Data Zone
Justification of Red List category
This species has a very small and scattered population, and habitat loss is driving a slow population decline. The species is therefore assessed as Endangered.
Population justification
The species is considered common, but apparently occurring at a low density (C.O.A. Gussoni in litt. 2015, Schuchmann et al. 2020). Based on extensive surveys and observational records within its small range, the number of mature individuals is estimated at less than 2,500, with less than 250 mature individuals in each subpopulation (ICMBio 2018).
Trend justification
Even though the species is also found in altered habitats as long as forest patches remain, it is more common in humid, dense rainforest (ICMBio 2018, Schuchmann et al. 2020). Ongoing tree cover loss within the range (currently at a rate of 4% over ten years; Global Forest Watch 2022, using Hansen et al. [2013] data and methods disclosed therein) is therefore causing a slow population decline, which is here placed in the band 1-9% over ten years.
This species is endemic to coastal northeast Brazil, where it is known from Pernambuco and Alagoas. It possibly occurs also in Sergipe and northern Bahia, although there are no recent records (Schuchmann et al. 2020, WikiAves 2021). Reports from eastern Pará are probably erroneous, and it is known from just one type specimen in Guyana, although the true origin of the specimen is uncertain (Schuchmann et al. 2020).
It occurs in lowland coastal rainforest, cerrado, plantations and parks throughout its Atlantic forest range. It forages in the understorey and middle strata, usually on the periphery of vegetation on nectar and occasional invertebrates. Males defend territories against conspecific intruders and other hummingbirds. Breeding occurs between November and February.
Widespread and continuing disappearance of lowland forest in north-eastern Brazil through clearance for agriculture, farming and roadbuilding is a major threat to this species. Atlantic forests north of the Sao Francisco river have been drastically reduced, with less than 4% remaining by 1995. The species however seems able to accept some man-made habitats as long as patches of forest or stands of scattered trees remain.
Conservation and Research Actions Underway
CITES Appendix II. It occurs in several protected areas across its range, including Pedra Talhada State Park and Frei Caneca Reserve. It is included in a multi-species action plan for the conservation of birds in the Caatinga (ICMBio 2019).
Conservation and Research Actions Proposed
Search for the species in areas of suitable habitat in Sergipe and Bahia. Survey to produce a more precise estimate of the population size. Study its ecology and its ability to persist in degraded and fragmented habitats. Monitor the population trend. Protect remaining habitat within the range. Effectively protect areas where the species occurs.
Male c. 13 cm and female c. 10 cm. Medium-sized straight bill. Male has green crown and lower neck, iridescent violet-blue black, grass green underparts and violet-blue flanks and a long, deeply forked tail. Female has golden green crown and hindneck, bluish-green lower back and uniformly greyish-white underparts, tail not elongated but slightly forked. Voice Suspected to make loud "chipping" calls at varying speeds and often for long periods.
Text account compilers
Hermes, C.
Contributors
Ashpole, J, Benstead, P., Gussoni, C.C.A., Harding, M., Sharpe, C.J., Symes, A. & Williams, R.
Recommended citation
BirdLife International (2024) Species factsheet: Long-tailed Woodnymph Thalurania watertonii. Downloaded from
https://datazone.birdlife.org/species/factsheet/long-tailed-woodnymph-thalurania-watertonii on 23/11/2024.
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 23/11/2024.