• Summary
• Text account
• Data table and detailed info
• Distribution map
• Reference and further resources

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). The population trend appears to be stable, and hence the species does not 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 has been evaluated as Least Concern.

Population justification
The global population size has not been quantified, but the species is considered rare to locally uncommon or fairly common (Stotz et al. 1996, Krabbe et al. 2018). The species may be easily overlooked due to its cryptic habits.

Trend justification
The only known threat to the species is the loss of its forest habitat. A remote-sensing study found that recent forest loss within the range was negligible (potentially <1% over ten years; Tracewski et al. 2016). Assuming that the population trend is equivalent to the changes in forest cover, the species seems to be stable over the last ten years.

Grallaricula lineifrons is known from few localities on the western slope of the Central Andes in southern Colombia (Cauca) and on the eastern slope of the Andes in Ecuador (Napo, Carchi, Cañar and Loja) (Lehmann et al. 1977, Ridgely and Tudor 1994). It is considered rare to locally uncommon within this range, although its cryptic habits may disguise its true status (Ridgely and Tudor 1994).

Crescent-faced Antpitta occurs on relatively steep slopes in the undergrowth of epiphyte-clad humid montane forest, elfin forest and adjacent secondary woodland (Fjeldså and Krabbe 1990, Ridgely and Tudor 1994, Parker et al. 1996). It ranges from 2,900 to 3,400 m.

Agricultural expansion has led to widespread and severe deforestation of montane forest within the species's range (Stattersfield et al. 1998). Remaining forests are degraded as a consequence of timber extraction for charcoal production (Freile and Santander 2005). In Ecuador, the lowering of the tree-line through cutting and burning for pasture is a major threat to montane forests (del Hoyo et al. 2003). Nevertheless, the species may tolerate patchy, degraded forests and secondary growth, and therefore is less at risk than feared (Krabbe et al. 2018).

Conservation Actions Underway

The species occurs in Purace National Park, Colombia, and Cayambe-Coca Ecological Reserve, Ecuador.

Conservation Actions Proposed

Conduct surveys of suitable habitats within and surrounding the known range to determine its true distribution and abundance. Ensure that remaining tracts of suitable habitat receive adequate protection. Conduct studies to determine the level of tolerance of secondary habitats, particularly in areas where primary habitat is extirpated.

Text account compilers
Hermes, C., Gilroy, J., Butchart, S., Sharpe, C.J.

---

Recommended citation
BirdLife International (2024) Species factsheet: Crescent-faced Antpitta Grallaricula lineifrons. Downloaded from https://datazone.birdlife.org/species/factsheet/crescent-faced-antpitta-grallaricula-lineifrons 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.