Data Zone
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 may be moderately small to large, 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 species is in general uncommon, but can be locally common (Stotz et al. 1996, Pearman 1997, S. Mayer in litt. 1999), and is potentially more widespread than known to date. The population in Bolivia is thought to exceed 10,000 individuals (S. Mayer in litt. 1999), which roughly equates to more than 6,500 mature individuals. Therefore, the global population is here tentatively placed in the band 10,000-19,999 mature individuals.
Trend justification
The population trend has not been estimated directly. The species is threatened by habitat loss, and it is suspected that the conversion of native scrub and woodland for agricultural use, together with an increase in wildfires, are causing a slow population decline. Forests loss within the range has been negligible over the past three generations (<1% over 10.2 years; Global Forest Watch 2020). It is therefore tentatively assumed that the combined impacts of the loss of forests and the loss of scrubland through logging and fires are causing a population decline of <10% over three generations.
Pseudosaltator rufiventris occurs in the east Andes of La Paz, Cochabamba, Potosí, Chuquisaca, Tarija, Bolivia and Jujuy and Salta in Argentina. The species is very local, but can be locally common in parts of its range (Fjeldså and Mayer 1996, Pearman 1997, Mazar Barnett et al. 1998, S. Mayer in litt. 1999). Increased field effort has resulted in discoveries at several new sites, and it is expected that further surveys will find it at new localities (Fjeldså and Mayer 1996, Pearman 1997, Mazar Barnett et al. 1998).
This species inhabits the temperate zone at 2,500-4,000 m in shrubby or open habitats (including agricultural land) with patches of scrub, Polylepis or Alnus woodland (Remsen et al. 1988, Fjeldså and Mayer 1996, Pearman 1997, Mazar Barnett et al. 1998). It may be reliant on habitat patches comprising native tree species (S. Mayer in litt. 1999). Breeding is taking place in December, when an active nest was recorded in Turnari National Park in Cochabamba (N. E. Huanca in litt. 2020).
Scrub and native woodland patches are being fragmented and converted to agricultural and commercial forest land-uses within this species's range (Remsen et al. 1988, Rocha and Quiroga 1996, Mazar Barnett et al. 1998, T. Hjarsen in litt. 1999), probably resulting in some population declines. During the dry season in 2017-2019, wildfire occurred in the Tunari mountain range in Cochabamba, which affected the habitat of the species (N. E. Huanca in litt. 2020).
Conservation Actions Underway
The species is found in several protected areas, including Tunari National Park (Bolivia and Calilegua National Park (Argentina).
Conservation Actions Proposed
Conduct further studies to identify habitat requirements, particularly the extent of reliance on native tree species. Survey areas surrounding the known range to determine the full extent of the distribution. Monitor known sites to measure rates of population decline and identify threats. Effectively protect significant areas of suitable habitat, including patches of native tree species, at key sites, in both strictly protected areas and community led multiple use areas.
22 cm. Large and striking seed-eating bird. Upperparts and breast are bluish slaty grey, with duller wings and tail. Lower breast and belly bright reddish-rufous. Long and conspicuous white eyebrow. Stout dark bill, and reddish to amber iris. Female slightly lighter Similar: Nothing really similar. The Cochabamba Mountain-finch Poospiza garleppi is smaller, has a rufous breast and lacks the white eyebrow. Voice: Song a warbled tíru-tíru-tíru and harsh nasal kjíau call. Hints: Usually lethargic and somewhat concealed in the vegetation.
Text account compilers
Hermes, C.
Contributors
Gilroy, J., Hjarsen, T., Hunaca Llanos, N., Mayer, S., O'Brien, A. & Sharpe, C.J.
Recommended citation
BirdLife International (2024) Species factsheet: Rufous-bellied Mountain-tanager Pseudosaltator rufiventris. Downloaded from
https://datazone.birdlife.org/species/factsheet/rufous-bellied-mountain-tanager-pseudosaltator-rufiventris 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.