Data Zone
Justification of Red List category
This kingfisher was endemic to the island of Guam, but following predation by invasive snakes it became Extinct in the Wild in 1988 after most remaining wild birds were taken into captivity for captive breeding.
Population justification
Though formerly common and widespread, predation by the introduced brown tree snake Boiga irregularis quickly drove the population to 150 pairs in 1976. The last 29 known wild birds were taken into captivity in 1984-86, though a population of unknown size (but presumably very small) persisted in the wild until 1988 when the last individual was seen (Wiles et al. 2003).
Trend justification
This species is considered extinct in the wild and declined rapidly as a result of predation by brown tree snakes which were introduced in the 1940s and became established throughout Guam by 1970 (Wiles et al. 2003). Once widespread and common, it numbered 150 pairs in 1976 and the last individual was seen in 1988 after the 29 known wild birds were taken into captivity in 1984-86 (Wiles et al. 2003).
Todiramphus cinnamominus occurred on Guam (to U.S.A.), but became extinct in the wild in 1988 as a result of predation from the introduced brown tree snake Boiga irregularis (del Hoyo et al. 2001). What were believed to be the last 29 individuals were caught and taken into captivity in 1984-86, though presumably a very small population persisted until 1988 when the last individual was seen in the wild (Wiles et al. 2003). An estimated 139 individuals are held at 25 AZA institutions and in a facility at the Guam Department of Agriculture’s Division of Aquatic and Wildlife Resources, and breeding facilities are currently at capacity (USFWS 2023).
The species was previously found in a fairly wide variety of forested habitats throughout the island of Guam, including mature and second growth forests on limestone and volcanic substrates, riparian forests, coconut palms and large gardens with trees (Jenkins 1983, Fry and Fry 1999, del Hoyo et al. 2001). The breeding season was between December and July, with the nest excavated into a rotten tree (Jenkins 1983, Fry and Fry 1999). Clutch size ranges from 1-3 eggs, though only one chick will fledge due to siblicide (S. Medina in litt. 2020). Incubation lasts about 23 days and fledging of chicks occurs after 33 days (G. Wiles in litt. 2020). The diet includes lizards, insects, and other invertebrates (Jenkins 1983).
The Guam Kingfisher's decline and extinction in the wild was the result of predation by the introduced brown tree snake Boiga irregularis (Fritts and Rodda 1998, Wiles et al. 2003). Predation by feral cats Felis catus may have represented an additional threat. Declining forest quality on Guam due to damage by introduced deer, pigs, and other invasive species has occurred since the last kingfishers were removed from the wild and may limit opportunities for reintroducing the species in some locations on Guam (G. Wiles in litt. 2020).
Conservation Actions Underway
A Species Survival Plan Program for the species, developed by the Association of Zoos & Aquariums (AZA), has been in place since 1986 (USFWS 2023). An estimated 139 individuals are held at 25 AZA institutions and in a facility at the Guam Department of Agriculture’s Division of Aquatic and Wildlife Resources, and breeding facilities are currently at capacity (USFWS 2023). Efforts to protect and manage habitat on Guam are ongoing (USFWS 2020). Various islands outside the native range have been identified as suitable for establishing new populations of the species, as well as a snake controlled location on Guam. Since 2010 an aerial delivery system for toxicant baiting has been developed and refined by the Brown Treesnake Technical Working Group; tools are operational, however further advancements are required to control snakes to a sufficient level (USFWS 2023). In 2019, the Guam Department of Agriculture, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, and the Association of Zoos and Aquarium Ko’ko’ Species Survival Plan teamed up with the IUCN Conservation Translocation Specialist Group to develop a strategy for releasing this species (S. Medina in litt. 2020). Palmyra Atoll has been identified as a 'learning' site and the release of birds here is planned for late 2024, intended to invigorate the ex-situ conservation program and to facilitate the gathering of information and analysis to optimise efforts for reestablishment of the species on Guam (USFWS 2023). Coarse-scale modelling has indicated Palmyra could support up to 15 breeding pairs (USFWS 2023).
20 cm. A distinctive small kingfisher with a rich rufous top of the head, underparts and hindcollar, greenish-black mask extending as a thin band around the hindneck and shining blue-green mantle, wings and tail. Bill is black. The female has a white belly, sharply demarcated from the rufous on the breast. Similar species. T. pelewensis and T. reichenbachii have clean white underparts.
Text account compilers
Vine, J.
Contributors
Wiles, G. & Medina, S.
Recommended citation
BirdLife International (2024) Species factsheet: Guam Kingfisher Todiramphus cinnamominus. Downloaded from
https://datazone.birdlife.org/species/factsheet/guam-kingfisher-todiramphus-cinnamominus on 22/12/2024.
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 22/12/2024.