Data Zone
Justification of Red List category
This species has a highly restricted and fragmented range, being limited to a small number of remnant forested sites on Java. It is likely to be declining moderately rapidly owing to on-going habitat loss in many areas. Nevertheless, it remains common in suitable sites, and apparently benefits from low levels of forest disturbance. It is currently considered Near Threatened, and should be carefully monitored.
Population justification
The global population size has not been quantified, but the species is described as often common in suitable habitat (del Hoyo et al. 2007).
Trend justification
This species has declined or disappeared from a number of historical sites, and is suspected to be declining at a moderately rapid rate throughout much of its range as a result of on-going forest clearance.
Stachyris grammiceps is restricted to Java, Indonesia, where it is known from 22 sites, largely in the western part of the island (van Balen et al. 2005). It is common within suitable habitats, and is one of the commonest birds on Gunung Halimum, with a density calculated at 332 birds per km2 in primary and slightly disturbed forest between 750 and 1,100 m (van Balen et al. 2005). However, it has declined or disappeared from a number of historic strongholds as a result of the clearance and fragmentation of forests.
This species is found in lowland and hill forest at 30-1,500 m, but mostly below 1,000 m. It is commonest in forests with some degree of degradation, allowing increased luxuriant lower growth around light-gaps and edges (van Balen et al. 2005). It is mainly found in rugged, sloping areas with steep topography.
Lowland forests on Java are now drastically reduced and fragmented as a result of logging and conversion to agriculture. Remaining areas of habitat continue to be threatened by development, as well as increasing encroachment and disturbance from expanding human populations. Even remote sites such as Gunung Halimum are now under increased pressure from human activities (van Balen et al. 2005).
Conservation Actions Underway
No targeted conservation actions are known for this species.
Conservation Actions Proposed
Conduct surveys within eastern Java to determine whether further populations exist in suitable mountainous areas. Monitor populations and habitat trends at known sites. Ensure the continuing protection of forests on Gunung Halimum.
Text account compilers
Benstead, P., Gilroy, J., Taylor, J.
Recommended citation
BirdLife International (2024) Species factsheet: White-breasted Babbler Stachyris grammiceps. Downloaded from
https://datazone.birdlife.org/species/factsheet/white-breasted-babbler-stachyris-grammiceps 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.