Data Zone
Justification of Red List category
This species has a 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 is considered stable and hence 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 described as scarce or very uncommon. Nevertheless, it does not qualify 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 the species is described as scarce or very uncommon within its very small range (Clement 1999).
Trend justification
Forests within the range of the species are not thought to be under imminent threat. Recent fores loss estimates remain low at <5% (Tracewski et al. 2016, Global Forest Watch 2020) over a 3-generation period (10 years; Bird et al. 2020). The population is therefore suspected to be stable in the absence of evidence for any substantial declines or threats.
This species is endemic to Mindanao in the Philippines, where until very recently it was documented from only two or three localities. It is now known from as many as seven, including: Mt Hilong-hilong at Siwod, Mt Pasian, Bislig, Mt Puting Bato, Davao del Norte, Mt Kitanglad at Malaybalay, at Mt Kaatoan, at Mt Nangkabulos, and at Kinubalan, with unspecified sublocalities in Mt Piapayungan at Siwagat, Mt Apo, Mt Parker, T'boli, Mt Three Kings, and Mt Busa on the south slope at Binati. It is described as moderately common but very local, although is probably present on every mountain in central Mindanao. It is very unobtrusive and secretive, and its high-pitched call (typical of the genus) is easily overlooked. On voice, however, it appears to be not uncommon at Kitanglad.
The species inhabits forest understorey and edge, secondary growth and grassy clearings over 1,000 m, and is common inside and near forest. Unlike the Green-faced Parrotfinch E. viridifacies, it does not appear to be strongly allied to bamboo, and is therefore less irruptive, unpredictable and likely inherently vulnerable than that species. It feeds on the ground and in vegetation on seeds (of grasses, thistles, chicory, opium poppy, and flax), fruits, grasses, herbaceous plants and bamboo, as well as small insects (Payne 2020).
Within its altitudinal range there do not appear to be any pertinent threats and forest loss remains low. However, owing to its small range size it is likely inherently vulnerable to changes in the future. For example, the species is now known to be traded (D. Allen in litt. 2020).
Conservation Actions Underway
No targeted conservation actions are known for this species.
Conservation Actions Proposed
Monitor emerging threats that may impact the species. Delimit its range and generate a population estimate based upon density estimates in different habitats.
Text account compilers
Fernando, E.
Contributors
Allen, D., Benstead, P., Bird, J. & Taylor, J.
Recommended citation
BirdLife International (2024) Species factsheet: Red-eared Parrotfinch Erythrura coloria. Downloaded from
https://datazone.birdlife.org/species/factsheet/red-eared-parrotfinch-erythrura-coloria 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.