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

Justification of Red List category
This species has an extremely large range, and hence does not 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, but this species is described as locally fairly common (Schuchmann and Kirwan 2020).

Trend justification
Tree cover loss within the species range equates to c. 3-4% over the past 10 years (Global Forest Watch 2021, using Hansen et al. [2013] data and methods disclosed therein). The species also readily occurs in modified habitats (Schuchmann and Kirwan 2020). Therefore overall, habitat loss within the species range is considered negligible and the population is suspected to be stable.

Phlogophilus harterti is restricted to the Andean foothills of central and south-east Peru (south Huánuco, Pasco, Cuzco and Puno) (Sibley and Monroe 1990, Parker et al. 1996, Clements and Shany 2001), at 750-1,500 m where it is locally fairly common (Schulenberg et al. 2007).

The species inhabits humid montane forest, primarily on low outlying ridges in the interior of forests at 750-1,500 m (Schulenberg et al. 2007, Schuchmann and Kirwan 2020). A recent study in the Many National Park, Department of Cuzco found the species occurring at an optimal elevation of 867-1,545 m. This suggests that the species may occupy a narrower distribution that previously considered (David et al. 2018). In the same study area, a population density of 57.9 individuals/km² was discovered, whilst large patches of Guadua spp. of bamboo, surrounded by undisturbed, humid low montane forests were considered to be important for breeding seasons (David et al. 2018). However, the species does readily occur in modified habitats, provided that patches of forest and secondary growth remain (Schuchmann and Kirwan 2020). The species feeds on the nectar of flowering epiphytes, shrubs, and smaller trees such as Rubiaceae, Ericaceae, or Gesneriaceae (Schuchmann and Kirwan 2020). 

Its evergreen forests remain relatively intact, although extensive areas are subjected to land clearance, agricultural conversion and logging, with associated road-building and human colonisation resulting in further degradation. However, tree cover loss has been low in recent years and the species also readily occurs in modified habitats (Schuchmann and Kirwan 2020). Mining, oil, and gas extraction may also be increasing in southeastern Peru (David et al. 2018). The species may be subjected to international trade, albeit the exact scale of trade or trapping is currently unknown.

Conservation Actions Underway
CITES Appendix II.

Conservation Actions Proposed
Attempt to obtain an accurate estimate of its population size and trends. Study its ecology and its ability to persist in degraded and fragmented habitats. Research the scale of trapping and trade. Quantify extent of habitat losses. Effectively protect significant areas of suitable habitat at key sites, in both strictly protected areas and community led multiple use areas.

Text account compilers
Fernando, E.

Contributors
Benstead, P., Capper, D., Sharpe, C.J. & Symes, A.

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Recommended citation
BirdLife International (2024) Species factsheet: Peruvian Piedtail Phlogophilus harterti. Downloaded from https://datazone.birdlife.org/species/factsheet/peruvian-piedtail-phlogophilus-harterti on 23/11/2024.
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 23/11/2024.