Data Zone
Justification of Red List category
This species is suspected of having a small population. Habitat for this Polylepis specialist is becoming increasingly fragmented and degraded due to burning and overgrazing, which is certainly causing ongoing declines in the population size as well as increasing isolation between the small subpopulations. Consequently, the species is assessed as Near Threatened.
Population justification
The population size has not been quantified, but the species is described as generally uncommon (Schulenberg et al. 2007). It appears to be patchily distributed within its range (see eBird 2023). It is precautionarily suspected that the population numbers between 2,500 and 9,999 mature individuals, consisting of several small and disconnected subpopulations. These values however are of poor quality and not based on quantitative evidence, and an accurate quantification is urgently required.
Trend justification
The population trend has not been investigated. Polylepis/Gynoxys woodlands are however increasingly lost, fragmented and degraded as a consequence of human activities and livestock grazing; matrix habitat is often unsuitable for forest-dependent species (Lloyd and Marsden 2008). Microspingus alticola is strongly associated with larger patches of Polylepis forest (Sevillano-Ríos and Rodewald 2017). Consequently, on the basis of ongoing fragmentation of forests and conversion into unsuitable habitats, a continuing decline in the population size is inferred.
Microspingus alticola is restricted to the high Andes of north-central Peru (south Cajamarca through La Libertad to Ancash and west Huánuco). Most reports are from Huascarán National Park (eBird 2023).
It occupies shrubby forest and mixed Polylepis-Gynoxys woodland at 3,100-4,600 m (Schulenberg et al. 2007). In some areas it is apparently a Gynoxys (Compositae) specialist, or even dependent on the plant (G. Servat in litt. 1999). The species appears to show a strong requirement for larger patches (>10 ha) of Polylepis forest (Sevillano-Ríos and Rodewald 2017) . It feeds on sugary secretions (although this is disputed [G. Servat in litt. 1999]) and insects from the undersides of Gynoxys leaves (Fjeldså and Kessler 1996, G. Servat in litt. 1999), and from Polylepis and Alnus (G. Servat in litt. 1999). Breeding probably occurs in December-February.
Cutting for firewood and a lack of regeneration, caused by burning and intensive grazing, are reducing mixed Polylepis-Gynoxys woodlands (Fjeldså and Kessler 1996, SERFOR 2018). Gynoxys itself has been variously described as unpalatable, favoured for grazing (Fjeldså and Kessler 1996), and particularly vulnerable to grazing of shoots, which prevents regeneration (G. Servat in litt. 1999). Other factors include the change from camelid- to sheep- and cattle-farming, and erosion and soil degradation caused by agricultural intensification, road construction and the inadequacy of afforestation projects (particularly the use of exotic tree species) (Fjeldså and Kessler 1996). The species' strong association with larger patches of forest makes it particularly vulnerable to the fragmentation of Polylepis woodlands.
Conservation Actions Underway
It occurs in Huascarán National Park, Ancash.
Conservation Actions Proposed
Survey to better determine its distribution and to quantify the population size. Research the species' ecology and habitat requirements, including its dispersal abilities and subpopulation structure. Research the extent and degree of isolation/connectivity of Polylepis/Gynoxys within the range and determine the effect of fragmentation on this species. Monitor the population trend.
Protect areas of suitable habitat within the range. Restore Polylepis/Gynoxys habitat. Raise awareness for the species and its habitat.
15.5 cm. Grey-and-rufous finch. Dark slaty head with long eyebrow and white moustache. Whiter throat and underparts, with rufous sides of breast becoming cinnamon on sides of belly and crissum. Grey-brown upperparts. Duskier wings and tail. Pale edging to wing-coverts and flight feathers. Juvenile dusky upperparts, throat and breast. Less rufous underparts. Similar spp. Chestnut-breasted Mountain-finch Poospizopsis caesar has rufous breast. Voice A high pitch harsh cheet-weet cheet-weet.
Text account compilers
Hermes, C.
Contributors
Engblom, G., Gilroy, J., Lloyd, H., Pople, R., Servat, G., Sharpe, C.J. & Vellinga, W.-P.
Recommended citation
BirdLife International (2024) Species factsheet: Plain-tailed Warbling-finch Microspingus alticola. Downloaded from
https://datazone.birdlife.org/species/factsheet/plain-tailed-warbling-finch-microspingus-alticola on 23/12/2024.
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 23/12/2024.