• Summary
• Text account
• Data table and detailed info
• Distribution map
• Reference and further resources

Justification of Red List category
This species occurs in a small range, where habitat degradation is proceeding slowly. It is suspected that this is driving slow population declines. The species is therefore listed as Near Threatened.

Population justification
The species is described as abundant and occurring at a high density (Benham et al. 2011, Lloyd 2020). Density estimates observed in 2003-2005 averaged 16 individuals/km² in Polylepis forest at three sites, ranging from 10 individuals/km² in medium-sized patches to 25 individuals/km² in large patches (Lloyd 2008). Another study in 2009/2010 found higher densities of 34 individuals/km² forest at one site (Benham et al. 2011). Precautionarily assuming that only 10% of the mapped range is occupied to account for the species' habitat specialism (i.e., 1,300 km²), the global population is estimated at 13,000-44,200 individuals. This is roughly equivalent to 8,500-30,000 mature individuals.

Trend justification
The population trend has not been investigated. The species is strongly dependent on dense, mature Polylepis woodland, which is under pressure from encroachment for timber collection and livestock grazing (Fjeldså and Kessler 1996, Jameson and Ramsay 2007, Lloyd 2020). Even though the total loss of Polylepis patches is overall negligible, canopy density is declining and tall trees are disappearing slowly (Jameson and Ramsay 2007); hence, the species' preferred habitat is disproportionately affected by degradation. On this basis, population declines are suspected. The rate of decline is not known, but is likely slow as the species continues to be observed frequently (see eBird 2023).

Leptasthenura xenothorax has a very restricted and severely fragmented range in the Runtacocha highland (Apurímac), as well as the Nevado Sacsarayoc massif and the Cordilleras Vilcanota and Vilcabamba (Cuzco), south-central Peru.

It occurs in small, often widely scattered, patches of humid Polylepis woodland, preferring areas of primary forests with tall trees and dense canopy cover (Lloyd 2020). It forages in pairs or small family groups of three or four, picking insects from the bark, moss and lichens on twigs, branches and trunks, often in mixed-species flocks (Lloyd 2020). The breeding period lasts from October to December (C. Bushell in litt. 1999, H. Lloyd in litt. 2004, Lloyd 2020). Its ecology remains poorly known.

Uncontrolled fires and grazing prevent Polylepis regeneration (Fjeldså and Kessler 1996, Jameson and Ramsay 2007, Lloyd 2020). Cutting for timber, firewood and charcoal is locally destructive, but could be sustained if regeneration were not prevented (Fjeldså and Kessler 1996).

Conservation Actions Underway
The species occurs within Machu Picchu Historical Sanctuary. There have been some attempts to draw local attention to the plight of Polylepis woodlands in Cusco: a programme has been established to protect Polylepis forests and develop alternatives for local consumption of fuel and timber. It provides Polylepis saplings for forest regeneration and Eucalyptus saplings for use as an alternative timber species, and villagers are paid to plant the saplings in a community aid programme (Rome 2003).

Conservation Actions Proposed
Survey Polylepis habitat to locate additional populations and to better quantify the population size. Quantify the impact of threats and the extent of habitat degradation. Monitor the population trend. Monitor rates of habitat loss and degradation.
Protect Polylepis habitat. Expand habitat restoration programmes and Polylepis planting schemes. Continue and expand awareness campaigns. Plant buffer zones with firewood trees to provide an alternative fuel source.

16 cm. Small, dark furnariid. Bright rufous front and crown. Dark face striped white and buff. Long white eyebrow. Whitish throat coarsely chequered black, contrasting with smoky-grey underparts. Grey-brown back striped white. Unstreaked nape. Dark wings with two whitish panels. Strongly pointed and graduated black tail with white tips to outer rectrices. Voice Very vocal. Song is high-pitched trill lasting 2-5 seconds, sometimes introduced by several tjit calls. Repeated tjit contact call.

Text account compilers
Hermes, C.

Contributors
Bushell, C., Capper, D., Isherwood, I., Lloyd, H., Pople, R., Servat, G., Sharpe, C.J., Stuart, T. & Symes, A.

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Recommended citation
BirdLife International (2024) Species factsheet: White-browed Tit-spinetail Leptasthenura xenothorax. Downloaded from https://datazone.birdlife.org/species/factsheet/white-browed-tit-spinetail-leptasthenura-xenothorax on 23/11/2024.
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 23/11/2024.