Data Zone
Justification of Red List category
This recently-split species is listed as Near Threatened because it has a very small range, in which suitable habitat is declining in area and quality but is not yet severely fragmented. Further research is required to assess the size of its declining population.
Population justification
The population size of this species has not been quantified, but it is considered uncommon to relatively common. More research is required.
Trend justification
Data on population trends are lacking, but the species is thought to be in decline owing to on-going habitat loss and degradation.
Cittura sanghirensis is restricted to Sangihe and Siau islands to the north of Sulawesi, Indonesia (del Hoyo et al. 2017). It is widespread and quite frequently encountered, occurring in secondary habitats and agricultural plantations as well as primary forest (Fry and Fry 1999). Densities have been found to be higher in secondary habitats than in the very limited amount of primary forest remaining on Sangihe (Riley 2002). However, this may be because it is lowland specialist, and there is very little lowland primary forest remaining (S. Mahood in litt. 2016).
This species inhabits primary and secondary lowland forest and drier hill forest, scrub, mixed plantations and crops up to 1,000 m (Riley 2002, J. Riley in litt. 2013, Burung Indonesia in litt. 2014).
The on-going loss of natural vegetation for agricultural expansion is thought to be resulting in a decline in this species's population, although its ability to use modified areas suggests that it is buffered from the impacts to some extent.
Conservation Actions Underway
No targeted conservation actions are known for this species.
Conservation Actions Proposed
Carry out surveys to assess the population size. Study the impacts of land-use changes on the population. Increase the area of natural habitat that receives effective protection.
29 cm. Stunning large forest kingfisher with lilac breast and ear coverts, black forehead, mask and malar area, and brown upperparts. The brown tail is relatively long and graduated, and the bill is bright red. Similar species. C. cyanotis (with which the present species was previously included) lacks the strong lilac colour on the breast and has lacks any black on the forehead and malar area. Voice. A slow, yap-yap and a plaintive nasal wail.
Text account compilers
Taylor, J., Westrip, J., Symes, A., Gilroy, J., Martin, R, Benstead, P.
Contributors
Mahood, S., Riley, J.
Recommended citation
BirdLife International (2024) Species factsheet: Sangihe Lilac Kingfisher Cittura sanghirensis. Downloaded from
https://datazone.birdlife.org/species/factsheet/sangihe-lilac-kingfisher-cittura-sanghirensis 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.