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

Justification of Red List category
This species has a very 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). Despite the fact that the population trend appears to be decreasing, the decline is not believed to be sufficiently rapid to 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 population size has not been quantified.

Trend justification
The population trend has not been investigated, but the only threat known to the species is the logging and fragmentation of forests within the range. Tree cover within the range is lost at a rate of 5% over three generations (Global Forest Watch 2023, using Hansen et al. [2013] data and methods disclosed therein). Under the assumption that population declines are roughly equivalent to the rate of tree cover loss, they are here tentatively placed in the band 1-9% over three generations.

Cypseloides rothschildi occurs from central Bolivia (Cochabamba to Tarija) to north-west Argentina (Jujuy and Salta to La Rioja).

Ecology and habitat requirements are not well explored, but it is assumed that it favours montane forests (Chantler et al. 2020). It is probably most common in ravines and gorges of wet areas with numerous waterfalls for breeding sites (Chantler and Driessens 1995).

Threats to the species are poorly known, but given its apparent preference for montane forests it is likely threatened by habitat loss within the range. Large tracts of the yungas forests in the core of its range have been cleared, particularly in Argentina, owing to logging of valuable timber, conversion for agriculture, plantations of Pinus spp., road-building and human colonisation (Vervoorst 1979, WWF/IUCN 1997).

Conservation Actions Underway
No targeted actions are known. It is listed as Data Deficient at the national level in Argentina (MAyDS and AA 2017).

Conservation Actions Proposed
Survey to clarify the distribution range and to quantify the population size and trend. Study its ecological and habitat requirements. Study threats. Monitor the population trend. Protect areas of suitable habitat. Safeguard protected areas against clearance and encroachment.

Text account compilers
Hermes, C.

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

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Recommended citation
BirdLife International (2024) Species factsheet: Rothschild's Swift Cypseloides rothschildi. Downloaded from https://datazone.birdlife.org/species/factsheet/rothschilds-swift-cypseloides-rothschildi 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.