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

Justification of Red List category
This species is classified as Near Threatened because it is suspected to have a small population, which may be undergoing a decline as a consequence of the loss and degradation of its high-altitude woodland habitat.

Population justification
The population size has not been quantified. The species apparently occurs at low density; it is described as uncommon at known sites and may be among the rarest bird species in Peru (Schulenberg et al. 2007, Zambrano 2021). Based on the low number of observational records from few localities within the range (per eBird 2023), the population very likely numbers less than 10,000 mature individuals. It is here tentatively placed in the band 2,500-9,999 mature individuals, but the true population size may be substantially smaller (see SERFOR 2018). An exact quantification is urgently required.

Trend justification
The population trend has not been investigated. However, as a consequence of ongoing loss, degradation and fragmentation of habitat a slow population decline is suspected.

Poospiza rubecula is known from a small number of localities in west Peru from south Cajamarca through La Libertad and Ancash to Lima.

It is found at elevations of 2,350-3,800 m in composite scrub (especially Eupatorium and Gynoxys), woodland and dry scrub-forest adjacent to Polylepis woodland and, at Zárate forest, in bushy undergrowth in the upper parts of mixed, dry woodland (Oreopanax, Myrcianthes and Escallonia dominated) (Barrio 1995, Clements and Shany 2001). It forages for young leaf buds, berries and seeds. Immatures have been collected in January, April and May, whilst adults have also been observed feeding juveniles in July (H. Lloyd in litt. 2007). It may undertake seasonal altitudinal movements (Barrio 1995, Begazo et al. 2001).

Humans have utilised upland areas in Peru for thousands of years, but agricultural intensification, the change from camelids to more destructive livestock (goats, sheep and cattle), and afforestation with exotic trees (e.g. Eucalyptus and Pinus) are relatively new and highly significant detrimental factors (Fjeldså and Kessler 1996, SERFOR 2018). Cutting of trees for timber is an additional cause of habitat degradation.

Conservation Actions Underway
The species occurs in several protected areas across the range, including Huascarán National Park.

Conservation Actions Proposed
Survey to locate additional populations and determine the exact distribution range. Urgently quantify the population size and rate of population trend. Investigate the species' ecology and movements, including the subpopulation structure. Identify beneficial conservation measures. Monitor the population trend. Monitor rates of habitat loss.
Protect areas of suitable habitat within the range. Implement an agroforestry scheme to safeguard Polylepis woodlands and high-altitude shrubland. Restore degraded habitat using native plants. Raise awareness for the species and its habitat.

15.5 cm. Contrasting grey-and-rufous finch. Hindcrown and upperparts dark slaty-grey. Forecrown and superciliary, and rest of underparts bright orange-rufous. White centre of belly. Black frontlet, mask and chin. Wings and tail dusky with no white. Female has head and upperparts grey-brown, whitish below with mixed rufous feathers. Breast and sides streaked dark grey. Voice Prolonged twittering warble.

Text account compilers
Hermes, C.

Contributors
Gilroy, J., Lloyd, H., Pople, R., Sharpe, C.J. & Valqui, T.

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Recommended citation
BirdLife International (2024) Species factsheet: Rufous-breasted Warbling-finch Poospiza rubecula. Downloaded from https://datazone.birdlife.org/species/factsheet/rufous-breasted-warbling-finch-poospiza-rubecula 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.