Data Zone
Justification of Red List category
This recently-split woodpecker is a lowland forest specialist that has suffered extremely high historical forest loss across its range. All remaining populations must be very small and in continuing decline. The species is therefore classified as Endangered.
Population justification
The total population may not exceed 500 mature individuals (D. Allen and M. Lammertink in litt. 2014) and a preliminary estimate is placed here in the band 250-999 mature individuals. All subpopulations are precautionarily estimated to number fewer than 250 mature individuals.
Trend justification
The population is inferred to be undergoing rapid declines owing to ongoing habitat loss and degradation.
Chrysocolaptes xanthocephalus occurs only on the islands of Negros and Panay, and at least formerly also on Guimaras, Masbate and Ticao, in the Philippines, where deforestation has been rapid and extensive (Winkler et al. 1995, Collar 2011). It appears to be rare and there are few recent records. If still extant on Guimaras, Masbate and Ticao, any remaining populations must be tiny (M. Lammertink in litt. 2014).
May be similar to C. lucidus, which is found in primary forest, mature secondary forest to lighter secondary forest with dense understorey, dense riparian vegetation but also in mango groves and close to human settlements and breeds between February and August (Winkler et al. 1995, del Hoyo et al. 2002). The highest known elevation for C. xanthocephalus appears to be 900 m (on Mt Canlaon, Negros) (M. Lammertink in litt. 2014) and it appears to be a lowland forest specialist.
Habitat loss on both Negros and Panay has been extensive. Primary forests have been almost totally destroyed on Negros (where just 4% of any type of forest cover remained in 1988) and Panay (where 8% remained). Habitat degradation, through clearance for agriculture, timber and charcoal-burning, continues to pose a serious threat to remaining fragments. In 2002 remaining forest at all elevations on Negros and Panay was calculated at 501 km2 and 984 km2 respectively (Curio 2002) but the current figure is doubtless much lower, and lowland forest makes up an increasingly small proportion of the total. There may be little if any suitable forest remaining on Guimaras, Masbate and Ticao.
Conservation and research actions underway
No targeted actions are known. Presumably occurs in several protected areas.
Conservation and research actions proposed
Conduct surveys in potentially suitable habitat in order to calculate density estimates, and calculate remaining extent of suitable habitat to refine the population estimate. Encourage careful reforestation activities around remaining forests and law enforcement to stop small-scale yet rampant illegal logging.
c. 28-34cm. Highly distinctive medium-large woodpecker with head, neck and underparts golden-yellow and red wings and back. Bill and legs are pale. Males have a bright red crown and crest while the female has a entirely yellow head. Similar spp. C. lucidus and C. haematribon both also have rufous upperparts, but lack the yellow face, pale bill and legs and unmarked underparts.
Text account compilers
Butchart, S., Symes, A., Ekstrom, J., Martin, R, Westrip, J., Taylor, J.
Contributors
Allen, D., Lammertink, M., Pialda, H.
Recommended citation
BirdLife International (2024) Species factsheet: Yellow-faced Flameback Chrysocolaptes xanthocephalus. Downloaded from
https://datazone.birdlife.org/species/factsheet/yellow-faced-flameback-chrysocolaptes-xanthocephalus 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.