 17 cm. Summary: Small, slender and body patterned with a long tail. Id: head black streaked with white; with distinctive crest. Upperparts chestnut, duskier on wings and tail; underparts ochraceous, except whitish throat, speckled dusky. Similar: Could only be confused with the sympatric Striolated Tit-spinetail L. striolata which has a streaked mantle and no crest. Hints: Active but sometimes hard to see, often first detected by its song and calls. Voice: The song is a high pitched descending trill, various high pitched call notes also given.
Text account compilers
Hermes, C.
Contributors
Butchart, S., Cabanne, G.S., Chebez, J.C., Gilroy, J., Sharpe, C.J. & Phalan, B.
Recommended citation
BirdLife International (2024) Species factsheet: Araucaria Tit-spinetail Leptasthenura setaria. Downloaded from
https://datazone.birdlife.org/species/factsheet/araucaria-tit-spinetail-leptasthenura-setaria on 23/11/2024.
Recommended citation for factsheets for more than one species: BirdLife International (2024) IUCN Red List for birds. Downloaded from
https://datazone.birdlife.org/species/search on 23/11/2024.