Data Zone
Justification of Red List category
Dicaeum retrocinctum is endemic to the island of Mindoro in the Philippines, where there is an ongoing decline in the extent and quality of habitat within its range. Nonetheless, it does remain widespread and is somewhat tolerant of habitat degradation. Accordingly, it is listed as Near Threatened, as it does not meet the thresholds for listing as threatened.
Population justification
Described as fairly common (Allen 2020). Dutson et al. (1992) considered it a 'common component of mixed-species flocks' and 'one of the commonest species in closed forest' during fieldwork in 1991, but were sceptical of the species' tolerance for highly degraded landscapes, unlike Allen (2020) who note the species as occurring in 'second growth...open country, coconut groves and cultivation'. Citizen science data (eBird 2024) suggest that the species is tolerant of at least moderate degradation, with numerous records from second growth and highly degraded forests; most records, however, originate from closed-canopy forest, although this in part may reflect search effort.
Based on 584 point counts, Lee and Marsden (2008) calculated an average density of 300 birds/km2 (SE ± 50.6) in lowland forest, and satellite imagery suggests a total of c.1,400 km2 of suitable habitat remains (data from Jung et al. [2020], analysed using sRedList [2023]), although some of this is degraded and at elevations marginal for this species (but it bears mention that more than 400 km2 appears optimal or nearly so). Moreover, not all birds counted are likely to have been mature individuals, especially given Lee and Marsden (2008) targeted their surveys to the breeding season. The global population size is therefore placed in a broad band of 40,000-160,000 mature individuals, with the minimum assuming only optimal habitat is occupied at a reduced density of 100 mature individuals/km2, and the upper bound set at a figure arbitrarily four times this, but with reasonable certainty that the species' true abundance probably lies somewhere between the two.
Trend justification
The only threat to this species is habitat loss and degradation, although of the latter it is at least somewhat tolerant (Dutson et al. 1992, Allen 2020, eBird 2024). While historically rates of lowland forest cover loss were very high, recent rates have been much slower, and over the past 10 years (2013-2023) forest cover in this species' range has been reduced by 3-4% (Global Forest Watch 2024, based on data from Hansen et al. [2013] and methods therein). Notwithstanding this species' tolerance of modified habitats, degradation may be having additive impacts, noting the observation by Dutson et al. (1992) that the species is likely commoner in unmodified forests. Over the past 10 years therefore, this species is suspected to have declined by 1-9%. Much remaining suitable habitat is poorly protected, and so similar declines are suspected over the next 10 years.
Endemic to Mindoro, Philippines (Allen 2020). Claims from Panay and Negros (Curio et al. 1996, Collar et al. 1999) are considered here to be erroneous given the absence of subsequent sightings since (despite good survey coverage), and the presence on these islands of an ostensibly similarly coloured congener (Dicaeum haematostictum).
It inhabits closed canopy forest, chiefly below 1,000 m but occasionally up to 1,200 m. It also occurs in secondary and logged forest, forest edge and occasionally well-cultivated areas. However, it appears generally intolerant of highly degraded habitat, although it does frequent fruiting or flowering trees in forest patches and scrub.
The main threat to this species is lowland forest loss. Historically this was very rapid and by the turn of the 19th century, much of Mindoro's lowlands was probably already denuded of forest cover. More recently, rates of forest cover loss have been significantly slower, amounting to 3-4% over the past 10 years (2013-2023: Global Forest Watch 2024, based on data from Hansen et al. [2013] and methods therein); this does not, however, account for two opposing considerations: (1) the impact of degradation; but (2) the recovery of some areas of land to scrub and second growth. The main cause of land-use change on Mindoro is shifting agriculture and small-scale logging. Mining is a highly localised threat.
Conservation Actions Underway
Occurs in Mts. Iglit-Baco Natural Park and other protected areas on Mindoro.
Conservation Actions Proposed
Continue to monitor habitat trends using remote sensing data. Protect lowland forests on Mindoro for the benefit of this and other lowland endemics.
10 cm. A tiny, canopy-dwelling passerine. Black upperparts with blue gloss and bright red collar on hindneck. Black throat with red central spot, black upper breast, bright red line down centre of breast and belly outlined in black. Rest of underparts whitish. Long, fine bill. Voice Song a series of thin, high-pitched, sweet notes. Call a hard tup tup. Hints Often sings from exposed perches. Also frequents fruiting trees.
Text account compilers
Gilroy, J., Taylor, J., Symes, A., Benstead, P.
Contributors
Dutson, G. & Tabaranza, B.
Recommended citation
BirdLife International (2024) Species factsheet: Scarlet-collared Flowerpecker Dicaeum retrocinctum. Downloaded from
https://datazone.birdlife.org/species/factsheet/scarlet-collared-flowerpecker-dicaeum-retrocinctum 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.