Data Zone
Justification of Red List category
This species has a very large range, and hence does not 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). Despite the fact that the population trend appears to be decreasing, the decline is not believed to be sufficiently rapid to 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 this species is described as 'uncommon' (Stotz et al. 1996).
Trend justification
The species is suspected to be undergoing a slow decline due to habitat loss and degradation. Tree cover loss within the species' range equates to c.3-4% over ten years (Global Forest Watch 2021, using Hansen et al. [2013] data and methods disclosed therein). Whilst the species may occur at artificial feeders in some areas, it is not known to readily tolerate man-made habitats (Züchner and Kirwan 2020). Due to uncertainty therefore, the species is suspected to be undergoing a decline of 1-9% over ten years.
Discosura popelairii is a generally rare species of north-west South America. The northernmost part of its distribution is east Colombia, where it is considered rare and local. In east Ecuador the species is generally uncommon, but recorded regularly at Panacocha (del Hoyo et al. 1999, Restall et al. 2006). Its range extends into Peru (del Hoyo et al. 1999). The species was recently recorded in Monte Tabor and Oventeni areas of the Ucayali Region and the Cerros del Sira (Harvey et al. 2011, Moncrieff et al. 2020). It is also found in southern Peru and adjacent Bolivia (eBird 2021).
This species occurs in humid forest and edges at 500-1,500 m (Züchner and Kirwan 2020). Does not appear tolerant of secondary habitats, albeit does regularly visit artificial feeders (del Hoyo et al. 1999, Züchner and Kirwan 2020). The species feeds on the flowering Inga trees, but may also consume arthropods (Züchner and Kirwan 2020). Breeding usually occurs in April (Züchner and Kirwan 2020).
The primary threat to this species is considered to be accelerating deforestation in the Amazon basin due to land being cleared for cattle ranching and soy production, facilitated by expansion of the road network (Soares-Filho et al. 2006, Bird et al. 2011). However, recent deforestation analysis shows that tree cover loss has amounted to c.3-4% over a 10 years (Global Forest Watch 2021, using Hansen et al. [2013] data and methods disclosed therein). Therefore, habitat loss due to deforestation is now considered to have had a lower impact on the species' population. The species is listed under CITES Appendix II, albeit, exact scale of trade or trapping is unknown.
Conservation Actions Underway
CITES Appendix II.
Conservation Actions Proposed
Aim to quantify the overall population size. Research the exact scale of trade and trapping. Expand the protected area network to effectively protect IBAs. Effectively resource and manage existing and new protected areas, utilising emerging opportunities to finance protected area management with the joint aims of reducing carbon emissions and maximizing biodiversity conservation. Conservation on private lands, through expanding market pressures for sound land management and preventing forest clearance on lands unsuitable for agriculture, is also essential (Soares-Filho et al. 2006).
7-12 cm. Medium-sized, mainly emerald hummingbird. Characteristic features include long, hair-like crest, black underparts and long, steel blue tail in males.
Text account compilers
Fernando, E.
Contributors
Ashpole, J, Butchart, S., Ekstrom, J., Khwaja, N. & Symes, A.
Recommended citation
BirdLife International (2024) Species factsheet: Wire-crested Thorntail Discosura popelairii. Downloaded from
https://datazone.birdlife.org/species/factsheet/wire-crested-thorntail-discosura-popelairii on 25/11/2024.
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 25/11/2024.