Data Zone
Justification of Red List category
This kingfisher is confined to the islands of Negros and Panay in the Philippines, two islands that have seen some of the most extreme and extensive habitat changes across Asia. It is thought to have a moderately small population that is declining slowly in response to ongoing habitat degradation. If these threats prove to be more severe than is currently suspected, the species may qualify for being uplisted in the near future. For now it is listed as Near Threatened.
Population justification
The population has not accurately been quantified, although the species appears to be quite rare (eBird 2022) with few records even from areas that are well surveyed and none from areas unforested. As an approximation, using densities of congeners and extents of suitable habitat along rivers and tributaries (Global Forest Watch 2022, using data from Hansen et al. [2013] and methods disclosed therein), each island is suspected of hosting no more than 500 pairs. There is, however, tremendous uncertainty with this and a robust, species-specific estimation should be considered a research priority. The global population is therefore suspected of numbering 1,000-2,499 mature individuals, with a best guess of 1,500. Each island is considered a separate subpopulation, although sites may now be so fragmented that multiple artificial subpopulations exist within these. Nonetheless, it is highly likely that no subpopulation exceeds 1,000 mature individuals. Further research is needed.
Trend justification
There are no robust data available on this species' trend. Nonetheless, it is suspected of declining because of ongoing (albeit low rates of) habitat loss and degradation (Global Forest Watch 2022, based on data from Hansen et al. [2013] and methods disclosed therein), fragmentation impacts and potentially riverine pollution.
The species is known from Negros and Panay, Philippines (Dickinson et al. 1991); the occurrence on Cebu is likely erroneous.
The species is found along forested and scrub-lined streams in the lowlands, foothills and lower montane areas, up to 1,000 m (Allen 2020).
This species' range was nearly cleared of forest when ornithologists first explored it in the late 19th century. Today, species such as C. nigrirorstris exist in fragments of forest where key threats include the continuing and ongoing loss of forest and its degradation, ongoing fragmentation impacts and possible riverine pollution where near agricultural and urban areas.
Conservation and research actions underway
No targeted actions are known.
Conservation and research actions proposed
Survey to produce a precise quantification of the population size. Determine its precise ecological requirements and its ability to persist in degraded and fragmented habitats. Ensure the effective protection of existing protected areas in which it occurs.
Text account compilers
Martin, R., Berryman, A.
Contributors
Butchart, S., Ekstrom, J., Symes, A. & Taylor, J.
Recommended citation
BirdLife International (2024) Species factsheet: Southern Indigo-banded Kingfisher Ceyx nigrirostris. Downloaded from
https://datazone.birdlife.org/species/factsheet/southern-indigo-banded-kingfisher-ceyx-nigrirostris on 22/12/2024.
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 22/12/2024.