Data Zone
Justification of Red List category
Despite being restricted to a small range, this species is able to tolerate moderate habitat modification and there is no evidence for any declines in population size or habitat availability. The population size is inferred to be small, and hence the species is listed as Near Threatened.
Population justification
The population size has not been quantified directly. To account for its apparent rarity, it has been suggested to occur at a density of 5-10 individuals/km2 derived on density estimates of congeners (M. nigrocristata and Basileuterus melanogenys; Renjifo et al. 2016), though the species may be rarer than this (E. Botero-Delgadillo in litt. 2021). Based on an area of habitat of 462 km2, the population is suspected to number up to 2,300-4,600 individuals (Renjifo et al. 2016). This roughly equates to up to 1,500-3,000 mature individuals and to account for its rarity the population is here placed in the band 1,000-3,000 mature individuals.
The subpopulation structure has not been assessed, but based on its tolerance of converted habitats it is tentatively assumed that all individuals belong to the same subpopulation.
Trend justification
Tree cover loss has been negligible within the range (<1% over the past ten years; Global Forest Watch 2020). Moreover, the species is also found in second growth and appears to tolerate habitat loss and degradation (Renjifo et al. 2016; Curson 2020). Tentatively the population is assessed as stable.
Myiothlypis basilica occurs in a fragmented habitat in montane areas in the Sierra Nevada de Santa Marta, north Colombia, where its abundance varies between sites from rare to locally common (Ridgely and Tudor 1989; Curson 2020).
The species inhabits the understorey and borders of stunted, humid montane forest and secondary woodland (Ridgely and Tudor 1989). It is frequently found alongside small mountain streams and ravines as well as in scrubby chaparral above the treeline (C. Downing in litt. 2007; Renjifo et al. 2016). It is also strongly associated with dense stands of Chusquea bamboo (Ridgely and Tudor 1989; Renjifo et al. 2016). All records are from 2,100 to 3,000 m, with the majority above 2,300 m (Curson et al. 1994, Renjifo et al. 2016). It is apparently able to tolerate moderate degradation of its habitat (Renjifo et al. 2016).
Despite tolerating some habitat degradation, the major threat to the species is habitat loss. Within the range, almost 50% of the original vegetation has already been lost (Renjifo et al. 2016); however in recent years deforestation has slowed down considerably and is now <1% over ten years (Global Forest Watch 2020). The principal causes of deforestation are the development of cattle ranches and Pinus plantations (Renjifo et al. 2016). Habitat degradation is particularly extensive along the northern slope of the Sierra Nevada de Santa Marta. The species may also persist above the treeline in scrubby habitats, suggesting that the species may show a degree of resilience to deforestation (C. Downing in litt. 2007).
Conservation Actions Underway
The species occurs within Sierra Nevada de Santa Marta National Park.
14 cm. Spectacularly marked warbler. Olive-green above and yellow below, with a bold black-and-white head pattern. Unmistakable and easily the most distinctive member of its genus. Voice Call is a short, weak trill. The song remains undocumented.
Text account compilers
Hermes, C.
Contributors
Benstead, P., Botero-Delgadillo, E., Downing, C., Gilroy, J., O'Brien, A. & Sharpe, C.J.
Recommended citation
BirdLife International (2024) Species factsheet: Santa Marta Warbler Myiothlypis basilica. Downloaded from
https://datazone.birdlife.org/species/factsheet/santa-marta-warbler-myiothlypis-basilica 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.