Data Zone
Justification of Red List category
This highly forest-dependent species is confined to the small island of Damar where there is ongoing habitat loss and degradation noted to be causing the loss of previously occupied territories. The population is inferred to be undergoing a continuing decline which, in conjunction with the very small range means the species approaches thresholds for listing as threatened. It is therefore assessed as Near Threatened.
Population justification
The total population is estimated to lie within the band 20,000-30,000 individuals, equivalent to c.13,200-20,000 mature individuals, based on recent survey data estimating density and area of occupancy (Trainor 2002).
Trend justification
Thought to be declining slowly. Between 2001 and 2020, forest cover on Damar reduced by 2.4%, equivalent to a loss of c.1.1% over three generations (Global Forest Watch 2021, using data from Hansen et al. 2013 and methods disclosed therein). However. these data are thought to underestimate the threat of ongoing habitat degradation and population decline with much growing of crops below the canopy, creating habitat apparently unsuitable for the species, as undetected by remote sensing data (J. Eaton in litt. 2022). There is additional evidence of population declines in response to the expansion of crop growing and infrastructure projects. For example, in 2016, the clearance of forest/understorey to build a new road to connect the main villages removed at least six flycatcher territories that were previously occupied; if the road has been expanded or completed since, a larger number of territories may have disappeared (J. Eaton in litt. 2022).
Ficedula henrici is endemic to the small island of Damar (total area c.200 km2) in the Banda Sea, eastern Nusa Tenggara, Indonesia. For a long time, it was only known from 14 specimens collected at three localities in late 1898; the island was revisited by an ornithologist for the first time since its discovery in 2001, and the species was reported to be relatively common and widespread (Trainor 2002, Edwards 2008). It was recently described as being common and widespread (Eaton et al. 2021). Given approximately 150 km2 of suitable habitat, extrapolation of density estimates gives an overall population estimate of 20,000-30,000 individuals (Trainor 2002).
Observations indicate that this species is confined to evergreen forest, where it frequents the understorey (Trainor 2002, 2007). Although it occasionally used gardens and groves, it is absent in highly modified habitats and apparently intolerant of forest conversion (Trainor 2007). It generally perches within 1 m of the ground while feeding, though will forage on the ground among rocks and leaf litter.
About 70% of the island is still covered in semi-evergreen and dry tropical forest. Small-scale logging and clearance for subsistence agriculture occurs at low-levels but is expected to increase in future as human population levels rise (Trainor 2002). Between 2001 and 2020, forest cover on Damar reduced by only 2.4% (Global Forest Watch 2021, using Hansen et al. [2013] data and methods disclosed therein). Volcanism and earthquakes represents a potential threat on the small island, given its location, and introduced rats may be predating on the native avifauna (Trainor 2007). However, these threats are not considered to be driving population declines in the species at present.
Conservation Actions Underway
None is known, although a protected area has been proposed on the island.
12-13 cm. Small, dark flycatcher. Male predominantly dark slate-blue with blackish face and white supercilium before eye, meeting on forehead. Small white throat patch in some individuals, and flecking on chest. Black bill and legs. Female has olive-brown upperparts, tinged slaty. Buff eye-ring and supercilium before eye. Rusty-buff below, brighter on throat and chest with indistinct olive streaking. Similar spp. Male Shining Flycatcher Piezorhynchus alecto is larger, longer tailed and lacks white. Voice A sibilant and far-carrying series of variable strophes; similar to Snowy-browed Flycatcher Ficedula hyperythra.
Text account compilers
Berryman, A.
Contributors
Trainor, C., Tobias, J., Davidson, P., Benstead, P., Bird, J. & Khwaja, N.
Recommended citation
BirdLife International (2024) Species factsheet: Damar Flycatcher Ficedula henrici. Downloaded from
https://datazone.birdlife.org/species/factsheet/damar-flycatcher-ficedula-henrici on 25/12/2024.
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 25/12/2024.