Data Zone
Justification of Red List category
This species has a very small population, rendering it moderately susceptible to stochastic events and human impacts. Although there is currently no evidence of a decline, it is feared that habitat degradation is increasing considerably. For these reasons the species is classified as Vulnerable.
Population justification
The global population is estimated at 1,000-2,500 individuals, roughly equivalent to 600-1,700 mature individuals.
Trend justification
The population trend is difficult to quantify. On one hand, large parts of the natural vegetation of Barbuda have been degrading through cattle and goat grazing for over a century; yet the species seems to be well adapted to this disturbance and it is not thought that it may cause a severe population decline (Diamond 2020). Furthermore, it appears that hurricane Irma, which hit Barbuda in 2017, did not have a severe impact on the population size either (Gerbracht 2017). On the other hand, anecdotal evidence suggests that levels of habitat degradation have increased considerably, so that the species is now starting to decline (J. Daltry per D. Diaz in litt. 2019). Therefore tentatively, it is suspected that the species is undergoing a slow decline. Given the resilience of Barbuda Warbler to habitat loss and degradation, it is here tentatively assumed that the rate of decline does not exceed 10% over ten years.
Setophaga subita is endemic to Barbuda (Antigua and Barbuda) where it is moderately common in western parts of the island (K. Lindsay in litt. 2001). For unknown reasons, the species is less common on the eastern half, and even less so on the easternmost third of the island (K. Lindsay in litt. 2001).
The species inhabits most habitat types on the island, but prefers xeric scrub and dry forest, particularly with higher canopy (Mahabir 2018, Diamond 2020). The species appears to tolerate a substantial level of habitat degradation and has successfully adapted to cattle and goat grazing within its range (Diamond 2020).
Although most current development is confined to the Codrington area, proposed unplanned housing development and poor land-use practices (e.g. land clearance for agriculture, garbage dumping, and unmanaged livestock) may be increasing threats (K. Lindsay in litt. 2001). Natural habitats on the island are already much altered by free-ranging grazing animals (A. Haynes Sutton in litt. 2001). Hurricanes apparently do not pose a major threat (Gerbracht 2017).
Conservation Actions Underway
None are known.
Text account compilers
Wheatley, H., Hermes, C.
Contributors
Haynes Sutton, A., Lindsay, K., Mahood, S., O'Brien, A., Sharpe, C.J. & Wege, D.
Recommended citation
BirdLife International (2024) Species factsheet: Barbuda Warbler Setophaga subita. Downloaded from
https://datazone.birdlife.org/species/factsheet/barbuda-warbler-setophaga-subita 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.