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

Justification of Red List category
The population size, structure and trends of this species are very poorly known. Total numbers are certainly very low and probably declining, and there may well be movement of birds between populations on different islands. It is unlikely that the total population exceeds 500 birds, with fewer than 250 mature individuals in each subpopulation, and is in decline. The species is therefore listed as Endangered. Dedicated surveys are needed urgently, and may reveal that the species warrants uplisting to Critically Endangered on the basis of an even smaller population.

Population justification
D. Wiedenfield (in litt. 2004) considers the population likely to number fewer than 1,000 individuals, and possibly even fewer than 200. A. Tye (in litt. 2005) estimates the population to number c.600 individuals. Wiedenfield and Jiménez-Uzcátegui (2008) consider it likely to number much fewer than 500 individuals, an estimate further backed up by the surveys of Anchundia and Fessl (2020) although a more accurate estimate could not be determined. It is placed in the band 250-999 mature individuals here, equating to 375-1,499 individuals in total, rounded here to 350-1,500 individuals.

Trend justification
Current population trends are unclear, but historical declines are probably continuing (A. Tye in litt. 2005, D. Wiedenfeld in litt. 2005, 2007, 2011, 2012, Wiedenfeld and Jiménez-Uzcátegui 2008, T. de Vries in litt. 2012, P. Grant in litt. 2012), a conclusion further supported by Anchundia and Fessl (2020). Minimum counts of birds observed at Daphne Major Island since the 1970s indicate a decline here (P. Grant in litt. 2012).

Progne modesta occurs on the central and southern islands of the Galápagos Archipelago, Ecuador (on Fernandina, Isabela, Santiago, Pinzón, Daphne, Baltra and Seymour, Santa Cruz, Santa Fé, San Cristóbal, Española [no breeding recorded] and Floreana) (Turner and Rose 1989, Castro and Phillips 1996). It has been described as uncommon (Turner and Rose 1989), and the population is likely to number fewer than 1,000 individuals, and is likely lower than 500 individuals (D. Wiedenfield in litt. 2004, A. Tye in litt. 2005, Wiedenfield and Jiménez-Uzcátegui 2008, Anchundia and Fessl 2020). No more than 50 birds have been recorded at any one site (A. Tye in litt. 2005). The population is likely to have undergone a decline over the last 200 years (D. Wiedenfield in litt. 2004, A. Tye in litt. 2005), and this trend appears to continue, but current population trends are unconfirmed.

It frequents forested areas, mountain tops (up to 970 m), shore and coastal lagoons with mangroves, and feeds around houses on Isabela (Turner and Rose 1989). However, recent information suggests that it is more restricted, with pairs or small to medium-sized groups (up to 40 [Anchundia and Fessl 2020]) seen around the highest peaks, but only occasionally in the lowlands (at sites with special characteristics, such as sheer sea cliffs) (A. Tye in litt. 2005). It nests between August and March, laying 1-3 white eggs in holes and crevices (Castro and Phillips 1996, Anchundia and Fessl 2020) lined with feathers (Harris 1982). It feeds on insects caught in flight (Turner and Rose 1989, Castro and Phillips 1996). It is not known to migrate (Turner and Rose 1989).

Little is known about the threats to this species. Past and ongoing declines are likely to be due to introduced diseases and parasites, especially the parasitic botfly Philornis downsi, which occurs on all known breeding islands (Wiedenfeld et al. 2007) and was first recorded parasitising a P. modesta nest in February 2018, although its population impact remains unclear (Jiménez-Uzcátegui et al. 2019, Anchundia and Fessl 2020). Declines may also be attributable to introduced nest predators (e.g. rats Rattus) (D. Wiedenfield in litt. 2004, A. Tye in litt. 2005), although there is currently no available knowledge regarding this threat. Climate change may also impact the species by reducing food availability, particularly important in insectivorous species such as P. modesta (Jiménez-Uzcátegui et al. 2019, Anchundia and Fessl 2020).

Conservation Actions Underway
None is known.

Conservation Actions Proposed
Urgently carry out surveys for this species throughout its range, visiting all known or suspected strongholds, to develop accurate population estimates. Establish monitoring programmes to determine population trends. Carry out research to determine the reasons for its small population and any declines. Carry out actions to reduce any threats to this species (e.g. control of nest predators).

Text account compilers
Everest, J.

Contributors
Fessl, B., Gilroy, J., Grant , P., Harding, M., Sharpe, C.J., Tye, A., Wiedenfeld, D., Young, G. & de Vries, T.

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Recommended citation
BirdLife International (2024) Species factsheet: Galapagos Martin Progne modesta. Downloaded from https://datazone.birdlife.org/species/factsheet/galapagos-martin-progne-modesta on 18/12/2024.
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 18/12/2024.