Justification This species qualifies as Vulnerable owing to its small, fragmented and declining population. There are apparently a large number of small subpopulations, which are mostly declining (especially in Argentina) as a result of changes in water management and possibly deforestation.

Family/Sub-family Cinclidae

Species name author Cabanis, 1882

Taxonomic source(s) SACC (2005 + updates), Sibley and Monroe (1990, 1993), Stotz et al. (1996)

Synonyms Cinclus schulzii Collar and Andrew (1988)

Identification 15 cm. Subtly coloured dipper. Dull slaty-grey. Paler on head and face. Pale pinky-rufous bib. White patch in primaries visible in flight and when wing flicking. Short tail and rounded wings. Dark bare parts. Voice Typically series of raspy and metallic shenk calls. Calls faster in flight.

Population estimate

Population trend

Range estimate (breeding/resident)

Country endemic?

3,000 - 4,000

decreasing

22,500 km²

No

Range & population Cinclus schulzi occurs on the east Andean slope in south Bolivia (Tarija and Chuquisaca) and north-west Argentina (Jujuy, Salta, Tucumán, Catamarca). It can be quite local, and most subpopulations appear to be very small. Estimates of the Bolivian population vary from up to 500 pairs² to over 1,000 pairs⁷. The latter figure is based on its widespread occurrence on permanent streams near Tarija, and it being locally common south of Narvaez⁷. The Argentine population has been estimated at no more than 1,000 pairs⁶.

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

Ecology: It inhabits rivers and streams 5-15 m in width with relatively stable channels, cascades, waterfalls, mid-river rocks, and rocky cliffs or banks^5,7. It breeds in the alder Alnus acuminata zone at 1,500-2,500 m, descending to larger rivers at c.800 m during frosts⁷. It has been found above and below the Alnus zone, and on streams running through pastureland in Bolivia⁴, where it may breed⁵. Nests have been found in September-January, with territories of 500-1,000 m in length on suitable stretches of river⁷.

Threats In Argentina, reservoir construction, hydroelectric and irrigation schemes and eutrophication threaten riverine habitats⁷, with pollution, reduced flows and river channel modifications most prevalent at lower altitudes^4,7. If forest is required for breeding, logging, livestock-grazing and subsequent soil erosion are significant problems^4,7. The introduction of sport fish (e.g. trout) probably has a negative effect³. However, much habitat is protected by its inaccessibility², and, in Bolivia, these threats have limited effects on few rivers³.

Conservation measures underway It occurs in Baritú and Calilegua National Parks and Portrero de Yala Provincial Park, Argentina, and Tariquía National Reserve, Bolivia⁸. The species's ecology is being studied in Tarija².

Conservation measures proposed Establish a river management system enabling birds to access rivers with high water quality and adjacent alder Alnus areas. Redesign and implement the planned national park in the Nevados del Aconquija to include part of its range. Survey rivers between known localities and Campo de los Alisos National Park, Tucumán¹. Develop a public awareness campaign related to land-use and the protection of watersheds.

References Collar et al. (1992). 1. J. C. Chebez in litt. (1999). 2. Ergueta and Morales (1996). 3. A. Jaramillo in litt. (1999). 4. S. Mayer in litt. (1999). 5. Mazar Barnett et al. (1998b). 6. Tyler (1994). 7. Tyler and Tyler (1996). 8. Wege and Long (1995).

Further web sources of information

Fully detailed species account from the Threatened birds of the Americas: the BirdLife International Red Data Book (BirdLife International 1992). Please note, taxonomic treatment and IUCN Red List category may have changed since publication.

Recuento detallado de la especie tomado del libro Aves Amenazadas de las Americas, Libro Rojo de BirdLife International (BirdLife International 1992). Nota: la taxonomoía y la categoría de la Lista Roja de la UICN pudo haber cambiado desde esta publicación.

Text account compilers James Gilroy (BirdLife International), Rob Pople (BirdLife International)

Contributors J. C. Chebez (Massey University), Alvaro P. Jaramillo (Massey University), Sjoerd Mayer (Bird Songs International)

IUCN Red List evaluators Stuart Butchart (BirdLife International), James Gilroy (BirdLife International), Rob Pople (BirdLife International), David Wege (BirdLife International)

Recommended citation BirdLife International (2009) Species factsheet: Cinclus schulzi. 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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