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

Justification of Red List category
This species has a restricted range and is inferred to be undergoing a continuing decline as a result of ongoing forest loss and degradation. It is therefore classified as Near Threatened.

Population justification
The global population size has not been quantified, but the pre-split species has been described as uncommon to common (Dutson 2011, del Hoyo et al. 2006).

Trend justification
The population is though to be declining owing to forest loss and degradation. Malaita has experienced moderate levels of logging and a slow rate of deforestation (Katovai et al. 2015), and remote sensing data (Global Forest Watch 2022, using Hansen et al. [2013] data and methods disclosed therein) indicate that in the ten years to 2020, forest loss in this species' range has been equivalent to c.3-5%. This may accelerate slightly (to an equivalent rate of 4-6%) in the future based on 2015-2020 losses. The present species is described as intolerant of degraded forest (Dutson 2011) such that a decline is inferred and the species is likely to be declining at a rate at least equal to that of forest loss. These losses are not expected to slow or cease, with extensive areas of Malaita under logging concessions (Katovai et al. 2015).

This species is endemic to Malaita in the Solomon Islands.

The pre-split species was described as occurring in primary and closed secondary forest and forest edge to about 1,150 m, and as intolerant of degraded forest (Dutson 2011). Records of coultasi over 12 days between 1997-2004 were in or beside old-growth forest above 300 m (G. Dutson in litt. 2016). In 2018, work in East Kwaio regularly encountered coultasi, although it was more commonly heard than seen and was observed only at about 900 m. Behaviour is unlike other Rhipidura, and frequently sits quietly in mid-forest stratum in old growth forest (Callaghan et al. 2019).

The main threat to this species is forest loss in its range (Global Forest Watch 2022, using Hansen et al. [2013] data and methods disclosed therein). Large areas of the forest on Malaita have been logged or are under logging concessions.

Conservation Actions Underway
None is known.

Conservation Actions Proposed
Conduct surveys to determine population trends. Determine habitat requirements and susceptibility to logging. Ascertain the area of forest and rates of clearance across the islands within its range. Ensure protection of significant areas of lowland forest on each of the islands where it occurs. Ensure protection of highland old-growth forests, in collaboration with the local inhabitants.

Text account compilers
Vine, J.

Contributors
Dutson, G.

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Recommended citation
BirdLife International (2024) Species factsheet: White-gorgeted Fantail Rhipidura coultasi. Downloaded from https://datazone.birdlife.org/species/factsheet/white-gorgeted-fantail-rhipidura-coultasi 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.