Data Zone
Justification of Red List category
This species has a very 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). The population trend is not known, but the population is not believed to be decreasing sufficiently rapidly to approach the thresholds under the population trend criterion (>30% decline over ten years or three generations). The population size may be small, but it is not believed to 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 occurs at a low density. During the breeding season, densities of 0.02-0.03 mature individuals/km2 could be observed, while during the non-breeding season the density increased to 0.24 mature individuals/km2 (Jaramillo 2021). Based on the non-breeding density of 0.24 mature individuals/km2, extrapolated over the resident and non-breeding range of c.18,600 km2, the global population may number c. 4,500 mature individuals. To account for uncertainty, the population is here placed in the band 2,500-9,999 mature individuals.
Trend justification
The population trend is not known. Threats like habitat loss and degradation appear to affect mainly the vicinity of the range, and there is currently no evidence that these are impacting the population.
Poospiza baeri occurs at disjunct localities within a very narrow range on the east slope of the Andes from La Rioja north to Jujuy and Salta, north-west Argentina, and immediately adjacent Tarija, Bolivia (Herzog et al. 2016, Pearman and Areta 2020, eBird 2023).
This species occurs at 2,500-3,100 m, but the altitudinal range is often narrow on any particular mountain range (M. Pearman in litt. 2012). In the southern part of the range it appears to descend to lower elevations down to 1,200 m during the austral winter (Bodrati 2005, Jaramillo 2021). It inhabits puna grassland with dense scrub and shrubby woodland in semi-humid to semi-arid, steep-sided ravines, gullies and stream shores. It is occasionally observed in adjacent rocky habitat and forest edge, and may even descend to gardens, especially during heavy snowfall (Gil 1996, Peris 1997, Vides-Almonacid and Cocimano 1998). Nests with 2-3 eggs have been found in January to March (Peris 1997, Jaramillo 2021). It probably feeds on arthropods and seeds (Peris 1997, Jaramillo 2021).
Human settlement in the region has brought goats and cattle, which have destroyed habitat in some ravines, though it is not clear if this affects the population. Fires in adjacent grasslands could spread into ravines. Potato and strawberry plantations are expanding to areas increasingly close to its known distribution. The use of pesticides during the breeding season has affected other species in the region, and may have an impact if the practice is extended (Peris 1997).
Conservation Actions Underway
The species occurs in several protected areas across its range, including the specifically created El Infiernillo Reserve, Tucumán, Argentina (Vides-Almonacid and Cocimano 1998). It is also found in Campo de los Alisos National Park, Tucumán, Argentina.
Conservation Actions Proposed
Survey to locate additional populations and ascertain the population size. Quantify the population trend. Research threats to the species and their impacts on the population size. Assess the state and distribution of suitable habitat and subsequently implement protection measures. Protect areas of suitable habitat. Undertake environmental education and public awareness campaigns focusing on sustainable land-use and protection of streamside vegetation.
17 cm. Subtly coloured, mainly terrestrial finch. Dull grey with slight olivaceous tinge throughout, slightly paler on belly. Orange-rufous forecrown, eyebrow, spot below eye, throat and upper breast and undertail-coverts. Small dark bill. Sexes similar, although female has slightly reduced breast patch. Immature brownish above, buffier below with brown stripes. Voice Simple, warbling song and inconspicuous, thin tziíp calls.
Text account compilers
Hermes, C.
Contributors
Babarskas, M., Capper, D., Gerwin, J., Pearman, M., Pople, R., Sharpe, C.J. & Symes, A.
Recommended citation
BirdLife International (2024) Species factsheet: Tucuman Mountain-finch Poospiza baeri. Downloaded from
https://datazone.birdlife.org/species/factsheet/tucuman-mountain-finch-poospiza-baeri 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.