• Summary
• Text account
• Data table and detailed info
• Range map
• Resources

Justification of Red List category
This species is classified as Near Threatened because it has a moderately small population within a very small range, and numbers are declining owing to losses of mature forest through continuing logging, plantation establishment and clearing for agriculture. However, the range is not yet severely fragmented or restricted to few locations. For these reasons, the species is classified as Near Threatened. If further studies show that the population is smaller than currently thought or it is declining rapidly, an uplisting to Vulnerable may be warranted.

Population justification
This species has been described as common and widespread across Taveuni and was previously placed in the range 5,000-8,000 pairs, equating to 10,000-16,000 mature individuals, in 2000 (G. Dutson in litt. 2005). However, an accurate and up-to-date quantification of the population size is urgently required.

Trend justification
This species is reliant on mature forest (Watling 2001). Although the rate of conversion of old-growth native forest to mahogany plantations has slowed significantly, logging and subsistence farming still persist within the range. However, this appears to be largely undetected by remote sensing data which indicate only minimal forest loss (Global Forest Watch 2023, using data from Hansen et al. [2013] and methods disclosed therein). Forest clearance, with upland areas of Taveuni being a key area, is ongoing for (sometimes large scale) cultivation of kava (Piper methysticum), which is now a high value crop and widely traded and sold in the region (J. England in litt. 2020, O'Brien et al. 2021). As such, although there is no direct quantification of the population trend, the species is suspected to be declining.

Lamprolia victoriae is endemic to Taveuni, Fiji.

It inhabits wet, mature rainforest, forest pockets, logged forest and (at lower densities) plantations close to intact forest (Thorpe et al. 1990, J. S. Kretzschmar in litt. 1998). It feeds on small arthropods and worms in the leaf-litter and insects in the lower canopy (Clunie 1984). It mainly occupies the undergrowth, thus reducing competition with Clytorhynchus vitiensis (Langham 1989).

Although the rate of conversion of old-growth native forest to mahogany plantations has slowed significantly, logging and subsistence farming still persist within the range. However, this appears to be largely undetected by remote sensing data which indicate only minimal forest loss (Global Forest Watch 2023, using data from Hansen et al. [2013] and methods disclosed therein). Forest clearance, with upland areas of Taveuni being a key area, is ongoing for (sometimes large scale) cultivation of kava (Piper methysticum), which is now a high value crop and widely traded and sold in the region (J. England in litt. 2020, O'Brien et al. 2021). Conversion of forest to pasture for cattle ranching and livestock grazing is an additional threat (O'Brien et al. 2021). While invasive predators are a potential threat, this is largely unknown and mongooses do not yet occur on the island (Morley 2004).

Conservation Actions Underway
The species is protected under Fijian law. It occurs in several protected areas.

Conservation Actions Proposed
Determine population size and trends, incorporating training of people from local communities in survey techniques. Influence agricultural practices and protect remaining tracts of mature forest (J. England in litt. 2020). Facilitate a framework which makes conservation an acceptable alternative to kava cultivation (O'Brien et al. 2021).

12 cm. Small, striking, iridescent black monarch with conspicuous white rump. Deep velvet-black with metallic blue spangling on head, nape, throat and breast. Rump is silky white, extending over greater part of the tail. Long wings and short tail. Voice Loud whistles, whistling trill and low, rasping squeaks. Hints Restless bird, with a swift, darting flight. Can be seen in any mature forest on Taveuni.

Text account compilers
Vine, J.

Contributors
Dutson, G., Kretzschmar, J.P., England, J. & O'Brien, M.

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Recommended citation
BirdLife International (2025) Species factsheet: Taveuni Silktail Lamprolia victoriae. Downloaded from https://datazone.birdlife.org/species/factsheet/taveuni-silktail-lamprolia-victoriae on 15/01/2025.
Recommended citation for factsheets for more than one species: BirdLife International (2025) IUCN Red List for birds. Downloaded from https://datazone.birdlife.org/species/search on 15/01/2025.