Data Zone
Justification of Red List category
This species has a 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 three generations). The population size is unknown, but is not suspected to be sufficiently small 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
There are no data available from which to estimate this species' population size, although it is described as uncommon (Eaton et al. 2021) and eBird (2022) data suggest the species is elusive rather than especially rare. The area of suitable habitat is very large (c.40,000 km2; per Global Forest Watch 2022) and although no density data are available, it is considered highly unlikely that the number of mature individuals is fewer than 10,000.
Trend justification
The population is suspected to be declining slowly due to habitat loss at the lower elevations of its range, and potentially trapping (although there is not yet evidence of the latter). In the three generations (12.5 years; Bird et al. 2020) to 2022, forest cover loss in its range was 5-7% (Global Forest Watch 2022, based on Hansen et al. [2013] and methods disclosed therein), and this is thought to have had a minor impact on the population. Trapping for the songbird trade has impacted other Sundaic pitta species (see Shepherd et al. 2015); however there is no evidence that this species is trapped with any regularity, having never appeared in published songbird inventories. Evaluating all the data available, the population is suspected of declining at a past and future rate of 5-9% over three generations. With much of the range lying in protected areas, there is little prospect of the rate of declining substantially worsening in the near-future.
Erythropitta venusta is endemic to the highlands of Sumatra, Indonesia (Eaton et al. 2021, eBird 2022).
It inhabits the floor and undergrowth of hill dipterocarp and lower montane rainforest from 400 m to 1,400 m, frequenting dark, damp areas, in particular ravines under dense cover. It is apparently common at 700-1,100 m (Eaton et al. 2021). In general, it is skulking and difficult to observe.
In the three generations (12.5 years; Bird et al. 2020) to 2022, forest cover loss in its range was 2-5% (Global Forest Watch 2022, based on Hansen et al. [2013] and methods disclosed therein), and this is thought to have had a minor impact on the population. The main cause of this in this species' elevational range is minor agricultural incursions, rather than large-scale plantations.
Conservation Actions Underway
None is specifically known. Much of its range lies in protected areas (UNEP-WCMC and IUCN 2022).
Conservation Actions Proposed
Undertake surveys to determine the species' population size, as well as its tolerance of logging and habitat degradation. Continue to monitor habitat trends using remote sensing data. Ensure effective enforcement of Sumatran protected areas and national laws.
16 cm. Small, bright, forest-dwelling pitta. Blackish head, upperparts and throat, maroon breast, sharply demarcated from bright crimson remainder of underparts. Azure-blue postocular streak to nape, and blue gloss to wing feathers with azure-blue line on outer edge of closed wing. Similar spp. Garnet Pitta E. granatina has bright crimson rear crown and nape. Voice Long, mournful whistle, lower-pitched than that of E. granatina, usually on an even pitch, sometimes inflected upwards. Hints Listen carefully for vocalisations in suitable habitat.
Text account compilers
Berryman, A.
Contributors
Benstead, P., Bird, J., Brickle, N., Taylor, J. & Tobias, J.
Recommended citation
BirdLife International (2024) Species factsheet: Graceful Pitta Erythropitta venusta. Downloaded from
https://datazone.birdlife.org/species/factsheet/graceful-pitta-erythropitta-venusta on 22/11/2024.
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 22/11/2024.