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

Justification of Red List category
This species qualifies as Near Threatened because it is thought to have a small population that is suspected to be undergoing a decline because of the slow loss and decline in area and quality of its forested lowland stream habitats.

Population justification
No species-specific population estimate has been generated for the species. Other Ceyx species have been recorded at densities of 2–10 birds/km² (Bell 1982, Vernon 1985). In 2020, there was approximately 9,000 km² of forest (excluding plantations) left in the species' range (Global Forest Watch 2022, based on data from Hansen et al. [2013] and methods disclosed therein). Assuming that C. flumenicola occurs at similar densities to other Ceyx and that approximately 10% of suitable habitat is occupied (a reflection of its status as uncommon [Allen 2020] and the fact that large parts of forest will not have available water courses), the population likely numbers 1,800–9,000, or 1,200–6,000 mature individuals, with a best estimate of 2,500–5,000.

Trend justification
Forest loss in this species' range is equivalent to c.5% over ten years (Global Forest Watch 2022, based on data from Hansen et al. [2013] and methods disclosed therein). Despite being somewhat tolerant of forest degradation, the species is also likely impacted by riverine pollution. Consequently, the population is suspected of declining at a rate of 1–9% per decade.

Ceyx flumenicola is endemic to the Philippines, where it occurs on Samar, Leyte, Biliran and Bohol (Collar et al. 1999, Collar 2011) with recent records from all four (eBird 2022).

The species appears to be reliant on forested streams up to 750 m (Allen 2020). It will tolerate secondary and selectively logged forest and even streamside vegetation within coconut plantations, close to forest edge, but terminalia and sago are the principal forest types where the highest densities occur (J. Ibanez in litt. 2007). It breeds in riverside banks and is apparently sedentary.

Extensive lowland deforestation throughout its range is the chief threat, although much of this was done historically (Bohol has had only 4% forest cover for several decades). Most remaining lowland forest is leased to logging concessions or mining applications. Watercourses with high siltation loads, resulting from deforestation, appear not to hold the species, and riverine pollution is likely to have a similar impact. Tree-cutting, agricultural expansion, including pesticide (specifically Carbofuran) contamination from commercial growing of banana, and soil erosion are all threats to Rajah Sikatuna National Park (Bohol), a key sites for the species. Conversion of terminalia forest into rice fields and oil palm plantation is driving habitat loss elsewhere. Current laws protecting riverine habitats are weak and require revision.

Conservation Actions Underway
There are records from Rajah Sikatuna National Park, Bohol, and Samar Island Natural Park, Samar.

Conservation Actions Proposed
Conduct further surveys to clarify its current distribution and population status. Investigate factors affecting river pollution and determine its dependency on high-quality watercourses. Establish further protected areas at other key lowland sites (e.g. Mt Cabalantian/Capoto-an on Samar and Mt Lobi on Leyte). Encourage the legal and practical protection of riparian habitats.

14 cm. Attractive small black-and-white kingfisher. Rich royal blue underparts, isolated white belly, white upper breast and buff throat and chin. The head is mostly black with a buff loral spot and neck blaze, and white spots on side of head form a streaky supercilium. The upperparts are black, aside from a silvery blaze from rump to the top of the mantle and pearly-white tips to the median coverts. Bright red legs. Similar spp. C. argentatus slightly larger with lower breast and flanks shading rapidly to greenish-blue on upper belly and flanks; also bright white chin, throat, loral spot and neck blaze. Voice Thin, high-pitched seet.

Text account compilers
Berryman, A.

Contributors
Allen, D., Benstead, P., Bird, J., Davidson, P., Ibanez, J., Lowen, J., Peet, N., Symes, A. & Taylor, J.

---

Recommended citation
BirdLife International (2024) Species factsheet: Northern Silvery Kingfisher Ceyx flumenicola. Downloaded from https://datazone.birdlife.org/species/factsheet/northern-silvery-kingfisher-ceyx-flumenicola 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.