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 fairly common (Silveira et al. 2023). In view of the high number of records within its large range (see eBird 2023), the population is unlikely to be small.
Trend justification
Precise data on the population trend are lacking, but slow declines are suspected to be occurring owing to ongoing habitat loss.
Tree cover within the range was lost at a rate of 7% over the past three generations (10.7 years; Global Forest Watch 2023, using Hansen et al. [2013] data and methods disclosed therein). Even though the species is also found at borders and in tall secondary growth it remains dependent on forests (Hilty 2020, Silveira et al. 2023). Consequently, the rate of population decline may be equivalent, or even exceed, the rate of tree cover loss. To account for uncertainty, the rate of decline is here placed in the band 5-19% over three generations.
Thraupis cyanoptera occurs in south-east Brazil in Bahia and east Minas Gerais, and from Espírito Santo south on the coastal slopes of the Serra do Marto to Rio Grande do Sul (Silveira et al. 2023).
This species is found in the canopy and borders of humid evergreen forest and mature second growth from the lowlands to 1,200 m, occasionally to 1,600 m (Ridgely and Tudor 1989, Parker et al. 1996).
The only threat known to this species is the loss and fragmentation of habitat in parts of its range (Silveira et al. 2023). Deforestation within the range is mainly driven by urbanisation, agricultural expansion and road-building (Dinerstein et al. 1995).
Conservation Actions Underway
The species occurs within several protected areas across the range, including Aparados da Serra, Bocaina, Serra do Itajaí, Serra dos Órgãos, Serra Geral, Tijuca, Itatiaia, Caparaó and Saint-Hilaire/Lange national parks (Silveira et al. 2023).
Conservation Actions Proposed
Quantify the population size. Conduct ecological studies to fully determine its habitat preferences and levels of tolerance of secondary habitats. Repeat surveys of known sites to monitor population trends. Effectively protect significant areas of suitable forest at key sites.
Text account compilers
Hermes, C.
Contributors
Gilroy, J., O'Brien, A. & Sharpe, C.J.
Recommended citation
BirdLife International (2024) Species factsheet: Azure-shouldered Tanager Tangara cyanoptera. Downloaded from
https://datazone.birdlife.org/species/factsheet/azure-shouldered-tanager-tangara-cyanoptera 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.