Data Zone
Justification of Red List category
This species has a small population that is undergoing declines as a result of forest loss and trapping. It consequently qualifies as Vulnerable.
Population justification
The species is locally common (Roda et al. 2011). No systematic surveys have taken place, but based on the observations of numerous ornithologists throughout the species' range, the population size is estimated to be less than 10,000 mature individuals (Silveira et al. 2003, 2023). The population size is therefore placed in the band 2,500 - 9,999 mature individuals.
Trend justification
The population trend has not been investigated, but declines are inferred due to the species' disappearance from previously occupied sites in Pernambuco and possibly Rio Grande do Norte (Silveira et al. 2003, 2023). The main drivers of the decline are habitat loss and trapping pressure.
Tree cover is lost at a rate of 3-5% over ten years within the range (Global Forest Watch 2023, using Hansen et al. [2013] data and methods disclosed therein). Although the species tolerates altered habitats, it is also threatened by trapping for the illegal cagebird trade. The impact of trapping on the population size has not been quantified, but both trapping intensity and subsequent mortality appear to be high (Silveira et al. 2003). Consequently, the rate of population decline may be steeper than the rate of tree cover loss alone. It is here tentatively placed in the band 10-19% over ten years, though an accurate quantification is urgently required.
Tangara fastuosa is restricted to the Pernambuco Centre of Endemism in the states of Alagoas, Pernambuco and Paraíba, north-east Brazil. Historical records come from east Rio Grande do Norte and north-central Pernambuco (Silveira et al. 2023). There remains a possibility that some records refer to released cagebirds, particularly those from Rio Grande do Norte, and more observation is required (Silveira et al. 2003).
It occurs in the interior and edges of primary and secondary Atlantic forest and humid forest (Silveira et al. 2003, Roda et al. 2011), as well as gardens and orchards with bromeliad-laden trees. Nests are situated in dense mid-storey vegetation, usually in large bromeliads, indicating that the species cannot use second growth without epiphytes (E. O. Willis in litt. 1999). It is sometimes seen in mixed-species flocks (Silveira et al. 2003), but more frequently in small family groups. The diet includes fruit and small arthropods, as well as some flower petals. It breeds in October-April. It shows some tolerance of habitat conversion and disturbance and is able to make flights of more than 500 m between forest fragments (Roda et al. 2011).
The main threat is deforestation for conversion to pastures and sugar cane plantations (Silveira et al. 2023). There has been massive clearance of original Atlantic forest in north-east Brazil; none of the remaining forest fragments is larger than 4,000 ha, with most of this still subject to selective logging and low levels of clearance for subsistence agriculture (Silveira et al. 2003).
Illegal capture is an additional threat; with heavy trapping pressure for trade from the high prices commanded by the species' colourful plumage (Silva Regueira and Bernard 2012; Pereira et al. 2014, 2019). The species is commonly caught across its range and displayed in cages. Territorial individuals are captured used caged birds as decoys, and it is reported that experienced trappers are able to take up to 30 individuals per day at sites where they are common. Mortality in caged birds is high, as cages are often overcrowded (Silveira et al. 2003).
Conservation Actions Underway
CITES Appendix II. It is protected under Brazilian law. It is included in the National Action Plan for the Conservation of the Birds of the Atlantic Forest, which includes the following recommendations: creation of more private protected areas and connection of remaining forest fragments within the Pernambuco Centre of Endemism, enforcement of legislation to prevent deforestation, promoting the of the consideration of priority areas in agricultural development plans, environmental education and awareness campaigns, and monitoring and enforement against illegal capture (ICMBio 2017). Significant areas have been reforested at Pedra Talhada, where protection is enforced by guards and apparently welcomed by local communities (A. Studer per A. Whittaker in litt. 1999). Afforestation schemes have been undertaken to restore forest along rivers and on steep slopes (Silveira et al. 2003). Captive birds have been confiscated and released into reserves, but this can only succeed if the protection of such areas is improved.
Conservation Actions Proposed
Carry out structured surveys to accurately quantify the population density and size. Quantify the level of trapping and its impact on the population size. Monitor the population trend.
Protect additional areas of suitable habitat within the range. Continue and expand habitat restoration programmes. Develop captive breeding programmes to support future reintroduction and population supplementation efforts. Establish environmental education and awareness campaigns across the range aimed at reducing trapping pressure. Enforce legal measures to prevent capture and trade.
13.5 cm. Strikingly colourful tanager. Turquoise-green head, chin and mantle. Black lores, area around bill and throat. Bright blue breast becoming darker ultramarine on belly. Paler turquoise-blue wing-coverts. Dark blue edging to wing feathers. Broad orange edging to tertials. Black back extending over shoulder. Bright orange rump and lower back. Dark tail edged blue. Large black bill. Female duller but similarly patterned. Voice Thin it-it-it.
Text account compilers
Hermes, C., Wheatley, H.
Contributors
Benstead, P., Capper, D., Goerck, J.M., Harding, M., Kirwan, G.M., Roda, S., Sharpe, C.J., Studer, A., Symes, A., Whittaker, A. & Willis, E.O.
Recommended citation
BirdLife International (2024) Species factsheet: Seven-colored Tanager Tangara fastuosa. Downloaded from
https://datazone.birdlife.org/species/factsheet/seven-colored-tanager-tangara-fastuosa on 24/11/2024.
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 24/11/2024.