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

Justification of Red List category
Although the species has a restricted range, it 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). The population is considered stable and hence does not approach the thresholds for Vulnerable under the population trend criterion (>30% decline over ten years or three generations). The population size is large, and hence does not 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 species is described to be common. Assuming that it occurs at similar densities to a congener, Lovely Sunbird (Aethopyga shelleyi), at 49.1 individuals/km² (Santini et al. 2018), with 10% of the mapped range likely occupied, the population may number 49,000 individuals, roughly equating to 33,000 mature individuals. The population is therefore tentatively placed in the band of 20,000-49,999 mature individuals.

Trend justification
Forests within the range of the species are not thought to be under imminent threat (Collar et al. 1999, Cheke et al. 2001), with recent fores loss remaining low at <5% (Tracewski et al. 2016, Global Forest Watch 2020) over a 3-generation period (10 years; Bird et al. 2020). Little forest is albeit thought to be remaining between altitudes of 1,000-1,200 m across the Mt. Kitanglad range (P. Simpson in litt. 2020). In the absence of evidence for any substantial declines or threats however, the population is therefore suspected to be stable.

This species is endemic to Mindanao, Philippines, where it is fairly common to common to central Mindanao, Mt Hilong-hilong (race diuatae), Mt Kitanglad, Civolig, Daggayan, Mt Apo and Lake Sebu (nominate race). The species has also been observed on Mt. Malindang at elevations of 1,600-1,700 m (Mohagan et al. 2015). 

It occurs in forest and forest edges between above altitudes of 1,000, but may reach limits of 1,700 m (Mohagan et al. 2015). The species is often seen around banana flowers (Cheke and Mann 2020). 

Although its area of occupancy must be very small, its habitat is apparently secure, with marginal forest loss across the range (Collar et al. 1999, Cheke et al. 2001, Tracewski et al. 2016, Global Forest Watch 2020). Anthropogenic disturbance may however cause localised threats, as observed on Mt. Malindang (Mohagan et al. 2015). 

Conservation Actions Underway
No targeted conservation actions are known for this species.

Conservation Actions Proposed
Monitor the ecology and habitat of the species within its altitudinal range. Regular monitoring of important areas on Mt. Malindang should be implemented to strengthen conservation action (Mohagan et al. 2015). Grant protection to areas of suitable habitat to safeguard against future threats.

Text account compilers
Fernando, E.

Contributors
Bird, J., Butchart, S., Nuñeza, O.M. & Simpson, P.

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Recommended citation
BirdLife International (2024) Species factsheet: Grey-hooded Sunbird Aethopyga primigenia. Downloaded from https://datazone.birdlife.org/species/factsheet/grey-hooded-sunbird-aethopyga-primigenia 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.