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

Justification of Red List category
This species is listed as Vulnerable because extent and quality of habitat within its small range are declining.

Population justification
Based on observed densities of 0 individuals/km² in forest, 5.2 individuals/km² in páramo and 65.2 individuals/km² in sub-páramo, the population is estimated to number around 60,000 individuals, equating to 40,000 mature individuals; however this is likely an overestimation (Renjifo et al. 2016). To account for this uncertainty, the global population is therefore here placed in the band 20,000-49,999 mature individuals.
Based on observational records (per eBird 2020), it is assumed that the species forms three subpopulations.

Trend justification
The population trend has not been quantified directly. Within the range, habitat quality is degraded through firewood collection, grazing, burning and agricultural expansion (Renjifo et al. 2016; Collar and Boesman 2020). As such, the population is assumed to be decreasing at a rate not exceeding 10% over three generations (10.2 years); the reduction is believed to continue at this rate into the future.

Bolborhynchus ferrugineifrons is known from the Central Andes in Colombia. Most records are from the Volcán Ruiz-Tolima massif in Tolima, Risaralda, Quindío and Caldas, with further observations from Volcán Pucaré in Cauca and along the intervening ridge.

The species inhabits temperate sub-páramo and páramo at 3,200-4,000 m, sometimes as low as 2,800 m (Renjifo et al. 2016; Collar and Boesman 2020). It also uses elfin forest, modified shrublands and agricultural areas and has adapted to some forms of habitat modification, possibly even preferring to feed in fallow fields and areas altered by grazing (P. G. W. Salaman in litt. 1999; Snyder et al. 2000; Verhelst et al. 2002; Collar and Boesman 2020). It is a gregarious species, tending to occur in noisy flocks of 10-100 individuals, and roosting communally on cliffs (Juniper and Parr 1998). It forages terrestrially, mostly taking grass-seeds (especially Anthoxantum odoratum), the fruits of Acaenia elongata and flowers (Verhelst et al. 2002). Although it reportedly nests in cliffs (Hilty and Brown 1986; Collar 1997), the only documented nest was constructed of moss and located 18 m up in a Myrcianthes sp. tree (Anon. 2007).

Conversion of forest for agricultural purposes has been widespread below 3,300 m in the Central Andes. At higher elevations, the forest is exploited for firewood and grazing, but large areas remain. Given its adaptation to the agricultural environment, the level of threat posed by deforestation is unknown (Snyder et al. 2000). Conversely, widespread destruction of páramo vegetation, even in Los Nevados, seems to have seriously affected numbers. This is caused by frequent burning (promoting fresh shooting), intense grazing and, to a lesser extent, conversion to potato cultivation. The Colombian authorities have been unable to purchase pre-existing landholdings within national parks, often rendering the parks ineffective. Wildfires are increasing in intensity and frequency, threatening large areas within the range (Renjifo et al. 2016). The species is sometimes kept as a cagebird.

Conservation Actions Underway
CITES Appendix II. Known populations are within Los Nevados, Las Hermosas, Nevado del Huila and Puracé National Parks (Renjifo et al. 2016). The species's ecology has been investigated, and based on the results an action plan has been derived (Botero-Delgadillo and Páez 2010).

Conservation Actions Proposed
Survey the species's abundance and distribution. Monitor the population trend. Investigate the movement ecology. Investigate threats to identify appropriate conservation actions (Snyder et al. 2000). Protect remaining habitat. Carry out environmental education campaigns to raise awareness for the species.

18-19 cm. Chunky parakeet. Mostly dark green, with rufous area around bill and bluish tinge to primaries. Similar spp. Barred Parakeet B. lineola generally occurs at lower elevations and is smaller, with pale bill, and black shoulder patch, wing-bars and barring on flanks. Voice Flight call a rapid wader-like mid-range chattering.

Text account compilers
Hermes, C.

Contributors
Benstead, P., Downing, C., Isherwood, I., Salaman, P.G.W., Sharpe, C.J., Stuart, T. & Symes, A.

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Recommended citation
BirdLife International (2024) Species factsheet: Rufous-fronted Parakeet Bolborhynchus ferrugineifrons. Downloaded from https://datazone.birdlife.org/species/factsheet/rufous-fronted-parakeet-bolborhynchus-ferrugineifrons on 24/11/2024.
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 24/11/2024.