Data Zone
Justification of Red List category
This species has a small and declining population, suspected to number less than 10,000 mature individuals. Given the likely number of subpopulations and that the total population size may be as low as 1,500 mature individuals, no subpopulation is thought to exceed 1,000 mature individuals. The species is therefore assessed as Near Threatened, approaching the thresholds for listing as threatened under C2a(i).
Population justification
The species' population size has not been formally estimated, but is described as uncommon (Dutson 2011). Given the paucity of records, a realistic preliminary estimate may be of 2,500-9,999 individuals (G . Dutson in litt. 2011). This equates to 1,667-6,666 mature individuals, rounded here to 1,500-7,000 mature individuals. Given the likely number of subpopulations and that the total population size may be as low as 1,500 mature individuals, no subpopulation is thought to exceed 1,000 mature individuals.
Trend justification
This species' population is suspected to be in slow decline owing to continued habitat loss and degradation; however, it has been recorded in secondary, degraded and otherwise altered habitats (G. Dutson in litt. 2011). Remote sensing data (Global Forest Watch 2022, using Hansen et al. [2013] data and methods disclosed therein) indicate that in the three generations to 2021 (15.9 years; Bird et al. 2020), forest loss in this species' range has been equivalent to c.5-7%, and this is thought to be continuing. The rate of decline is placed here in the range 1-9% in three generations.
Rigidipenna inexpectata is endemic to the Solomon Islands and Papua New Guinea, having been recorded on Bougainville, Choiseul, Santa Isabel and San Jorge, and recently reported from Buka (Hadden 2004, Cleere et al. 2007).
The species is found in primary forest, secondary growth and gardens, from sea-level to at least 700 m (Cleere et al. 2007, Dutson 2011). It probably feeds mainly on large insects (Holyoak 2001). One nest was found in the horizontal fork of a branch in the canopy of a tall tree, c.25 m from the ground, and was a shallow structure built with sticks (Schodde 1977, in Cleere et al. 2007).
It probably experiences some habitat loss and degradation through clearing for agriculture and timber extraction, but the population is not thought to be in rapid decline (G. Dutson in litt. 2011). Remote sensing data (Global Forest Watch 2022, using Hansen et al. [2013] data and methods disclosed therein) indicate that in the three generations to 2021 (15.9 years; Bird et al. 2020), forest loss in this species' range has been equivalent to c.5-7%, and this is thought to be continuing.
Conservation Actions Underway
None is known.
37 cm. A large podargid with eight rectrices (Cleere et al. 2007). Crown brown, usually lightly mottled with pale buffish spots. Nape, back and rump brown, sometimes tinged rufous, and faintly barred or speckled blackish-brown. Lores and ear coverts brown with blackish-brown mottling. Supercilium generally pale buff, paler and more distinct in front of eye. Chin and throat brown speckled with blackish-brown and often boldly spotted whitish. Breast and flanks slightly paler brown than upperparts, speckled blackish-brown and boldly spotted white or very pale buff. Undertail coverts buff, feathers tipped or edged pale tawny or brown. Tail brown, broadly barred pale buff; bars speckled and edged blackish brown. Sexes very similar, but males may be darker on the rump and head and less rufous overall. Iris yellow, orange or brownish; bill brown to reddish-brown. Mouth pale lemon. Feet horn, pale yellow or cream. Claws pale yellow-grey. Similar spp Marbled Frogmouth Podargus ocellatus has narrower bill and distinct blackish-brown crescent-shaped markings on the sides of the throat and chest, less uniform upperparts and less distinctly barred tail, amongst other differences. Voice A series of short whistles that rise in pitch and are repeated at irregular intervals; also a series of descending whistles, repeated in quick succession (Cleere et al. 2007).
Text account compilers
Vine, J.
Contributors
Dutson, G.
Recommended citation
BirdLife International (2024) Species factsheet: Solomons Frogmouth Rigidipenna inexpectata. Downloaded from
https://datazone.birdlife.org/species/factsheet/solomons-frogmouth-rigidipenna-inexpectata 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.