Data Zone
Justification of Red List category
Although this species may have a restricted range, it is not believed to 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 appears to be stable, and hence the species does not approach the thresholds for Vulnerable under the population trend criterion (>30% decline over ten years or three generations). The population size has not been quantified, 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 global population size has not been quantified, but the species is reported to be locally quite common, especially in tropical evergreen forests (Madge and Burn 1993, Madge 2020).
Trend justification
The population is suspected to be stable in the absence of evidence for any declines or substantial threats.
Dendrocitta leucogastra is endemic to the Western Ghats of India (Madge 2020).
The species occurs in humid, evergreen forests, including both primary and relict areas within secondary forests (Madge 2020). It avoids areas with dense human presence but will occur in sholas, cardamom plantations, abandoned rubber plantations, and large roadside trees. The species occurs within a large elevation range, occupying lower foothills to higher mountain forest-lines. It is a solitary breeder, with eggs recorded primarily between March and April. The species is primarily carnivorous and will feed on small invertebrates such as lizards and rodents, but is also fond of flower nectar, fruits and seeds.
Conservation Actions Underway
The species is present in many protected areas throughout its range, including Periyar and Silent Valley National Parks, Thattakad (Salim Ali) Bird Sanctuary, and Topslip (Madge 2020).
Text account compilers
Fernando, E.
Contributors
Butchart, S. & Ekstrom, J.
Recommended citation
BirdLife International (2024) Species factsheet: White-bellied Treepie Dendrocitta leucogastra. Downloaded from
https://datazone.birdlife.org/species/factsheet/white-bellied-treepie-dendrocitta-leucogastra on 22/11/2024.
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 22/11/2024.