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 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 is evaluated as Least Concern.
Population justification
The global population size has not been quantified, but this species is described as rare or uncommon (Stotz et al. 1996, Schulenberg 2020). It may however be overlooked due to its small size, canopy-dwelling habits and inconspicuous song (Schulenberg 2020).
Trend justification
The population trend has not been investigated, but declines may be occurring on the basis of habitat loss and degradation.
Tree cover within the range is lost at a rate of 3% over ten years (Global Forest Watch 2022, using Hansen et al. [2013] data and methods disclosed therein). Apart from forest interior the species also occurs along forest edge (Schulenberg 2020). Consequently, any population declines are likely to be extremely low, not exceeding 5% over ten years.
Xenerpestes singularis occurs in the east Andes of Ecuador from Napo south to north Cajamarca and San Martín, Peru.
The species inhabits the canopy and borders of foothill forest with abundant epiphytes and bromeliads (Parker and Parker 1980).
Its habitats are under pressure from conversion to agriculture and cattle pasture, mining operations and logging (Dinerstein et al. 1995).
Conservation Actions Underway
The species is listed as Near Threatened at the national level in Peru and Ecuador (SERFOR 2018, Freile et al. 2019).
Conservation Actions Proposed
Conduct surveys of suitable habitats within and surrounding the known range to determine its true distribution and abundance. Conduct ecological studies to investigate its ecology and behaviour. Research the impact of threats, in particular its tolerance of disturbance and fragmentation. Monitor the population trend. Protect significant areas of forest at key sites, in both strictly protected areas and community led multiple use areas.
Text account compilers
Hermes, C.
Contributors
Butchart, S., Gilroy, J., Mahood, S. & Sharpe, C.J.
Recommended citation
BirdLife International (2024) Species factsheet: Equatorial Greytail Xenerpestes singularis. Downloaded from
https://datazone.birdlife.org/species/factsheet/equatorial-greytail-xenerpestes-singularis on 23/12/2024.
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 23/12/2024.