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

Justification of Red List category
This species qualifies as Near Threatened because it is thought to have a small population that is undergoing a suspected decline because of the slow loss and decline in area and quality of its forested lowland stream habitats.

Population justification
No species-specific population estimate has been generated for the species. Other Ceyx species have been recorded at densities of 2–10 birds/km² (Bell 1982, Vernon 1985). In 2020, there was approximately 20,000 km² of forest (excluding plantations) left in the species' range (Global Forest Watch 2022, based on data from Hansen et al. [2013] and methods disclosed therein). Assuming C. argentatus  occurs at similar densities to other Ceyx and that approximately 5–10% of suitable habitat is occupied (a reflection of its status as uncommon [Allen 2020] and the fact large parts of forest will not have available water courses), the population likely numbers 2,000–20,000, or 1,300–13,000 mature individuals, with a best estimate of 2,500–9,999.

Trend justification
Forest loss in this species' range is equivalent to 5–10% over ten years (Global Forest Watch 2022, based on data from Hansen et al. [2013] and methods disclosed therein). Despite being somewhat tolerant of forest degradation, it is also likely impacted by riverine pollution. Consequently, the population is suspected of declining at an ongoing rate of 5–15% per decade.

Ceyx argentatus is endemic to the Philippines, where it occurs on Dinagat, Siargao, Mindanao and Basilan (Collar et al. 1999, Collar 2011, Allen 2020).

It appears to be reliant upon forested streams and ponds (R. Hutchinson in litt. 2016). It occurs below 1,000 m (with one record from 1,120–1,350 m), and will tolerate secondary and selectively logged forest and even streamside vegetation within coconut plantations, close to forest edge, but terminalia and sago are the principal forest types where the highest densities were recorded during mist-netting in 2002-2003 (J. Ibanez in litt. 2007). It breeds in riverside banks and is apparently sedentary.

Extensive lowland deforestation throughout its range is the chief threat. Most remaining lowland forest is leased to logging concessions or mining applications. Watercourses with high siltation loads, resulting from deforestation, appear not to hold the species, and riverine pollution is likely to have a similar impact. Remaining forest at Bislig (Mindanao) is being illegally cleared since the concessions ended in the early 2000s and re-planted with exotic trees for paper production. Conversion of terminalia forest into rice fields and oil palm plantation is driving habitat loss elsewhere.

Conservation Actions Underway
There are post-1990 records from Agusan Marsh protected area, Mindanao. There are pre-1980 records from two further protected areas, Siargao Island and Mt Apo Natural Park, Mindanao, and also northern Dinagat Island, which is a priority site for conservation funding. There were recent sightings at Lituban Quipit Watershed and there is a pending DENR proposal to have this IBA declared as a national protected area (J. Ibanez in litt. 2007). Meanwhile, 627,631 ha of lowland forest watersheds, which are likely habitats for the species, were declared through Presidential Proclamation as protected watersheds (J. Ibanez in litt. 2007). While populations in Pasonanca (10,560 ha; Zamboanga City) and Malagos Watersheds (235 ha, Davao City) are well protected by armed guards patrolling the watershed, doubts remain over how well these sites are managed and protected (J. Ibanez in litt. 2007). Current laws protecting riverine habitats are however weak and require revision.

Conservation Actions Proposed
Conduct further surveys to clarify its current distribution and population status. Investigate factors affecting river pollution and determine its dependency on high-quality watercourses. Establish further protected areas at other key lowland sites (e.g. Mts Dapiak, Sugarloaf, Piapayungan, Diwata and Mayo on Mindanao). Encourage the legal and practical protection of riparian habitats.

14 cm. Stunning small kingfisher that is largely black-and-white. Blackish underparts, washed blue with white throat and belly. Black head and upperparts, white loral spot, spots on side of head forming streaky supercilium, neck blaze and median covert tips. Silvery-white rump and blaze on back. Bright red legs. Similar spp.  A. flumenicola smaller with rich royal-blue lower breast and flanks and buff chin, throat, loral spot and neck blaze. Voice Thin, high-pitched seet.

Text account compilers
Berryman, A.

Contributors
Allen, D., Benstead, P., Bird, J., Davidson, P., Hutchinson, R., Ibanez, J., Lowen, J., Peet, N., Symes, A., Taylor, J. & Westrip, J.R.S.

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Recommended citation
BirdLife International (2024) Species factsheet: Southern Silvery Kingfisher Ceyx argentatus. Downloaded from https://datazone.birdlife.org/species/factsheet/southern-silvery-kingfisher-ceyx-argentatus 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.