EN
Giant Kingbird Tyrannus cubensis



Taxonomy

Taxonomic source(s)
del Hoyo, J., Collar, N.J., Christie, D.A., Elliott, A., Fishpool, L.D.C., Boesman, P. and Kirwan, G.M. 2016. HBW and BirdLife International Illustrated Checklist of the Birds of the World. Volume 2: Passerines. Lynx Edicions and BirdLife International, Barcelona, Spain and Cambridge, UK.

IUCN Red List criteria met and history
Red List criteria met
Critically Endangered Endangered Vulnerable
- C2a(i) A2c+3c+4c; C2a(i); D1

Red List history
Year Category Criteria
2020 Endangered C2a(i)
2016 Endangered B1ab(i,ii,iii,iv,v);C2a(i)
2012 Endangered B1ab(i,ii,iii,iv,v);C2a(i)
2008 Endangered B1a+b(i,ii,iii,iv,v); C2a(i)
2004 Endangered
2000 Endangered
1996 Endangered
1994 Endangered
1988 Lower Risk/Least Concern
Species attributes

Migratory status not a migrant Forest dependency medium
Land-mass type Average mass 94 g
Range

Estimate Data quality
Extent of Occurrence (breeding/resident) 105,000 km2 medium
Number of locations 11-100 -
Severely fragmented? yes -
Population
Estimate Data quality Derivation Year of estimate
Population size 250-999 mature individuals poor estimated 2000
Population trend decreasing poor inferred 2013-2024
Rate of change over the past 10 years/3 generations (longer of the two periods) 20-49% - - -
Rate of change over the future 10 years/3 generations (longer of the two periods) 20-49% - - -
Rate of change over the past & future 10 years/3 generations (longer of the two periods) 20-49% - - -
Generation length 3.77 years - - -
Number of subpopulations 2-100 - - -
Percentage of mature individuals in largest subpopulation 1-89% - - -

Population justification: The population is estimated to number 250-999 mature individuals based on an assessment of known records, descriptions of abundance and range size. This is consistent with recorded population density estimates for congeners or 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 375-1,499 individuals in total, rounded here to 350-1,500 individuals.

Trend justification: There are no recent trend data, but the species is suspected to be experiencing a moderately rapid and ongoing decline, owing to habitat loss. It has already been extirpated from parts of its former range.


Country/territory distribution
Country/Territory Presence Origin Resident Breeding visitor Non-breeding visitor Passage migrant
Bahamas extinct native
Cuba extant native yes
Haiti extant uncertain
Mexico extant vagrant yes
Turks and Caicos Islands (to UK) extinct native

Important Bird and Biodiversity Areas (IBA)
Country/Territory IBA Name
Cuba Alejandro de Humboldt
Cuba Cienaga de Lanier y Sur de la Isla de la Juventud
Cuba Ciénaga de Zapata
Cuba Desembarco del Granma
Cuba Gran Piedra - Pico Mogote
Cuba Guanahacabibes
Cuba Mil Cumbres
Cuba Pico Cristal
Cuba Sierra del Chorrillo
Cuba Sierra del Rosario
Cuba Turquino - Bayamesa

Habitats & altitude
Habitat (level 1) Habitat (level 2) Importance Occurrence
Forest Subtropical/Tropical Dry suitable resident
Forest Subtropical/Tropical Moist Lowland major resident
Forest Subtropical/Tropical Moist Montane suitable resident
Forest Subtropical/Tropical Swamp major resident
Savanna Dry suitable resident
Wetlands (inland) Bogs, Marshes, Swamps, Fens, Peatlands suitable resident
Wetlands (inland) Permanent Rivers/Streams/Creeks (includes waterfalls) suitable resident
Altitude 0 - 400 m Occasional altitudinal limits  

Threats & impact
Threat (level 1) Threat (level 2) Impact and Stresses
Agriculture & aquaculture Annual & perennial non-timber crops - Small-holder farming Timing Scope Severity Impact
Ongoing Minority (<50%) Slow, Significant Declines Low Impact: 5
Stresses
Ecosystem degradation, Ecosystem conversion
Biological resource use Logging & wood harvesting - Unintentional effects: (subsistence/small scale) [harvest] Timing Scope Severity Impact
Ongoing Minority (<50%) Slow, Significant Declines Low Impact: 5
Stresses
Ecosystem degradation

Recommended citation
BirdLife International (2024) Species factsheet: Giant Kingbird Tyrannus cubensis. Downloaded from https://datazone.birdlife.org/species/factsheet/giant-kingbird-tyrannus-cubensis 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.