Data Zone
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). Despite the fact that the population trend appears to be decreasing, the decline is not believed to be sufficiently rapid to approach the thresholds for Vulnerable under the population trend criterion (>30% decline over ten years or three generations). The population size may be small, 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 is evaluated as Least Concern.
Population justification
The global population size has not been quantified, but the species appears to be rare (T. Donegan in litt. 2016, 2023).
Assuming that it occurs at the same density as a congener (D. hellmayri: 2-4 individuals/km2; E. Botero-Delgadillo in litt. 2023), and further assuming that only 25% of forests within the range are occupied to account for its apparent rarity (i.e., 2,200-2,500 km2; Global Forest Watch 2023), the population may number 4,400-10,000 individuals. This roughly equates to 3,000-6,700 mature individuals.
The species likely forms two separate subpopulations within its disjunct range, with the northern subpopulation in Yariguíes described as very small (T. Donegan in litt. 2023). Inferring from the range size it is likely that at least 90% of the total population (i.e. 2,700-6,030 mature individuals) occur in the south, while the northern subpopulation holds at most 10% of the total population (i.e. 300-670 mature individuals).
Trend justification
There are no data on the population trend, but the only known threat is the loss and degradation of its forest habitat. Over ten years, 2% of tree cover is lost within the range (Global Forest Watch 2023, using Hansen et al. [2013] data and methods disclosed therein).
Even though the species' exact habitat requirements are not well known, it is likely restricted to dense bamboo thickets within forests. Consequently, the slow loss and degradation of forests within the range is suspected to cause a slow population decline, which is here tentatively placed in the band 1-9% over ten years.
Drymophila caudata is endemic to Colombia, where it is currently known from a disjunct range in Santander and possibly adjacent Boyacá, and the upper Magdalena valley.
The species occurs in Andean montane forest. Its precise habitat requirements are not well known, though it is possible that similar to other members of its genus (e.g. D. devillei, klagesi and striaticeps) it shares a preference for dense Guadua bamboo thickets in mature and secondary forests (Zimmer et al. 2020). It feeds mainly on insects (del Hoyo et al. 2003).
Threats are not well known, but it is likely susceptible to large-scale loss and degradation of forests and removal of bamboo stands for selective logging and conversion into agricultural land and livestock pastures (T. Donegan in litt. 2016).
Conservation Actions Underway
The species occurs in several protected areas across the range, including Yariguíes and Cordillera de los Picachos National Parks (Zimmer et al. 2020).
Conservation Actions Proposed
Quantify the population size and trend. Research the species' ecology and behaviour. Ascertain threats to the population and confirm whether these are likely to be driving a decline. Monitor the population trend. Protect areas of suitable habitat within the range.
14-16 cm. Long-tailed antbird. Crown and anterior upperparts black, streaked white in males and cinnamon-rufous in females. Similar spp. Male distinguished from D. devillei by rufous tinges to the pale streaks on the back; longer and paler tail lacking intermediate spots, streaked throat, and more heavily streaked anterior underparts.
Text account compilers
Hermes, C.
Contributors
Botero-Delgadillo, E., Butchart, S., Donegan, T., Ekstrom, J., Janni, O., Khwaja, N. & Westrip, J.R.S.
Recommended citation
BirdLife International (2024) Species factsheet: East Andean Antbird Drymophila caudata. Downloaded from
https://datazone.birdlife.org/species/factsheet/east-andean-antbird-drymophila-caudata 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.