Data Zone
Justification of Red List category
This poorly known migratory species is classified as Near Threatened because its moderately small population is suspected to be declining as a result of the conversion and degradation of its habitats; it almost meets the requirements for listing as threatened under criterion C1. Improved information on its population size and trend may in due course lead to a reassessment of its status.
Population justification
The European population is suspected to be 5,300-10,400 mature individuals (Birdlife International (in prep)), of which 96% is found in Turkey (Yavuz et al., 2018). In 2015, there were thought to be less than 100 pairs in Iran and a minimum of 1,000 pairs in Iraq (R. Porter in litt. 2015). The global population is suspected to number 7,000-12,600 mature individuals, roughly equating to 10,600-18,900 individuals in total, here placed in the band 10,000-19,999 individuals.
Trend justification
A moderate overall decline is suspected (12-28%), based on estimates of the European population size during 2015-2021 (Birdlife International in prep.), which holds the majority of the global breeding population.
Based on data collated for the European Red List (BirdLife International in prep.), the European population has experienced an annual change of 97.93% between 2015 and 2021, with a decrease in population size from 6,400-11,400 mature individuals in 2015 (BirdLife International, 2015) to 5,300-10,400 in 2021. In 2015, there were thought to be less than 100 pairs in Iran and a minimum of 1,000 pairs in Iraq (R. Porter in litt. 2015). The current status and trends of these are unknown. Assuming these subpopulations are stable, we can suspect a global decline of 12-20% over three generations. Assuming these subpopulations have declined at the same rate as the European population, we can suspect a global decline of 17-28% over three generations. This is highly uncertain and requires review, particularly of the trends in Iran and Iraq.
This species breeds on the islands of Skyros (Hölzinger 1995), Lesbos and Chios, Greece (105-205 pairs [BirdLife International 2015]), and western Turkey (race cineracea), as well as in south-east Turkey (where it can be abundant in some specific habitats [A. Staneva in litt. 2016]), south-west Iran (fewer than 100 pairs in the Zagros mountains; race semenowi) (Cramp and Perrins 1994, Byers et al. 1995, Kirwan et al. 2008) and Iraq (minimum 1,000 pairs in Iraqi Kurdistan [R. Porter in litt. 2015]) (Porter and Aspinall 2010). Statements regarding potential breeding in northern Syria are of uncertain validity (Albayrak et al. 2003). The winter distribution remains poorly known, but includes Eritrea and Yemen, and potentially also Ethiopia (Bantihun et al., 2020), north-east Sudan and south-west Saudi Arabia (where records may solely relate to individuals on migration) (Walther et al. 2004, Walther 2006). In addition, there are passage records along the species's two, well-separated migration routes: Cyprus, Syria, Lebanon, Israel, Jordan, Palestinian Authority Territories and Egypt (predominantly race cineracea); and Kuwait, Qatar, Bahrain, United Arab Emirates and Oman (race semenowi). The Turkish breeding population - which at 3,100-5,500 pairs constitutes the great majority of the global population - was suspected to have declined by 0-19% during 1990-2000 (BirdLife International 2004) and in 1990-2013 (BirdLife International 2015).
The species breeds on dry rocky slopes and uplands with shrubby vegetation and sometimes conifers. It may also use areas with isolated trees, such as Pinus brutia, or taller bushes. It is migratory, wintering in dry open country with short grass, semi-desert, low rocky hills, bare cultivated land and dry scrub, often in coastal areas. On passage, it occurs on stony and rocky slopes/hillsides with low annual grasses and bushes, chiefly in desert uplands, with a few cultivated patches (Shirihai, 1996). Migrating birds are regularly recorded in lowland agricultural land and semi-deserts.
In Turkey the breeding habitat ranges from c. 100–1800 m at least, thought to extend to sea level (Roselaar, 1995). The habitat is reported to extend to sea level in the Greek islands.
Changes in grazing pressure by sheep and goats could affect the population size. High grazing pressure could result in the trampling of nests, whereas too little grazing could reduce the area of open feeding sites (Albayrak et al. 2003). Remaining habitat in western Turkey is being developed rapidly for tourism (Tucker and Heath 1994). Suitable habitats in south-east Turkey have been flooded by dam construction, resulting both in direct habitat loss and the relocation of displaced villagers to new, currently unpopulated areas (Albayrak et al. 2003). Construction of wind farms and mining in the species's habitats in Turkey are further threats (S. Isfendiyaroglu in litt. 2015). This species is caught and killed in trammel and mist nests along the Egyptian coast (although it is not the primary target) (Eason et al., 2016).
Conservation and Research Actions Underway
The species is legally protected under Greek and Turkish law (Albayrak et al. 2003). One of the breeding sites on Lesbos is partially protected as a Natural Monument and Wildlife Refuge (Albayrak et al. 2003). An international action plan was published in 2003 (Albayrak et al. 2003). The species's potential winter distribution has been modelled using GIS-based techniques (Walther et al. 2004). Surveys undertaken by Nature Iraq from 2005 to 2012 have revealed that Iraqi Kurdistan is an important area for the species with 23 of 53 potential Key Biodiversity Areas surveyed containing breeding individuals (R. Porter in litt. 2015).
Conservation and Research Actions Proposed
Survey suitable habitat within the putative wintering grounds (Walther et al. 2004; Walther 2006). Develop a monitoring programme to assess population trends. Assess threats to the species and develop appropriate responses.
Text account compilers
McGonigle, K.
Contributors
Balkiz, Ö., Walther, B., Porter, R., Isfendiyaroglu, S., Staneva, A., Westrip, J.R.S., Pople, R., Derhé, M., Capper, D., O'Brien, A. & Ashpole, J
Recommended citation
BirdLife International (2024) Species factsheet: Cinereous Bunting Emberiza cineracea. Downloaded from
https://datazone.birdlife.org/species/factsheet/cinereous-bunting-emberiza-cineracea on 22/12/2024.
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 22/12/2024.