Data Zone
Justification of Red List category
This species is listed as Near Threatened because it has a very small range, in which it is potentially threatened by the clearance and degradation of its habitat in the near future. Habitat at the elevational range occupied by this species is not thought to be seriously threatened at present. However, the species might qualify for uplisting to a higher threat category if it is found that threats to lowland forest are extending into higher elevations.
Population justification
The global population size has not been quantified, but this species is described as 'uncommon' (Stotz et al. 1996).
Trend justification
The population is suspected to be stable in the absence of evidence for any declines or substantial threats.
Margarornis bellulus has a restricted distribution in the highlands of east Panama, where it is rare on Cerro Quía and in the Jungurudó, Pirre, Tacarcuna and Majé mountain ranges (Wetmore 1972; Robbins et al. 1985; Ridgely and Gwynne 1989; Wege 1996; Angehr and Christian 2000; Angehr 2003; Angehr et al. 2004). It has also recently been evidenced for the first time in Colombia, on the Colombian slope of the Cerro Tacarcuna (Renjifo et al. 2017).
This species inhabits montane cloud forest on summits and higher ridges, mostly at 1,350-1,600 m, but to 900 m on Cerro Quía (Ridgely and Gwynne 1989; Wege 1996). It feeds on arthropods, gleaning prey from branches and epiphytic vegetation, mostly in the subcanopy (del Hoyo et al. 2003).
Habitat in the region is being cleared and degraded for mining, agriculture and cultivation of coca (Wege 1996), especially in the Serranía de Majé, but probably not yet within the altitudinal range of this species. Completion of the Pan-American Highway link through Darién could be highly detrimental to this species (Wege 1996). Since the species is confined to higher elevations on a few mountain ranges, it could be vulnerable to global climate change.
Conservation Actions Underway
The Serranía de Majé is unprotected, but the remainder of the species's range falls within the Darién National Park (IUCN 1992, Wege 1996). However, this legal designation has not halted habitat loss (Wege 1996).
Text account compilers
Wheatley, H., Everest, J.
Contributors
Angehr, G., Isherwood, I., O'Brien, A., Sharpe, C.J. & Taylor, J.
Recommended citation
BirdLife International (2024) Species factsheet: Beautiful Treerunner Margarornis bellulus. Downloaded from
https://datazone.birdlife.org/species/factsheet/beautiful-treerunner-margarornis-bellulus 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.