Data Zone
Justification of Red List category
This flycatcher has a moderately small range which is rapidly declining as a result of continuing clearance, degradation and fragmentation of lowland forest habitats. As such, it is suspected that its population is declining rapidly, and is therefore listed as Vulnerable.
Population justification
The population size is preliminarily suspected to fall into the band 10,000-19,999 individuals. This equates to 6,667-13,333 mature individuals, rounded here to 6,000-15,000 mature individuals.
Trend justification
A rapid and ongoing population decline is suspected to be occurring, consistent with rates of deforestation throughout the species's range, equivalent to c.25% over ten years (Global Forest Watch 2021). Because of this species preference for dense forest understorey (Allen 2020) it is likely to be severely impacted by degradation and fragmentation, such that declines of over 30% are suspected.
Ficedula platenae is endemic to Palawan and some of its satellite islands in the Philippines. Since the late 19th century it has generally been described as uncommon or rare. Since 1980, there have been records from fewer than 10 sites. It may be easily overlooked during brief surveys due to its secretive nature and is likely to be localised (F. Lambert in litt. 2012; Clement 2020). Three specimens obtained on Mt Victoria in three days in 1990, and several birds heard over a few days in 1997 at Iwahig penal colony, as well as more recent observations (F. Lambert in litt. 2012) at Iwahig penal colony, again suggest that it may have been under-recorded.
It inhabits the lower storeys, up to 10 m from the ground, of lowland primary forest up to at least 650 m, possibly favouring areas rich in rattan, bamboo and understorey palms (R. Hutchinson in litt. 2012, Allen 2020).
Lowland forest loss, degradation and fragmentation have been extensive and are ongoing on Palawan and logging and mining concessions have been granted for most remaining forest tracts on the island. Illegal logging is thought to persist across much of the south. Forest at Iwahig penal colony, a key site, may be threatened by plans to mine chromite. The small populations on the tiny islands of Pangulasian and Lagen appear relatively secure.
Conservation Actions Underway
The entire island of Palawan was designated as a Biosphere Reserve in 1990, although the legislation controlling habitat alteration and hunting is difficult to enforce effectively. It occurs in one protected area, St Paul's Subterranean River National Park, which may soon be significantly extended to the east. The Iwahig penal colony is managed by the Bureau of Prisons but lacks official protection and management.
12 cm. Small, short-tailed, skulking flycatcher. Rufescent-brown head and upperparts becoming bright chestnut on uppertail-coverts and tail. Greyish lores, eye appears large and dark. Pale orange throat grading into brighter orange breast. White lower breast and belly. Similar spp. Female Palawan Blue Flycatcher Cyornis lemprieri is larger, duller and shows pale buff lores and eye-ring. Voice Simple high-pitched phrases wee-tee or wee-tee-tee, often followed by a buzzing trill. Hints Usually perches low, often on vines. Sings most at first light.
Text account compilers
Berryman, A., Fernando, E.
Contributors
Benstead, P., Derhé, M., Gilroy, J., Hutchinson, R., Lambert, F. & Tabaranza, B.
Recommended citation
BirdLife International (2024) Species factsheet: Palawan Flycatcher Ficedula platenae. Downloaded from
https://datazone.birdlife.org/species/factsheet/palawan-flycatcher-ficedula-platenae on 22/11/2024.
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 22/11/2024.