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

Justification of Red List category
This species has a large range, and hence does not approach the thresholds for Vulnerable under the range size criterion (Extent of Occurrence <20,000 km² combined with a declining or fluctuating range size, habitat extent/quality, or population size and a small number of locations or severe fragmentation). Despite the fact that the population trend appears to be decreasing, the decline is not believed to be sufficiently rapid to approach the thresholds for Vulnerable under the population trend criterion (>30% decline over three generations). The population size is unknown, but is not suspected to be sufficiently small to approach the thresholds for Vulnerable under the population size criterion (<10,000 mature individuals with a continuing decline estimated to be >10% in ten years or three generations, or with a specified population structure). For these reasons the species is evaluated as Least Concern.

Population justification
There are no data available from which to estimate this species' population size, although it is described as uncommon. A camera-trap survey at Bukit Barasan Selatan National Park recorded the species as often as Malay Banded Pitta Hydrornis irena, which is not considered to be a rare species (Dinata et al. 2008) and eBird (2022) data suggest the species is elusive rather than especially rare. The area of suitable habitat is very large (c.40,000 km²; per Global Forest Watch 2022) and although no density data are available, it is considered highly unlikely that the number of mature individuals is fewer than 10,000.

Trend justification
The population is suspected to be declining slowly due to habitat loss at the lower elevations of its range. In the three generations (11.7 years; Bird et al. 2020) to 2022, forest cover loss in its range was 2-5% (Global Forest Watch 2022, based on Hansen et al. [2013] and methods disclosed therein), and this is thought to have had minimal impact on the population. The population is suspected of declining at a past and future rate of 1-9% over three generations.

Hydrornis schneideri is endemic to the mountains of Sumatra, Indonesia.

It inhabits the floor and undergrowth of primary and selectively logged, tropical lower and upper montane rainforest, from 900 m to 2,400 m (Eaton et al. 2021). It is generally unobtrusive, being encountered singly or in pairs (unless with accompanying young) in tangled undergrowth or along forest trails. It is assumed to be resident.

In the three generations (13.4 years; Bird et al. 2020) to 2022, forest cover loss in its range was 2-5% (Global Forest Watch 2022, based on Hansen et al. [2013] and methods disclosed therein), and this is thought to have had a minor impact on the population. The main cause of this in this species' elevational range is minor agricultural incursions, rather than large-scale plantations.

Conservation Actions Underway
None is specifically known. Much of its range lies in protected areas (UNEP-WCMC and IUCN 2022).

Conservation Actions Proposed
Undertake surveys to determine the species' population size, as well as its tolerance of logging and habitat degradation. Continue to monitor habitat trends using remote sensing data. Ensure effective enforcement of Sumatran protected areas and national laws.

22 cm. Medium-large, elusive, forest-dwelling pitta. Male has bright blue mantle, wing-coverts, rump and tail. Blackish-brown wings. Rest of plumage rusty-brown, paler on throat and warmest on crown and nape. Black line through eye to rear of ear-coverts. Variable black breast-band and collar. Female lacks black collar and has brown mantle. Similar spp. Giant Pitta H. caeruleus is larger with more massive bill, colder brown on head and black on crown. Voice Low, rather soft, drawn out, double whistle, rising on the first note and falling on the second. Hints Walk along forest trails at dawn.

Text account compilers
Berryman, A.

Contributors
Allinson, T, Benstead, P., Bird, J., Brickle, N., Davidson, P., Iqbal, M., Taylor, J. & Tobias, J.

---

Recommended citation
BirdLife International (2024) Species factsheet: Schneider's Pitta Hydrornis schneideri. Downloaded from https://datazone.birdlife.org/species/factsheet/schneiders-pitta-hydrornis-schneideri on 23/12/2024.
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 23/12/2024.