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 overall common or fairly common, though scarce in Argentina (Pearman and Areta 2020, Silveira et al. 2023). Given the frequent records within its very large range (eBird 2023), the population is unlikely to be small.
Trend justification
Large parts of forest within the range is lost, and slow population declines are suspected on the basis of ongoing deforestation and forest fragmentation.
Tree cover loss within the range amounts to 8% over ten years (Global Forest Watch 2023, using Hansen et al. [2013] data and methods disclosed therein). This value does not account for additional impacts of habitat degradation on the population size. Even though the species tolerates a certain level of disturbance (Silveira et al. 2023), population declines are suspected to be roughly equivalent to the rate of tree cover loss. Tentatively, they are here placed in the band 1-19% over ten years.
Euphonia chalybea occurs in the Atlantic forests of south-east Brazil (Rio de Janeiro south to Rio Grande do Sul), east Paraguay (Canindeyú, Alto Paraná, Caazapá and Itapuá), and north-east Argentina (Misiones). In Paraguay there has only been one recent record in 2013, after a spate of records in the early 1990s (R. Clay in litt. 2024).
This species occurs in humid lowland forest, forest edge, tall secondary growth, clearings with large trees, and overgrown plantations to 900 m (Hilty 2020). It feeds on fruits, preferring epiphytic and cactus fruits, insects and spiders (Isler and Isler 1987, Sick 1993, Hilty 2020).
The major threat to this species is the loss and degradation of Atlantic forest, driven by urbanisation, industrialisation, agricultural expansion and road-building (Dinerstein et al. 1995, Fearnside 1996, Silveira et al. 2023). Large areas within the range have been deforested (Global Forest Watch 2023). However, the species also occupies forest edges and secondary growth and can tolerate a certain level of disturbance (Silveira et al. 2023).
Conservation Actions Underway
The species occurs in several protected areas across its range. It is listed as Vulnerable at the national level in Argentina (MAyDS and AA 2017) and as Least Concern in Brazil (Silveira et al. 2023).
Conservation Actions Proposed
Survey to accurately quantify the population size. Repeat surveys of known sites in order to monitor population trends. Protect areas of suitable habitat.
Text account compilers
Hermes, C.
Contributors
Gilroy, J., O'Brien, A., Sharpe, C.J. & Clay, R.P.
Recommended citation
BirdLife International (2024) Species factsheet: Green-throated Euphonia Euphonia chalybea. Downloaded from
https://datazone.birdlife.org/species/factsheet/green-throated-euphonia-euphonia-chalybea 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.