Data Zone
Justification of Red List category
This species is restricted to a small range, within which habitat is lost and degraded. The population is furthermore suffering from predation by introduced mammals and declining at a moderately rapid rate. The species is therefore evaluated as Vulnerable.
Population justification
The species is described as uncommon to sometimes locally common (Latta et al. 2006). There are no data on population size, but the population is suspected to number 10,000-20,000 individuals based on an assessment of known records, descriptions of abundance and range size. This is consistent with recorded population density estimates for close relatives with a similar body size, and the fact that only a proportion of the estimated Extent of Occurrence is likely to be occupied. This estimate is equivalent to 6,667-13,333 mature individuals, rounded here to 6,700-13,300 mature individuals.
The population structure has not been described, but based on observational records (eBird 2020) it is tentatively assumed that the species forms three subpopulations, though their sizes are unknown.
Trend justification
The species is thought to be declining, but the trend has not been quantified directly. Between 2001 and 2019, 12% of tree cover within the range has been lost (Global Forest Watch 2020), which equates to a rate of 6.5% over ten years. As the species has strict requirements for dense, undisturbed forests, it is likely that the rate of forest loss is exacerbated by habitat degradation. The species furthermore suffers from high rates of nest predation (Rimmer et al. 2008). In view of these ongoing threats, it is precautionarily inferred that the population is declining at a rate of 20-29% over ten years, though this requires confirmation.
Calyptophilus tertius occurs in southwest Haiti (Massif de la Hotte and Massif de la Selle) and adjacent southwest Dominican Republic.
The species inhabits moist broadleaf forest and dense thickets, especially in ravines and near water, close to the ground (Latta et al. 2006). It is primarily a montane species, occurring above 1,000 m, but locally to 800 m (G. M. Kirwan in litt. 1998). Breeding probably occurs between May and June/July (Raffaele et al. 1998; Rimmer et al. 2008). It feeds chiefly on invertebrates, rather than fruit as implied by its specific name.
Agricultural conversion and logging are the principal threats to its habitat. The rate of nest predation appears to be around 50%; it is thought that introduced predators like feral cats (Felis catus) and Black and Brown Rats (Rattus rattus and R. norvegicus) are responsible for low nesting success (Rimmer et al. 2008).
Conservation Actions Underway
It occurs in Macaya and La Visite National Parks, Haiti, and Sierra de Baoruco National Park, the Dominican Republic.
17-20 cm. Curious, long-tailed, bicoloured understorey species. Dark brown above, white below. Yellow loral spot and carpal area. Similar spp. Virtually unmistakable. Two sympatric Turdus thrush species are similar sized and terrestrial, but both show much red. Voice Song is beautiful whistling chip-chip-swerp-swerp-swerp. Sharp check call. Hints Best located by song or calls, often sings from an elevated perch.
Text account compilers
Wheatley, H., Hermes, C.
Contributors
Isherwood, I., Khwaja, N., Kirwan, G.M., Latta, S., Mahood, S., Pople, R., Sharpe, C.J. & Wege, D.
Recommended citation
BirdLife International (2024) Species factsheet: Western Chat-tanager Calyptophilus tertius. Downloaded from
https://datazone.birdlife.org/species/factsheet/western-chat-tanager-calyptophilus-tertius 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.