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 may be moderately small to large, 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
Generally a rare and localised species (Freile and Restall 2018, eBird 2023), favouring humid patches within deciduous and semi-deciduous forests but it is noted that it can be locally fairly common to very common (Farnsworth et al. 2020). The highest densities have been reported from Jauneche/Bosque Protector Pedro Franco Dávila, a small remnant forest block (138 hectares), where up to three pairs per hectare were found in a rapid assessment in July 1991 (Parker and Carr 1992). However, this is effectively the only such remnant in this entire region. Far more typical are reports from Cerro Blanco, where Christmas Bird Count effort over 800 hectares annually recorded only 1-2 individuals, roughly 0.25 per square kilometre (E. von Horstman in litt. 2008). The range has become much more completely known in the past decade with the growth of citizen science data and development of national extinction risk status assessments. For the latter approximate population sizes have been generated for Peru at between 2,500 and 10,000 mature individuals (SERFOR 2018), but no estimate was given for Ecuador (per Freile et al. 2019).
Under a precautionary approach, the global population is suspected to number 10,000-19,999 mature individuals, but an accurate quantification is urgently required.
Trend justification
This species is suspected to be declining in numbers, in line with habitat loss within its range. Tree cover is lost at a rate of 2% over ten years (Global Forest Watch 2023, using Hansen et al. [2013] data and methods disclosed therein). Even considering the species' dependence on humid forests, and accounting for additional impacts of habitat degradation and fragmentation, population declines are likely slow. They are here tentatively placed in the band 1-9% over ten years.
Lathrotriccus griseipectus is confined to west Ecuador and north Peru, on the Pacific slope of the Andes and in the Marañón and Chinchipe valleys on the east slope.
It is confined to the understorey of tropical deciduous, semi-deciduous and moist forest, from sea-level to as high as 2,340 m, though mostly below 1,700 m. It is described as most numerous in the lowlands below 800 m (Farnsworth et al. 2020). Some seasonal movements may be undertaken and, although their exact nature is unclear, it may move to moister forest in the dry season (Pople et al. 1997). It is usually found alone or in pairs, perching inconspicuously in shady vine-tangles, from which it makes aerial sallies into sunlit gaps. Immatures have been collected in March, with breeding assumed to take place during the wet season, in January-May.
Below 900 m, the rate of deforestation in west Ecuador in 1958-1988 was 57% per decade (Dodson and Gentry 1991). Habitat loss continues, at least in unprotected areas of both Ecuador and Peru, albeit at a much slower rate, and most remaining lowland forests are in various stages of degradation (Global Forest Watch 2023).
Disturbance and degradation through grazing by goats and cattle pose the most significant threat to the understorey of deciduous forests. Even protected areas are affected by illegal settling, logging and livestock-grazing. Uncontrolled fires started to clear land for agriculture or to improve pastures for grazing are a major threat in parts of the range (E. Horstman in litt. 2000, 2008).
Conservation Actions Underway
The species occurs in several protected areas, including Machalilla National Park and Bosque Protector Cerro Blanco, Ecuador, as well as Cerros de Amotape National Park, Coto de Caza El Angolo and Refugio de Vida Silvestre Laquipampa, Peru (Angulo et al. 2012, F. Angulo in litt. 2012, SERFOR 2018). Habitat restoration projects using native tree species and environmental education programmes are carried out in Cerro Blanco. The species is listed as Vulnerable at the national level in Peru (SERFOR 2018) and as Near Threatened in Ecuador (Freile et al. 2019).
Conservation Actions Proposed
Survey to accurately quantify the population size. Research its ecological requirements, seasonal movements and population structure. Research its tolerance of habitat disturbance and the impacts of forest loss and degradation on the population size. Monitor the population trend. Protect areas of suitable habitat within the range. Continue and expand habitat restoration programmes, using native plant species. Continue and expand environmental education activities.
13 cm. Largely grey flycatcher. Greyish-olive upperparts, greyest on crown, with whitish, broad broken eye-ring and supraloral. Dusky wings with two whitish wing-bars. Pale grey throat, with darker breast and whitish belly. Similar spp. Greyer than all other similar flycatchers, except sympatric Western Tropical Pewee Contopus punensis, which is larger, lacks bold wing-bars and eye-ring, and behaves very differently. Voice Song a burry zhweéur zhweer-zhwer-zhwer. Most vocal during rainy season.
Text account compilers
Martin, R., Hermes, C.
Contributors
Angulo Pratolongo, F., Becker, D., Horstman, E., Isherwood, I., Pople, R., Rowlett, R.A., Sharpe, C.J., Stuart, T., Symes, A. & Webster, R.
Recommended citation
BirdLife International (2024) Species factsheet: Grey-breasted Flycatcher Lathrotriccus griseipectus. Downloaded from
https://datazone.birdlife.org/species/factsheet/grey-breasted-flycatcher-lathrotriccus-griseipectus 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.