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

Justification of Red List category

This species is suspected to undergo rapid declines in the future as it is projected to undergo a range contraction to climate change. It is therefore classified as Vulnerable.

Population justification
The population is inferred to number 2,500-9,999 mature individuals based on an assessment of known records, descriptions of abundance and range size. This is consistent with recorded population density estimates for congeners or close relatives with a similar body size, and the fact that only a proportion of the estimated Extent of Occurrence is likely to be occupied.

Trend justification
The population is inferred to be declining in line with the clearance of forest for agriculture within the species's range (Ryan et al. 2017). Ayebare et al. (2018) predict a range contraction for this species of 93% between c.2018 and 2080. This equates to a range loss of c.45% over three generations. Assuming that the population declines at a similar rate to range contraction, the suspected rate of future decline is therefore placed in the band of 30-49% over three generations.

Prionops alberti is known from four mountain ranges (west of Lake Edward, west of Lake Kivu, Itombwe, and Misotshi-Kabogo, formerly Mt Kabobo [Plumptre et al. 2007]) in the Democratic Republic of Congo, a record from Bwindi (Impenetrable) Forest in Uganda being rejected. Surveys in southern and central Itombwe in 1996 recorded the species on multiple occasions west of the central savanna plateau, but it is apparently absent from similar habitat to the east (Omari et al. 1999).

The species is found in montane forest above 1,400 m, being recorded between 1,700 m and 1,900 m in Itombwe in flocks of 5-8 birds (Omari et al. 1999) and between 1,770 m and 2,474 m in the Misotshi-Kabogo and Muganja Hills area in flocks of 3-8 birds (Plumptre et al. 2007).

It is threatened by forest clearance for smallholder agriculture throughout its range (Ryan et al. 2017). Clearance of forest for cattle pasture is also a threat in Itombwe, particularly at higher altitudes (Omari et al. 1999). Satellite image data suggest that the Itombwe region has lost at least 5-6% of its forest since 1980 (Plumptre et al. 2003); the true figure may be much higher. This species is also predicted to lose >90% of its range by 2080 due to climate change (Ayebare et al. 2018).

Conservation Actions Underway
In the Itombwe Mountains there are projects run by WWF, WCS and ARCOS (Albertine Rift Conservation Society) (A. Plumptre in litt. 2007). These organisations are working with ICCN (Institut Congolais pour la Conservation de la Nature) to delimit the boundary of a newly created community reserve (A. Plumptre in litt. 2007). ARCOS has initiated youth education in the area and has facilitated training in biodiversity assessment and monitoring techniques for a local team in Eastern DRC (http://www.wcmc.org.uk/arcos/bb1.html#ALBERTINE).

Conservation Actions Proposed
Carry out surveys to assess the population size, utilising the recent recordings of the species's calls. Conduct regular surveys to monitor population trends, as long as the region is safe enough. Continue to monitor the clearance of forest within the species's range. Facilitate conservation initiatives in Itombwe, in collaboration with traditional authorities to limit further degradation (Butynski et al. 1997, Omari et al. 1999, http://www.wcmc.org.uk/arcos/bb1.html#ALBERTINE). Initiate habitat management and environmental education through the Albertine Rift Conservation Society.

20 cm. All-black shrike of forest canopy. Slightly glossy, black plumage relieved only by brilliant golden crest. Similar spp. Any black forest starling or drongos lack the yellow crest. Voice Musical, far-carrying double notes, with a second bird overlaying an oriole-like liquid bubbling type call in the middle of the sequence (Plumptre et al. 2007). Also, an up-slurred dzreeeeooo repeated twice, then a chattering call typical of helmet-shrikes, and a sharply down-slurred zwerp, zwerp followed by a nasal gurry-gurry, repeated four times, followed by a piping vaguely reminiscent of Dusky Long-tailed Cuckoo Cercococcyx mechowi (Plumptre et al. 2007).

Text account compilers
Clark, J.

Contributors
Ekstrom, J., Evans, M., Plumptre, A., Shutes, S., Stevenson, T., Symes, A., Taylor, J. & Westrip, J.R.S.

---

Recommended citation
BirdLife International (2024) Species factsheet: Yellow-crested Helmetshrike Prionops alberti. Downloaded from https://datazone.birdlife.org/species/factsheet/yellow-crested-helmetshrike-prionops-alberti 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.