Data Zone
Justification of Red List category
Although this species may have a small range, it is not believed to 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 trend appears to be stable, and hence the species does not approach the thresholds for Vulnerable under the population trend criterion (>30% decline over ten years or three generations). The population size has not been quantified, 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. However, as a recent split it is poorly-known, and any evidence of declines may make the species eligible for a higher threat category in the future.
Population justification
The global population size is unknown given recent taxonomic splits.
Trend justification
The population is suspected to be stable in the absence of evidence for any declines or substantial threats.
Phaenicophaeus oeneicaudus is found only on the islands of Simbugai, Siberut and Sipura in the Mentawai Islands, off the western coast of Sumatra, Indonesia.
Occurs in primary and secondary forest and into mangroves in the lowlands, may tolerate human-modified habitats such as plantations and dense secondary vegetation as is the case in the closely related P. curvirostris.
42-50 cm. A medium-sized malkoha with a heavy, yellow bill with a red-based lower mandible, red facial skin surrounding the eye, medium-long dark green tail and rich dark chestnut throat and breast. The upperparts are a dark glossy green, and the hindneck is dark grey, extending on to the mantle. The belly is dark green. Similar spp. P. curvirostris is paler overall, with a half-chestnut tail and chestnut belly.
Text account compilers
Butchart, S., Ekstrom, J., Martin, R, Symes, A. & Taylor, J.
Recommended citation
BirdLife International (2024) Species factsheet: Mentawai Malkoha Phaenicophaeus oeneicaudus. Downloaded from
https://datazone.birdlife.org/species/factsheet/mentawai-malkoha-phaenicophaeus-oeneicaudus 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.