Data Zone
Justification of Red List category
This species has a small range, confined to the southern Western Ghats in south-west India. Within its range there is ongoing degradation of habitat, although this is occurring at only a slow rate, and the species remains relatively common at numerous sites. It is therefore listed as Near Threatened. Climate change has been identified as a key threat to this species in the future, and the impacts of this will need to be closely monitored.
Population justification
The global population size of this species has not been calculated, although it is one of the most frequently recorded species within its range/habitat (Praveen and Nameer 2015, eBird 2023), and is reportedly the most common understorey bird in Grasshills National Park (V. V. Robin in litt. 2012).
Trend justification
Possibly much declined from historical baselines given the removal of habitat from within its range. There are no monitoring data from which to derive a current trend for this species, although it is precautionarily suspected to be declining, albeit at a slow rate. Habitat loss and degradation has been slow over the past decade (2013–2023) according to remote sensing data (Global Forest Watch 2023, based on data from Hansen et al. [2013] and methods disclosed therein), although these analyses are relatively insensitive to forest degradation or modifications that don't affect the forest canopy. Recent modelling for this species projected that it may lose a significant (26.6–44.9%) area of suitable habitat in response to climate change by 2050 (Sreekumar and Nameer 2022), although the mechanisms by which this may occur, and this species' plasticity and temperature tolerances, are unknown.
Endemic to the southern Western Ghats, where occurs in southern Kerala and western Tamil Nadu. Particular strongholds appear to be in the Palani and Annamalai Hills, but records extend south to Ashambu (Agasthyamalai) (eBird 2023, SoIB 2023). In its strongholds, occupancy is evidently very high, with the species occurring in highly fragmented forest patches isolated in predominantly agricultural landscapes (eBird 2023).
This species is found between 1,000 and 2,200 m in streamside vegetation and wet areas of undergrowth within "sholas" (forest patches) and densely wooded ravines. It is also found in much lower numbers in wattle (Eucalyptus) and old pine plantations contiguous with sholas, and has been recorded in gardens. Its breeding season stretches from March until July, but most activity occurs in April and May. There is no information on its diet, but it presumably feeds on small insects and other invertebrates. It is a sedentary species, though some altitudinal movement is suspected (Collar et al. 2020).
Habitat loss and degradation has been slow over the past decade (2013–2023) according to remote sensing data Global Forest Watch 2023, based on data from Hansen et al. [2013] and methods disclosed therein), although these analyses are relatively insensitive to forest degradation or modifications that don't affect the forest canopy. Livestock grazing, together with the harvesting of fuelwood and huge quantities of forest products such as bamboo and canes, are likely to have a negative influence on this species. The clearance and degradation of areas of suitable habitat for firewood for local tea factories is a newly identified threat amongst tea plantations west of Munnar, Kerala, and is likely to be a serious threat in areas with many tea factories (J. Taylor in litt. 2011). Recent modelling for this species projected that it may lose a significant (26.6–44.9%) area of suitable habitat in response to climate change by 2050 (Sreekumar and Nameer 2022), although the mechanisms by which this may occur, and this species' plasticity and temperature tolerances, are unknown.
Conservation Actions Underway
No targeted actions are known, but the species occurs in numerous protected areas throughout its range, including Indira Gandhi, Kurinjimala, Neyyar, Peppara, Meghamalai and Kanyakumari Wildlife Sanctuaries; Eravikulam, Anamudi Shola, Pampadum Shola and Mathikettan Shola National Parks, and Periyar and Kalakkad-Mundanthurai Tiger Reserves (Praveen J in litt. 2012).
14 cm. Small, chat-like bird with white supercilium, uniform, dark slaty-blue head, breast and upperside. Whitish centre of abdomen with dark slaty-blue flanks and white undertail-coverts. Similar spp. Nilgiri Blue Robin M. major has rufous flanks and undertail coverts, and dull bluish brow. Voice Song a loud, sustained, sprightly, thrust-like series of short phrases, each consisting of rich slurred whistles and dry buzzy notes, rising and falling several times. Calls reportedly include loud chattering and high whistle.
Text account compilers
Derhé, M., Westrip, J.R.S., Khwaja, N., Berryman, A., Calvert, R.
Contributors
Praveen, J., Robin, V.V. & Taylor, J.
Recommended citation
BirdLife International (2024) Species factsheet: White-bellied Sholakili Sholicola albiventris. Downloaded from
https://datazone.birdlife.org/species/factsheet/white-bellied-sholakili-sholicola-albiventris 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.