Justification This species qualifies as Vulnerable because it has a small population and is confined to just one island, where, although it is subject to a variety of threats, its population appears to be stable. If any decline is suspected, Critically Endangered status may be warranted.

Family/Sub-family Alcedinidae

Species name author (Holyoak, 1974)

Taxonomic source(s) Sibley and Monroe (1990, 1993)

Synonyms Halcyon ruficollaris Collar and Andrew (1988), Todirhamphus ruficollaris Sibley and Monroe (1990, 1993), Todirhamphus ruficollaris Collar et al. (1994)

Identification 19 cm. Chunky kingfisher with big bill. Greenish-blue crown, cheeks, and upperparts, bluest on wings and tail. Rest of plumage pale. Eyebrow and collar strongly tinged rufous or ochre. Voice Series of alternating short and long "mewing" notes.

Population estimate

Population trend

Range estimate (breeding/resident)

Country endemic?

400 - 700

stable

50 km²

Yes

Range & population Todiramphus ruficollaris is endemic to Mangaia, Cook Islands, where in the early 1980s it was reported to be declining³. In 1992-1993, the population was estimated at 250-450 birds, with c.50% concentrated in the north-west and an important population in the east⁵. In 1996, the population was estimated at 400-700 birds using a different method¹. In 1997, numbers appeared to be broadly similar², consequently, the population was assumed to be stable; surveys conducted since, though not directly comparable, indicate that this is still true.

Ecology: It inhabits forest growing on the makatea (an encircling, raised coral limestone platform), preferring continuous forest canopy, and is found in highest densities in relatively unaltered tracts, although it also occurs in mature secondary forest and forest patches⁵. It feeds on insects, grubs, cockroaches and spiders, with lizards forming an important part of the diet^4,6. It nests in tree-cavities (preferring coconut and barringtonia Barringtonia asiatica). The clutch-size is 2-3^4,6.

Threats The introduced Common Myna Acridotheres tristis (numbering c.9,000 birds), found in villages, horticultural areas, secondary forest and small forest tracts, competes for food and harasses breeding birds causing nest failure^5,10. However the kingfisher is unextpectedly common in disturbed habitat where the Myna is abundant¹⁰. In a recent study of 10 kingfisher nests in disturbed forest 11 young were raised from seven nests; Mynas were the cause of failure in one nest and were thought responsible for the failure of the other two¹⁰. Cats and rats, both Pacific rat Rattus exulans and black rat R. rattus, are present in all forest-types (particularly prevalent in areas with a high abundance of coconut trees) and are potential predators^1,5. Long-tailed Cuckoo Eudynamis taitensis, a winter migrant from New Zealand, may also predate eggs and chicks⁵. Clearance for agriculture and browsing by goats cause habitat loss and forest fragmentation⁵. Pigs affect forest regeneration⁵. Human disturbance may have an impact on birds in the south-west⁵.

Conservation measures underway In 1996, a baseline survey and vegetation and rat-trapping studies were conducted. In 1997, this was followed by the first simple census using the Distance Sampling method, and it is hoped that this method will be adopted by a local annual monitoring programme². The feasibility of the eradication of Common Myna from the island was assessed in 2006, it was concluded that it was possible, at a cost of NZ$100,000⁹. A detailed study of nesting success in an area where mynas were abundant was started in 2006¹⁰.

Conservation measures proposed Conduct further research to determine population trends in the different areas of the island and requirements for long-term survival⁵. Conduct a detailed study of nesting success⁶. Monitor the population by surveying birds in secondary forest (due to its accessibility)¹. Provide nest-sites in appropriate places⁷. Encourage habitat preservation and augment habitat⁷. Eradicate A. tristis^7,9. Consider controlling cats and rats Rattus spp. Make this species an emblem for conservation on Mangaia to engender pride in the species, help prevent deforestation and reduce disturbance of birds and their habitat by people, goats and pigs.

References 1. Baker et al. (1996). 2. Kelly and Bottomley (1998). 3. McCormack (1997). 4. Pratt et al. (1987). 5. Rowe and Empson (1996a). 6. Rowe and Empson (1996b). 7. SPREP (1999). 8. J. Pilgrim in litt. (2002). 9. Parkes (2006). 10. G. McCormack in litt. (2007).

Text account compilers Phil Benstead (BirdLife International), Matt Harding (BirdLife International), Simon Mahood (BirdLife International), Sue Shutes (BirdLife International), Alison Stattersfield (BirdLife International)

Contributors Ian Karika, Gerald McCormack (Cook Islands Natural Heritage Project), John Pilgrim (BirdLife International)

IUCN Red List evaluators Stuart Butchart (BirdLife International), Simon Mahood (BirdLife International)

Recommended citation BirdLife International (2009) Species factsheet: Todiramphus ruficollaris. Downloaded from http://www.birdlife.org on 10/2/2010

This information is based upon, and updates, the information published in BirdLife International (2000) Threatened birds of the world. Barcelona and Cambridge, UK: Lynx Edicions and BirdLife International, BirdLife International (2004) Threatened birds of the world 2004 CD-ROM and BirdLife International (2008) Threatened birds of the world 2008 CD-ROM. These sources provide the information for species accounts for the birds on the IUCN Red List.

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