Data Zone
Justification of Red List category
This species qualifies as Vulnerable owing to its small and scattered population. Habitat disturbance and degradation from pollution and agricultural expansion are feared to cause slow, but ongoing, declines in the population size.
Population justification
Density estimates range from 0.87 to 1.78 individuals per km of river surveyed in Argentina, and from 0.60 to 1.22 individuals per km of river surveyed in Bolivia (Sardina Aragón et al. 2022 and references therein). Densities during the breeding season were found to be generally higher, likely in relation to the carrying capacity of river stretches (Sardina Aragón et al. 2022).
Based on a model of potentially suitable habitat and an average density of 0.94 individuals per km, derived from a 3-year survey of 44 rivers in the country, the population in Argentina was estimated at around 2,700-4,400 individuals (Politi et al. 2020, N. Politi in litt. 2020). Bolivia covers roughly one-sixth of the global range. Given that densities observed in Bolivia were slightly lower than those in Argentina, the global population is preliminarily estimated at 3,000-5,000 individuals. This roughly equates to 2,000-3,300 mature individuals.
Trend justification
There are no new data on population size or trend, but current threats to occupied habitats suggest that slow or moderate, continuing declines are likely.
The species has specialised habitat requirements and only occurs along unpolluted, oxygen-rich, fast-running streams; it is negatively impacted by disturbance and pollution or by clearance of vegetation on the river bank (Tyler and Tyler 1996, Ormerod and Tyler 2020, Politi et al. 2020). In Argentina, only 5% of its habitat is formally protected (Politi et al. 2020). Riparian forests and wetlands in the species' range are under pressure from conversion for agriculture (Gonzalez Baffa-Trasci et al. 2020, Gomez et al. 2021), while rivers in or in close proximity to the range are suffering from pollution by industrial effluents and heavy metals through mining discharge (Mesón Gana et al. 2008, Kirschbaum et al. 2012, Alvizuri-Tintaya et al. 2022). From this, it is inferred that the species is undergoing a continuing decline. Given that many rivers in the range remain inaccessible and undisturbed (Politi et al. 2020), any declines are likely slow.
This species occurs on the east Andean slope in south Bolivia (Chuquisaca and Tarija) and north-west Argentina (Salta, Jujuy, Tucumán and Catamarca).
It inhabits forested rivers and streams 5-15 m in width with relatively stable channels, cascades, waterfalls, mid-river rocks, and rocky cliffs or banks (Mazar Barnett et al. 1998, Tyler and Tyler 1996). It favours deeper rivers with more rock cover (Politi et al. 2020). It breeds in the alder Alnus acuminata zone at 1,500-2,500 m; it sometimes descends to larger rivers at c.800 m during frosts (Tyler and Tyler 1996, Herzog et al. 2016). Nests have been found in September-January, with territories of 500-1,000 m in length on suitable stretches of river (Tyler and Tyler 1996).
Reservoir construction, hydroelectric and irrigation schemes and eutrophication threaten riverine habitats (Tyler and Tyler 1996). Pollution from mining and industrial effluents, reduced flows, river channel modifications and loss of riparian forests for agricultural conversion are prevalent in parts of the range (Tyler and Tyler 1996, Mesón Gana et al. 2008, Kirschbaum et al. 2012, Gonzalez Baffa-Trasci et al. 2020, Gomez et al. 2021, Alvizuri-Tintaya et al. 2022). Much habitat however remains largely inaccessible (Ergueta and Morales 1996, Politi et al. 2020).
Conservation Actions Underway
It occurs within several protected areas across its range, including Baritú, Calilegua and Aconquija national parks, Argentina (N. Politi in litt. 2020). Overall however, only about 5% of the population in Argentina occurs within protected areas (Politi et al. 2020). Monitoring is ongoing along rivers in Argentina (N. Politi in litt. 2020).
15 cm. Subtly coloured dipper. Dull slaty-grey. Paler on head and face. Pale pinky-rufous bib. White patch in primaries visible in flight and when wing flicking. Short tail and rounded wings. Dark bare parts. Voice Typically series of raspy and metallic shenk calls. Calls faster in flight.
Text account compilers
Hermes, C.
Contributors
Chebez, J.C., Gilroy, J., Jaramillo, A.P., Mayer, S., Politi, N., Pople, R. & Sharpe, C.J.
Recommended citation
BirdLife International (2024) Species factsheet: Rufous-throated Dipper Cinclus schulzii. Downloaded from
https://datazone.birdlife.org/species/factsheet/rufous-throated-dipper-cinclus-schulzii on 22/12/2024.
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 22/12/2024.