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

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.

Population justification
The global population size has not been quantified. The species is described as locally fairly common, though less common than congeners (Stotz et al. 1996, Hilty 2003, Lentino and Sharpe 2015). Considering the small known range the population size is unlikely to be large, and an accurate quantification is urgently required.

Trend justification
The only threat known to the species is the loss of its habitat (Lentino and Sharpe 2015). Currently, tree cover loss almost nonexistent within the range (<0.5% over ten years; Global Forest Watch 2023, using Hansen et al. [2013] data and methods disclosed therein) and so the population is likely to be stable.

Heliangelus spencei is endemic to the Andes of Mérida in north-western Venezuela (del Hoyo et al. 1999, Hilty 2003, Restall et al. 2006).

The species is found predominantly at borders of humid cloud forest and dwarf forest, but occasionally in more open vegetation up to open páramo, from 2,000-3,600 m (del Hoyo et al. 1999). It has been characterised as more confined to forest interior than H. clarisse (Hilty 2003), although Restall et al. (2006) state that it is found at the borders of forest and woodland. It forages in the low and middle strata, feeding on nectar and insects.

The species is threatened by habitat loss and fragmentation through small-scale agricultural expansion although this is not thought to be driving population declines (Lentino and Sharpe 2015).

Conservation Actions Underway
The species occurs within Sierra Nevada and La Culata national parks (Lentino and Sharpe 2015).

Conservation Actions Proposed
Accurately quantify the population size. Monitor the population trend.

Text account compilers
Hermes, C.

Contributors
Symes, A., Taylor, J. & Temple, H.

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Recommended citation
BirdLife International (2024) Species factsheet: Merida Sunangel Heliangelus spencei. Downloaded from https://datazone.birdlife.org/species/factsheet/merida-sunangel-heliangelus-spencei 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.