Data Zone
Justification of Red List category
This species has an extremely 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 ten years or three generations). The population size is suspected to be very large, and hence does not 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
The species is described as 'rare' (Stotz et al. 1996), and Partners in Flight (2022) suspect the population to number less than 50,000 mature individuals. However, based on observational records (see eBird 2022), this may be a considerable underestimate. Tentatively, the population is here placed in the band 50,000-99,999 mature individuals, though an accurate quantification of the population is urgently required.
Trend justification
The population trend has not been investigated, but due to its dependence on primary forests the species may be negatively affected by forest loss and degradation. Tree cover within the known range is lost at a rate of 3% over three generations (10.3 years; Global Forest Watch 2022, using Hansen et al. [2013] data and methods disclosed therein). Despite its strict habitat requirements, population declines are unlikely to considerably exceed the rate of tree cover loss; they are here tentatively placed in the band 1-19% over three generations.
Cypseloides cherriei is known from scattered, disjunct sites in southern Central America and northern South America. In Costa Rica it is mainly recorded from the Pacific slope of the Cordillera Central and Cordillera de Talamanca (Seitz 2020). In Panama it is found in the west, with some additional records from Darién (Horvath and Bennett 2016, R. Parra-Hernández in litt. 2020, Seitz 2020, eBird 2022). It is further known from the Cordillera de la Costa and Cordillera de Mérida in Venezuela, along the West, Central and possibly East Cordillera in Colombia, south to the Andes and Amazon lowlands of northern Ecuador as well as in southern Ecuador and adjacent northern Peru (Chávez-Portilla et al. 2007, Parra-Hernández et al. 2008, Seitz 2020, eBird 2022). The species is likely under-recorded however; it is suggested that it may additionally occur in Bolivia and that it could be overlooked in further countries (Stiles and Skutch 1989, Seitz 2020, eBird 2022).
Most records are from montane regions, near streams in primary forest habitats, at 1,000-2,500 m (Collins 1980, del Hoyo et al. 1999). Occasional records from lowlands suggest that it may descend to lower elevations during foraging trips (Seitz 2020). It nests and roosts in permanently humid areas (e.g. behind waterfalls) in rocky gorges of mountain streams (Collins 1980, Stiles and Skutch 1989, Marín and Stiles 1993). It feeds on insects (Seitz 2020).
The threats to this species have not been investigated. Nevertheless, due to its strict requirements for montane, undisturbed forests it is plausible that habitat loss and degradation represent a threat. Tree cover loss is however low, and vast areas of habitat appear to be relatively intact (Seitz 2020, Global Forest Watch 2022).
Conservation Actions Underway
The species occurs in several protected areas throughout its range, including Henri Pittier National Park in Venezuela (Collins 1980), Cabañas San Isidro and Yanayacu Biological Station in eastern Ecuador (Greeney 2004), as well as Munchique and Tatamá national parks in Colombia (Renjifo et al. 2014, R. Parra-Hernández in litt. 2020).
Conservation Actions Proposed
Survey further potentially suitable sites between known localities to identify additional populations and refine the distribution range. Quantify the population size. Study its ecological requirements and nesting habits. Investigate threats and their impacts. Monitor the population trend. Monitor rates of habitat loss. Protect areas of suitable habitat within the range. Raise awareness for the species and its habitat.
Text account compilers
Hermes, C.
Contributors
Benstead, P., Capper, D., Clay, R.P., Collins, C., Everest, J., Greeney, H., Isherwood, I., King, J., Parra Hernández, R., Sharpe, C.J. & Symes, A.
Recommended citation
BirdLife International (2024) Species factsheet: Spot-fronted Swift Cypseloides cherriei. Downloaded from
https://datazone.birdlife.org/species/factsheet/spot-fronted-swift-cypseloides-cherriei on 26/12/2024.
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 26/12/2024.