Justification This species is listed as Near Threatened because it may suffer a moderately rapid population decline during the next ten years, owing to habitat loss for subsistence agriculture combined with a potential increase in hunting pressure. If the rate of any future decline is found to be greater, the species may qualify for uplisting to a higher threat category.

Family/Sub-family Brachypteraciidae

Species name author Sharpe, 1875

Taxonomic source(s) Dowsett and Forbes-Watson (1993), Sibley and Monroe (1990, 1993)

Identification A round-headed thrush-like terrestrial bird. Head and breast orange-red, upperparts including wings green-brown, with an iridescent pale blue patch on carpal joint. A blackish, curved patch on the upper breast is marked with short vertical white streaks. Bill and legs are dark grey. Similar spp. The combination of the reddish head, black throat patch and terrrestrial behaviour make this species difficult to mistake for any other. Hints Moves around on the ground among low dense vegetation in primary montane rainforest, catching small terrestrial invertebrates such as cockroaches and beetles. Sings from a perch 1-3 m up, a rather high-pitched "do-op", slightly disyllabic.

Population estimate

Population trend

Range estimate (breeding/resident)

Country endemic?

unset

22,500 km²

Yes

Range & population Atelornis crossleyi is found in the more humid highland areas of the evergreen forest belt of eastern Madagascar⁴, from Tsaratanana south to Andohahela. Recent work has found that this species has a larger population and wider distribution than previously thought^2,3.

Important Bird Areas Click here to view map showing IBAs where species is recorded and triggers any of the IBA criteria.

Ecology: It inhabits humid parts of lowland to high-altitude rainforest, occurring from sea-level to 2,000 m, and is at its most common between 1,250 and 1,750 m⁵. It is predominantly a terrestrial feeder, taking a variety of invertebrates. Breeding may take place in December-January. The nest burrow is 0.3-0.5 m long and is excavated in a sloping earth bank. Its clutch-size has been recorded as two⁵.

Threats The species's habitat is threatened by slash-and-burn cultivation^1,5, although it is not as affected as species that are restricted to lowland forests, which are under the greatest threat⁵. Increased hunting could seriously impact this species.

Conservation measures underway It occurs in at least 12 protected areas⁵.

Conservation measures proposed Conduct surveys to obtain data on density and thus a total population estimate. Monitor rates of habitat clearance and degradation across its range. Increase the area of suitable habitat that is protected.

References Collar and Stuart (1985). 1. Du Puy and Moat (1996). 2. A. F. A. Hawkins in litt. (1995). 3. Morris and Hawkins (1998). 4. ZICOMA (1999). 5. del Hoyo et al. (2001).

Text account compilers Mike Evans (BirdLife International), Andrew O'Brien (BirdLife International), Sue Shutes (BirdLife International), Malcolm Starkey (BirdLife International), Joe Taylor (BirdLife International)

Contributors B. Gee, Frank Hawkins (Conservation International)

IUCN Red List evaluators Stuart Butchart (BirdLife International), Joe Taylor (BirdLife International)

Recommended citation BirdLife International (2009) Species factsheet: Atelornis crossleyi. 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.

To provide new information to update this factsheet or to correct any errors, please email BirdLife

To contribute to discussions on the evaluation of the IUCN Red List status of Globally Threatened Birds, please visit BirdLife's Globally Threatened Bird Forums