Data Zone
Justification of Red List category
This species is suspected to have a small population that is suspected to be experiencing a slow decline due to the ongoing degradation of its habitats. It is therefore classified as Near Threatened.
Population justification
The population is suspected to fall in the range band for 2,500-9,999 mature individuals (J. Vivero in litt. 2003). This equates to 3,750-14,999 individuals in total, rounded here to 3,500-15,000 individuals. Although uncommon at presently known sites, it may prove to be fairly widespread and not uncommon in a huge area that is very poorly known in ornithological terms (J. S. Ash in litt. 1999, J. Vivero in litt. 2003).
Trend justification
The species' population is suspected to be in slow decline owing to habitat destruction and degradation, despite its apparent tolerance of disturbance by humans and cattle (J. Vivero in litt. 2003). Deforestation rates within the range have been negligible over the past ten years, amounting to around 1% (Global Forest Watch 2021, using Hansen et al. [2013] data and methods disclosed therein), but the extent this may be affecting the species is unclear and therefore the rate of population decline has not been quantified.
Crithagra xantholaema is known from central Harar, northern Bale and central Sidamo provinces (central Borena zone), Ethiopia. There were around 30 reliable records between 1900 and 1970 (J. S. Ash in litt. 1999). However, it is seen more frequently in recent years with records from Sof Omar, Arero Forest, Anferara Forest and Mankubsa-Weleno Forest, Yavello Wildlife Sanctuary, and Bale Mountains National Park (EWNHS 1996, Vivero Pol 2001, J. Vivero in litt. 2003, eBird 2022).
The species seems to favour scrubby vegetation (1,000-1,500 m), and has been recorded in Acacia-Commiphora woodland (EWNHS 1996) and juniper Juniperus woodland (including scrubby and degraded areas). It feeds on the ground in groups up to six individuals, presumably on seeds, but is also recorded feeding on flowers and buds (Vivero Pol 2001, Clement and Bonan 2020). No breeding information is available, but its breeding season may be September-December (Clement and Bonan 2020).
At nearly all sites, an increasing human population is leading to the expansion of subsistence agriculture into previously uncultivated wooded habitats (EWNHS 1996). Cutting of trees and bushes (for fuel and building wood) and intense grazing also occur at a number of sites. However, it is open to question to what extent disturbance as a result of high cattle and human pressure may affect the species, considering its relative tolerance to them (J. Vivero in litt. 2003). While the species' tolerance of such habitat changes is unknown, its population is still suspected to be declining. At Anferera, opencast gold-mining is a potential threat (EWNHS 1996), as is hotel construction at Sof Omar and Sheik Hussein (related to popular shrines there) (J. S. Ash in litt. 1999). There is also evidence that small scale illegal trade of this species occurs (Juergens et al. 2021).
Conservation Actions Underway
Arero Forest, Anferara Forest and Mankubsa-Weleno Forest are listed as protected areas. It also occurs in the Bale Mountains National Park. However, on-the-ground protection is scant (EWNHS 1996).
11 cm. Small, greyish canary with black collar. This uniformly drab, greyish brown canary has a bright yellow throat with a thin black breast band which is diagnostic. In flight shows a greenish yellow rump. Very often the black band is very much reduced and only shows a black spot on sides of breast. Similar spp. Yellow-throated Seedeater is almost identical to the female of this species and away from known range when seen alone, identification problems will arise. Voice Similar to Yellow-throated Serin. Hints The best known site is alongside the stream that runs from The Sofamor Caves, Ethiopa. Also in dry scrub adjacent to juniper forests near Arero, Ethiopia.
Text account compilers
Rotton, H.
Contributors
Ash, J.S., Benstead, P., Brusland, S., Ekstrom, J., Shutes, S., Starkey, M., Symes, A., Taylor, J., Vivero, J.L. & Westrip, J.R.S.
Recommended citation
BirdLife International (2024) Species factsheet: Salvadori's Seedeater Crithagra xantholaema. Downloaded from
https://datazone.birdlife.org/species/factsheet/salvadoris-seedeater-crithagra-xantholaema on 22/11/2024.
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 22/11/2024.