Data Zone
Justification of Red List category
The rarity of this species suggest that its population is very small. Its habitat, and by inference the population, have undergone a rapid decline that may be continuing. This combination of factors leads to its classification as Endangered.
Population justification
The population size is low and the species is described as either rare or sporadic at the few known localities (Luther 2020). Surveys in Isla de Salamanca National Park between 2006 and 2007 found a population density of 6 individuals/ km2 (González Brun 2007). Assuming that the species occurs at a similar density throughout the range and that only 10% of the range is occupied to account for the species's rarity and localised distribution, the population may have numbered around 1,050 individuals in 2007, equating to 700 mature individuals. Assuming further that the population is declining at a rate of 30-49% over ten years (Renjifo et al. 2016), the current population may number 285-440 mature individuals.
In view of the species's dispersal abilities and the distribution of records, all individuals are thought to belong to the same subpopulation.
Trend justification
The species is thought to be declining rapidly owing primarily to habitat loss. Between 2001 and 2011, 39.1% of mangrove and flooded forest have been lost, and it is assumed that this is continuing at the same rate into the future (Renjifo et al. 2016). Under the assumption that population declines are roughly equivalent to rates of habitat loss, the species is inferred to be declining at 30-49% over ten years.
Amazilia lilliae occurs on the Caribbean coast of Colombia between the estuaries of the río Magdalena and río Ranchería (Atlántico, Magdalena and La Guajira; Renjifo et al. 2016). Most records originate from Isla de Salamanca National Park or Ciénaga Grande de Santa Marta (P. G. W. Salaman in litt. 1999; eBird 2020). Since 2013 the species has been apparently photographed at Bocas del Atrato (Antioquia), Moñitos (Córdoba) and Cartagena de Indias (Bolívar) (Surfbirds 2013; eBird 2020); however, the species is easily confunded with A. coeruleogularis (Renjifo et al. 2016). There may be local movements according to the season (J. C. de las Casas in litt. 2008).
The species is found in coastal mangroves and flooded forest, occasionally in xerophytic shrub vegetation (Schuchmann et al. 2015). The species shows a preference for forests of Erythrina fusca while they are flowering. At other times it frequents mangroves where it feeds, at least in part, on insects (J. C. De Las Casas in litt. 2008; Renjifo et al. 2016). It is able to use human-altered habitat and salt flats adjacent to mangroves (González Brun 2007).
Over recent decades, a large amount of the mangrove forest along the Colombian Caribbean coast has been cleared for agriculture, altered due to exploitation of rivers, or destroyed through construction of dykes, roads and canals (Renjifo et al. 2016; Luther 2020). Today, the conversion of mangroves to livestock pasture, domestic and industrial pollution, sewage, urbanisation, development of tourist infrastructure and mangrove and forest cutting are ongoing (Renjifo et al. 2016). Construction of a pipeline and road through the wetlands of the Ciénaga Grande de Santa Marta and Isla de Salamanca in the mid-1970s obstructed tidal flow and caused very extensive mangrove die-back, continuing until at least 1992 (Wege and Long 1995).
Conservation Actions Underway
CITES Appendix II. It occurs in two protected areas: Isla de Salamanca (21,000 ha) and Ciénaga Grande de Santa Marta Flora and Fauna Sanctuary (26,810 ha) (Schuchmann et al. 2015). There have been recent efforts to address wood cutting in Isla de Salamanca through increased regulation and surveillance, and in 2015 an area of the park was temporarily closed to prevent deliberate fires (Renjifo et al. 2016). The Corporación Sentido Natural and the Fundación Colibri are researching its taxonomic status and ecological requirements.
Conservation Actions Proposed
Conduct field surveys to clarify its distribution and population. Clarify the species's presence and status at Bocas del Atrato, Antioquia. Monitor the population trend. Research its ecological requirements. Increase the area of suitable habitat that has protected status. Improve active protection of Isla de Salamanca National Park. Improve the control of trade of mangrove wood and related products. Restore damaged mangrove ecosystems. Educate local communities about the environment. Develop alternative sources of income for the local population. Develop ecotourism in the region.
9 cm. Glittering, blue-bellied hummingbird. Medium-length, nearly-straight bill, black above and tip, with reddish lower. Male is shining green above. Entire underparts glittering blue. Blue-black forked tail. Female has not been formally described. Similar spp. Male Sapphire-throated Hummingbird L. coeruleogularis lacks glittering blue lower breast and belly, but can appear very similar to L. lilliae according to light conditions. Female L. coeruleogularis all white below with green sides. Greyish-white tail tips. Voice Only known vocalization a short, slightly nasal ‘lisping’ rattle, c. 0·3 seconds in length, rapidly repeated 5–10 times, “klrr..klrr..klrr..klrr..klrr...” (Schuchmann et al. 2015).
Text account compilers
Wheatley, H., Hermes, C.
Contributors
Ashpole, J, Benstead, P., Bird, J., Butchart, S., Capper, D., Isherwood, I., Salaman, P.G.W., Sharpe, C.J., Stiles, F.G., Strewe, R., Symes, A. & de las Casas, J.C.
Recommended citation
BirdLife International (2024) Species factsheet: Sapphire-bellied Hummingbird Chrysuronia lilliae. Downloaded from
https://datazone.birdlife.org/species/factsheet/sapphire-bellied-hummingbird-chrysuronia-lilliae 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.