Data Zone
Justification of Red List category
This species has a small, declining population which is declining as a result of habitat loss through logging and conversion to agriculture. For these reasons, the species is evaluated as Near Threatened as it approaches the thresholds for Vulnerable under criterion C2aii.
Population justification
There is no data on population size, but the population is estimated to number 15,000-25,000 individuals based on an assessment of known records, descriptions of abundance and range size. This is consistent with recorded population density estimates for 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 10,000-16,667 mature individuals, rounded here to 10,000-16,700 mature individuals.
Trend justification
The species is thought to be declining and whilst there is no data on population change, tree cover across its range has declined by approximately 5% across three generations from 2003-2014 (Global Forest Watch 2016).
Calyptophilus frugivorus occurs in Hispaniola (Haiti and the Dominican Republic). The races abbotti, from Gonâve Island, Haiti, and frugivorus, from the Samaná Peninsula in the north-eastern Dominican Republic, are both likely to be extinct, with no confirmed records of either since the early 1980s; Gonâve though has not been extensively surveyed and so subspecies abbotti could possibly survive (N. Khwaja in litt. 2012). The race neibae is found in the Cordillera Central of the Dominican Republic.
It is largely terrestrial in broadleaf forest and dense thickets, especially in ravines and near water, but inhabits semi-arid scrub on Gonâve Island. It is primarily a montane species, occurring above 1,000 m, but locally to 800 m (G. M. Kirwan in litt. 1998). However, the races abbotti and frugivorus occurred in areas below 600 m. Breeding probably occurs between May and July (Raffaele et al. 1998). It feeds chiefly on invertebrates, rather than fruit as implied by its specific name.
Agricultural conversion and logging are the principal threats to its habitat.
Conservation Actions Underway
It occurs in Ebano Verde Scientific Reserve.
17-20 cm. Curious, long-tailed, bicoloured understorey species. Dark brown above, white below. Yellow loral spot and carpal area. Similar spp. Virtually unmistakable. Two sympatric Turdus thrush species are similar sized and terrestrial, but both show much red. Voice Song is beautiful whistling chip-chip-swerp-swerp-swerp. Sharp check call. Hints Best located by song or calls, often sings from an elevated perch.
Text account compilers
Isherwood, I., Khwaja, N., Mahood, S., Pople, R., Wege, D., Sharpe, C J & Wheatley, H.
Contributors
Kirwan, G., Latta, S., Khwaja, N. & Townsend, J.
Recommended citation
BirdLife International (2024) Species factsheet: Eastern Chat-tanager Calyptophilus frugivorus. Downloaded from
https://datazone.birdlife.org/species/factsheet/eastern-chat-tanager-calyptophilus-frugivorus on 20/12/2024.
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 20/12/2024.