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

Justification of Red List category
This species's population size is poorly known, but is suspected to be small, and to be distributed in multiple small subpopulations. It is inferred to be undergoing a continuing decline as a result of deforestation. For these reasons, the species is listed as Near Threatened.

Population justification
Three-toed Jacamar was considered very common in the early and mid-19th century and must have suffered a very substantial decline in numbers as a result of habitat loss. Although it is common in some localities, especially in eastern Minas Gerais (L. G. Mazzoni in litt. 2020), it is now local even in the core of its range. Its population size has not been estimated directly. There have been recent records from at least 97 municipalities, and the species is usually recorded in flocks of around ten individuals (Tobias et al.2019, WikiAves 2015, D. Mendes in litt. 2020).

Based on an assumed population density of 1.1-1.8 individuals/km² (based on the minimum and first quartile of 11 estimates for five jacamar species), the area of tree cover with at least 30% canopy cover in 2010 within the species's mapped range (89,200km²; Global Forest Watch 2020), and assuming, based on the species's localised distribution, that 2-5% of the area of tree cover is occupied, the species's population is suspected to be within the range 1,962-8,028 individuals, which is assumed to equate to 1,308 - 5,352 mature individuals, here rounded to 1,300 - 5,400 mature individuals.

The species is distributed in multiple subpopulations, which are likely to be small. Assuming that the true population size is closer to the lower end of the estimate, it is likely that no subpopulation consists of more than 250 mature individuals.

Trend justification
Over the three generations (16 years) from 2003 to 2019, approximately 11% of tree cover with at least 30% canopy cover was lost within the species's range (Global Forest Watch 2020). Three-toed Jacamar seems to be able to tolerate forest fragmentation, degradation and disturbance (Machado and Lamas 1996, Silveira and Rocha Nobre 1998); however, habitat loss is likely to be a major threat as it is thought to have been responsible for drastic population declines in the past (Tobias et al. 2019). Hence, we can tentatively infer that the species is in decline, but likely at a slower rate than the forest cover; thus Three-toed Jacamar is suspected to have undergone a reduction of 1-11% over the past three generations.

From 2016-2019, approximately 4% of tree cover with at least 30% canopy cover was lost within the species's range (Global Forest Watch 2020). Extrapolating over 16 years, it is assumed that up to 15% of tree cover within the species's range will be lost within the next three generations. The species is suspected to undergo a reduction of 1-15% over the next three generations.

Three-toed Jacamar is endemic to the Atlantic forest in Rio de Janeiro state, eastern Minas Gerais and southern Bahia, in south-eastern Brazil. There are older records from Espírito Santo (known from only two localities and not since 1940), São Paulo (not since at least 1975) and Paraná (not reliably since 1961), suggesting that the range has declined in the past. Recent records have widened the known distribution in Minas Gerais, and confirmed its occurrence in Bahia (Souza 1996, Machado et al. 1998, Silveira and Rocha Nobre 1998, Ribon et al. 2002, Duarte et al. 2014, WikiAves 2015).

Three-toed Jacamar is restricted to small, isolated patches of semi-decidous forest, where it is found along forest edges, streams, roads and tracks. It is largely dependent on earth banks, e.g. stream sides and road cuttings, for nesting-cavities (Silveira and Rocha Nobre 1998), although it sometimes nests in dead trees (WikiAves 2015). The species can persist in degraded areas with bushes, vines and scattered trees, where the original vegetation has been replaced, if a native understorey remains (Machado and Lamas 1996, Silveira and Rocha Nobre 1998). It is often found in heavily disturbed sites near urban areas, and tolerates a considerable degree of habitat alteration (Tobias et al. 2019). However, its absence in some areas of apparently suitable habitat suggests that its habitat preferences may not be fully known (Tobias et al. 2019). Individuals are conspicuous; they often perch in exposed positions in the subcanopy and lower strata (T. A. de Melo Júnior in litt. 1998, 1999, G. M. Kirwan in litt. 1999). From there, they sally to take aerial insect prey (Silveira and Rocha Nobre 1998). Preferred food items are small cryptic Lepidoptera and Hymenoptera, but also Diptera, Odonata, Homoptera, Hemiptera and Isoptera (Machado and Lamas 1996, G. M. Kirwan in litt. 1999). Vocalisations and courtship behaviour increase at the start of the rainy season, but decrease during incubation (Vasconcelos et al. 1999). The species is gregarious, living in family flocks that can reach up to 20 individuals (Tobias et al., 2019), but it is commonly recorded in flocks of around ten birds throughout its range (Silveira and Nobre 1998).

Although capable of surviving in some degraded woodlots, this species has undergone a major decline in the past. Widespread and continuing habitat destruction, largely for conversion to agriculture and timber plantations, are thought to be responsible for the decline in numbers and range of this species. In addition, its specialised habitat requirements ensure that it is absent from many degraded woodlots. Since it occurs close to urban areas, it is also vulnerable to continuing urban expansion (Duarte et al. 2014, T. B. F. Duarte in litt. 2020). The species is also vulnerable to the effects of small population size, such as local extinctions and inbreeding.

Conservation Actions Underway
It is protected under Brazilian law. It is known from Caratinga Biological Station, Rio Doce State Park, Serra do Brigadeiro State Park, Fernão Dias State Park, Mata do Passarinho private natural heritage reserve and UFMG Ecological Station, Minas Gerais.

Conservation Actions Proposed
Survey suitable habitat to clarify distribution, population size and ecological requirements. Prevent disturbance of the understorey and earth banks at known localities (Silveira and Rocha Nobre 1998). Protect key sites, especially in south-east Minas Gerais and the Paraíba river valley. Create habitat corridors between protected areas where the species occurs (T. B. F. Duarte in litt. 2020).

18 cm. Dull olivaceous, long-billed bird. Dark grey upperparts glossed green. White breast and lower belly with olivaceous-grey flanks and vent. Blackish throat, warm brown face, with bold buffy streaking on crown, whiter streaks on malar. Long tail and wings dusky. Slender, blackish bill. Voice Complex series of ascending whistles mixed with raspy notes, often delivered in groups. Also wheet call. Hints In small groups, perched motionless in subcanopy, somewhat concealed. In vicinity of exposed earth banks.

Text account compilers
Wheatley, H.

Contributors
Kirwan, G.M., Melo Júnior, T., Duarte, T., Lima, D., Mendes, D., Williams, R., Sharpe, C.J., Benstead, P., Capper, D., Clay, R.P., Hermes, C. & Symes, A.

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Recommended citation
BirdLife International (2024) Species factsheet: Three-toed Jacamar Jacamaralcyon tridactyla. Downloaded from https://datazone.birdlife.org/species/factsheet/three-toed-jacamar-jacamaralcyon-tridactyla 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.