Data Zone
Justification of Red List category
This species has a highly restricted and fragmented range, and it is likely to have a moderately small global population size. Declines are suspected to be occuring owing to habitat loss, although montane populations (and those in secondary habitats) are likely to be relatively secure. It is therefore considered Near Threatened.
Population justification
The population size of this species has not been quantified, but it is described as scarce to locally common.
Trend justification
Whilst this species does persist in secondary habitats in some areas, it apparently prefers pristine forests, and is therefore suspected to be declining slowly as a result of habitat loss.
Basilornis galeatus is restricted to the Banggai (Peleng, Banggai) and Sula Islands (Taliabu, Seho and Mangole), Indonesia.
This species inhabits lowland and montane forest and tall trees in reedswamps up to 1,000 m. In the Banggai Islands, at least, it can be found in secondary forests.
This species may be relatively secure in montane regions as a result of the inaccessibility of its habitats to humans. However, in the Sula lowlands it is becoming uncommon and is increasingly vulnerable to the loss of the least disturbed forest, its preferred habitat.
Conservation Actions Underway
Conservation Actions Proposed
Conduct repeated surveys within the range to determine current distribution and abundance, as well as assess population trends and rates of habitat loss. Conduct ecological studies to improve understanding of its precise habitat requirements, particularly tolerance of secondary habitats and response to fragmentation. Protect areas of suitable habitat, particularly in the Sula lowlands, and protect against disturbance and other threats.
Text account compilers
Benstead, P., Gilroy, J., Khwaja, N.
Recommended citation
BirdLife International (2024) Species factsheet: Helmeted Myna Basilornis galeatus. Downloaded from
https://datazone.birdlife.org/species/factsheet/helmeted-myna-basilornis-galeatus 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.