Blue-headed Quail-Dove (Starnoenas cyanocephala)

Blue-headed Quail-Dove Starnoenas cyanocephala

Current view: Text account

Justification

Justification of Red List category
This species is extremely rare and has a very small population with extremely small subpopulations, and numbers are continuing to decline in response to hunting, predation and habitat loss. For these reasons the species is classified as Endangered.

Population justification
The population is estimated to number 1,000-2,499 individuals based on an assessment of known records, descriptions of abundance and range size. This is consistent with recorded population density estimates for congeners or close relatives with a similar body size, and the fact that only a proportion of the estimated Extent of Occurrence is likely to be occupied. This estimate is equivalent to 667-1,666 mature individuals, rounded here to 600-1,700 mature individuals. However, Leavelle (2008) recently estimated a much higher density than that used in these calculations, and so the population estimate may be revised upwards.

Trend justification
There are no new data on trends, but the species is suspected to be declining at a slow or moderate rate, owing to excessive hunting, and habitat loss and degradation. Forest loss within the species's range is currently estimated at ~5% over three generations (18 years) (Tracewski et al. 2016).

Distribution and population

Starnoenas cyanocephala is endemic to Cuba, where it was once common and widespread from Pinar del Río across to Guantánamo. It is now rare almost everywhere and extinct on Isla de la Juventud (A. Kirkconnell in litt. 1999, Gibbs et al. 2001). In the late 1980s, reasonable numbers were reported only from Zapata Swamp, and a more recent study found good numbers in the lowlands around Zapata, with another smaller, but significant, population in the mountains at La Güira in Pinar del Río province and another on Guanahacabibes peninsular (Wells and Mitchell 1995). Small numbers are also known or presumed to persist in several additional areas throughout the country (A. Mitchell in litt. 1998).

Ecology

This species occurs in the undergrowth of lowland forest including swampy areas, and occasionally in highland forest. It forages for seeds, berries and snails on the ground in dense forest and occasionally on forest tracks. It is generally found in pairs, but larger congregations have been recorded, with 18 birds at a water hole during the 1995 dry season (A. Mitchell in litt. 1998). Breeding takes place mainly between April and June, with nests placed on tree trunks or branches or in stump depressions (A. Mitchell in litt. 1998, Leavelle 2008, Kirkconnell and González 2008, A. Kirkconnell in litt. 2016).

Threats

The combined and chronic effects of excessive hunting and habitat destruction, and predation by feral cats have produced a large-scale decline. The species has always been regarded as excellent eating, and is still trapped illegally using drop-traps baited with orange seeds (A. Mitchell in litt. 1998). Hurricanes may significantly affect the species by felling large areas of forest, such as happened in Zapata Swamp in 1996 (A. Mitchell in litt. 1998).

Conservation actions

Conservation Actions Underway
It is protected under national law and in the Zapata Swamp and other protected sites, but legal protection is not enforced and hunting continues (A. Mitchell in litt. 1998). The only known highland population is protected within La Güira National Park (A. Mitchell in litt. 1998), although this site is also subject to illegal hunting.

Conservation Actions Proposed
Survey areas outside known sites, where the species may persist (A. Mitchell in litt. 1998). Immediately protect any populations discovered during these surveys. Conduct public awareness and education campaigns to highlight the plight of the species and reduce hunting pressure (A. Mitchell in litt. 1998). Enforce the protection afforded by protected areas.

Identification

30-33 cm. Stunningly marked, large quail-dove. Cinnamon-brown with spectacular head and throat marking. Blue crown, black eye-stripe and white facial stripe, black gorget bordered narrowly white below and bluish mottling on sides of throat. Voice Distinctive, two phrase call uuu-up, uuu-up, last note of each rising and ending abruptly. Hints Shy, but often in areas with ample leaf-litter.

Acknowledgements

Text account compilers
Wheatley, H., Everest, J.

Contributors
Benstead, P., Isherwood, I., Kirkconnell, A., Mahood, S., Mitchell, A., Pilgrim, J., Sharpe, C.J. & Wege, D.

Recommended citation
BirdLife International (2024) Species factsheet: Blue-headed Quail-Dove Starnoenas cyanocephala. Downloaded from https://datazone.birdlife.org/species/factsheet/blue-headed-quail-dove-starnoenas-cyanocephala on 22/11/2024.
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 22/11/2024.