Justification of Red List category
Based on a model of future deforestation in the Amazon basin, it is suspected that the population of this species will decline by 25-30% over the next three generations, and it has therefore been uplisted to Near Threatened.
Population justification
The global population size has not been quantified, but this species is described as 'uncommon and patchily distributed' (Stotz et al. 1996).
Trend justification
This species is suspected to lose 26-26.6% of suitable habitat within its distribution over three generations (11 years) based on a model of Amazonian deforestation (Soares-Filho et al. 2006, Bird et al. 2011). It is therefore suspected to decline by a rate approaching 30% over three generations.
Arremon castaneiceps is found in the western Andes of Colombia (mostly W slope, E slope in NariƱo), both slopes in Ecuador to Peru where also on the E slope from Pasco to Cuzco.
Dense understorey in humid lower montane forest and vine tangles in ravines and at forest edge between 750-1800m. Usually found near streams, particularly mossy ravines. Forages on or close to the ground. In Napo, Ecuador, breeding takes place mostly in March and April with most nests found in vine tangles and comprising a large green sphere of moss, rootlets and live fern leaves. Clutch of 2 eggs.
Resident.
The primary threat to this species is accelerating deforestation as land is cleared for cattle ranching and soy production, facilitated by expansion of the road network (Soares-Filho et al. 2006, Bird et al. 2011).
Conservation Actions Underway
None is known.
Conservation Actions Proposed
Expand the protected area network to effectively protect IBAs. Effectively resource and manage existing and new protected areas, utilising emerging opportunities to finance protected area management with the joint aims of reducing carbon emissions and maximizing biodiversity conservation. Conservation on private lands, through expanding market pressures for sound land management and preventing forest clearance on lands unsuitable for agriculture, is also essential (Soares-Filho et al. 2006).15.5-16.5cm, 34.5-39g. Thickset brush-finch with a rusty forehead, crown and nape and dark slate grey face. Rest of bird is olive green. Similar spp. Sooty-faced Finch A. crassirostris is sometimes considered conspecific but differs in having a bold white submoustachial stripe. Voice Fast, high sibilant series of thin whistles lasting unbroken for over 10 seconds.
Text account compilers
Butchart, S., Ekstrom, J.
Recommended citation
BirdLife International (2024) Species factsheet: Olive Finch Arremon castaneiceps. Downloaded from
https://datazone.birdlife.org/species/factsheet/olive-finch-arremon-castaneiceps on 03/12/2024.
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 03/12/2024.