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

Justification of Red List category
Although this species may have a restricted range, it is not believed to 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). The population trend appears to be stable, and hence the species does not 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 global population size has not been quantified, but the species is described as locally uncommon to fairly common (Farnsworth et al. 2021).

Trend justification
The population is suspected to be stable in the absence of evidence for any declines or substantial threats.

Xolmis salinarum is endemic to north-west Argentina. It occurs around Salinas Grandes and Salinas de Ambargasta (Santiago del Estero, Córdoba, Catamarca and La Rioja). The species is also observed further south, mostly along the Humedales de Guanacache and río Desaguadero (Mendoza, La Rioja, San Luis and San Juan), though it is not clear whether these refer to resident individuals or to birds undergoing post-breeding movements (MAyDS and AA 2017, Pearman and Areta 2020, eBird 2022).

The species inhabits semi-open scrub growing in salt-impregnated soil, often near water or at the edge of salt pans in areas with mats of Salicornia (Ridgely and Tudor 1994, Parker et al. 1996, Farnsworth et al. 2021). It has been observed in groups of 20 to 40 individuals; nests are placed near the ground in Salicornia bushes (Sferco et al. 2021). Otherwise, its ecology is not well known.

No threats are known to the species. There is small-scale salt extraction in parts of Córdoba, but this does not directly affect the species or its habitat (J. Mazar Barnett in litt. 1999).

Conservation Actions Underway
None is known.

Conservation Actions Proposed
Quantify the population size. Determine whether individuals observed in Mendoza are resident and breeding. Research the species' ecology and behaviour, in particular potential adaptations to alkaline environment. Research potential threats to the species and their likely impact. Regularly monitor the population. Consider protecting areas of suitable habitat.

Text account compilers
Hermes, C.

Contributors
Capper, D., Mahood, S., Mazar Barnett, J., O'Brien, A., Sharpe, C.J. & Symes, A.

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Recommended citation
BirdLife International (2024) Species factsheet: Salinas Monjita Xolmis salinarum. Downloaded from https://datazone.birdlife.org/species/factsheet/salinas-monjita-xolmis-salinarum on 25/11/2024.
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 25/11/2024.