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

Justification of Red List category

Although the species has a restricted range with an extent of occurrence of 4,680 km², it is suspected to have a stable population and distribution, does not occur in few locations and hence does not approach the thresholds for Vulnerable under either the range size or population trend criteria. The population size is estimated at 14,000-20,000. Consequently the species is evaluated as Least Concern.

Population justification
This species is considered common and widespread (Pratt et al. 1987, Butler 2012, Parrish and Sherley 2012, Pratt and Mittermeier 2016, O'Brien and Masibalavu 2017). Based on density estimates from 2016 the population is estimated to fall within the band 14,000-20,000 mature individuals, depending on the assumptions used (O'Brien and Masibalavu 2017).

Trend justification
It is suspected to have declined following the cyclones of 1990–1991 which substantially reduced forest cover, with the species subsequently becoming uncommon and difficult to find (Pratt and Mittermeier 2016). However, the species is not strictly reliant on primary forest and favours shrubby forest with many young trees; it appears to have recovered from apparent declines and is considered common and widespread (Butler 2012, Parrish and Sherley 2012, Pratt and Mittermeier 2016, O'Brien and Masibalavu 2017). Surveys conducted in 2009 suggested at least a moderate and localised recovery, with 'healthy' populations of 20-30 birds recorded and anecdotal observations of birds along roadsides and near habitation (Schuster 2010). Additionally, it was found to be common in mangroves and disturbed habitat around villages and plantations in 2005-2006. Its preference for secondary habitat and forest edge, as well as its occurrence in a variety of habitat types, suggests resilience to habitat loss and disturbance (Pratt and Mittermeier 2016, J. Pilgrim in litt. 2024). As such, although small-scale agricultural encroachment and invasive species persist within the range, these are unlikely to be driving declines. Tentatively therefore, the population trend is suspected to be stable.

Myiagra albiventris is restricted to Savai'i, 'Upolu and Nu’utule, Samoa. This is a naturally small range which is nearly fully occupied by the species. 

This species is an insectivore found alone or in pairs at most elevations (predominantly in the lowlands, and found to be absent above 1,200 m on Savai'i [Pratt and Mittermeier 2016]). It prefers shrubby forest with many young trees, and is also reported from cultivated land, forest edge and clearings, along roads, coastal mangroves and in the mid-understorey or subcanopy of relatively mature forest (Pratt et al. 1987, Freifeld et al. 2001, Watling 2001, Pratt and Mittermeier 2016). It occurs fairly commonly in degraded and altered habitats, including regenerating forest and near human habitation (Schuster 2010, Pratt and Mittermeier 2016, J. Pilgrim in litt. 2024).

It was presumably affected following cyclones Ofa and Val in 1990 and 1991, when canopy cover was significantly reduced (Elmqvist et al. 1994). Loss and degradation of forest habitat caused by agricultural encroachment and invasive species including invasive mammalian predators and plants are potential threats (G. Dutson in litt. 2011, Butler 2012), however the species appears to remain common and adapts well to habitat disturbance (Butler 2012, Parrish and Sherley 2012, Pratt and Mittermeier 2016, J. Pilgrim in litt. 2024). As such, there are not believed to be any severe threats to the species.

Conservation Actions Underway
No targeted conservation actions for this species are known, however it occurs in multiple protected areas.

Conservation Actions Proposed
Conduct surveys to update information on density and distribution, and quantify the population size. Monitor population trends. Protect remaining suitable habitat.

15 cm. Small flycatcher that usually perches upright in the open. Male glossy blue-black above with white underparts and rufous-chestnut throat and breast. Female similar but slightly paler above with paler and less extensive throat colour. Black bill and feet. Voice Whistled fee-oo-eet and buzzy low-pitched bzerr-it, often alternating.

Text account compilers
Vine, J.

Contributors
Beichle, U., Dutson, G., Freifeld, H., O'Brien, M., Stirnemann, R. & Pilgrim, J.

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Recommended citation
BirdLife International (2024) Species factsheet: Samoan Flycatcher Myiagra albiventris. Downloaded from https://datazone.birdlife.org/species/factsheet/samoan-flycatcher-myiagra-albiventris 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.