Justification Human-induced deforestation, introduced predators and severe habitat loss from volcanic eruptions on Montserrat in 1995-1997 have produced rapid population declines, qualifying the species as Vulnerable. However, although the population on Montserrat has increased markedly since 1997 and the overall decline rate is likely to be lower in the future, the rate of decline on other islands may increase.

Family/Sub-family Turdidae

Species name author (Lafresnaye, 1844)

Taxonomic source(s) AOU checklist (1998 + supplements), Sibley and Monroe (1990, 1993), Stotz et al. (1996)

Identification 25-27 cm. Medium-sized thrush. All dark brown upperparts. Brownish below with white spots on breast, flanks and upper belly, and white lower belly. Yellow legs, bill and bare skin around eye. Similar spp. On St Lucia, distinguished from Bare-eyed Robin Turdus nudigenis by scaled underparts. Pearly-eyed Thrasher Margarops fuscatus is greyer and has white spots in tail. Voice Soft musical song. Hints Best located by song given from concealed perch.

Population estimate

Population trend

Range estimate (breeding/resident)

Country endemic?

2,500-9,999

decreasing

1,400 km²

No

Range & population Cichlherminia lherminieri is uncommon in the Lesser Antilles, on Montserrat (to UK), Dominica, Guadeloupe (to France) and rare on St Lucia, but appears to have declined significantly throughout its range in recent years⁶. The range on Montserrat was reduced by two-thirds in 1995-1997 by the effects of volcanic eruptions⁴. However, in December 1999, the population was estimated at 3,100 birds¹, representing an increase of c.50% since December 1997, with further increases up until 2006^4,12. The reasons for these dramatic increases are not known, neither is it known how well the population is recovering in the regenerating forest in the area destroyed by the volcanic eruption¹². On St Lucia, it is now very rare with just one recent record (at Des Chassin, 2007), but was considered numerous in the late 19th century, indicating a serious decline^5,13. On Guadeloupe, it occurs at low densities^3,10, and discussions with hunters indicate it is declining¹¹. On Dominica it also occurs at low densities, and has been observed in suitable habitat in the northern, western, central, south-eastern and southern regions⁸.

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

Ecology: It mostly inhabits the undergrowth and edge of mid- and high-altitude primary and secondary moist forest, but can be exceedingly shy where hunted^2,5,6. However on Montserrat, although it occurs at all altitudes, the species is most common in lower altitude dry forest⁹. Pairs feed on insects and berries from ground-level to the forest canopy⁶. On St Lucia, it previously gathered in large numbers in autumn to feed on berries⁵. Breeding has been recorded in March-August.

Threats Habitat loss has occurred throughout the species's range, but has been particularly acute on Montserrat⁴. Volcanic activity was much reduced during 1998-1999⁴, but a further major volcanic eruption in 2001 caused heavy ash falls across large areas of the remaining habitat⁷. Threats on other islands include brood-parasitism by Shiny Cowbirds Molothrus bonariensis, competition with Bare-eyed Robin Turdus nudigenis (which are increasing on Guadeloupe)¹⁰ and predation by mongooses and other introduced mammals⁶. It is still legally hunted on Guadeloupe³, and illegal hunting for food continues on other islands⁶.

Conservation measures underway It occurs in Morne Diablotin National Park and Morne Trois National Parks, as well as the Northern and Central Forest Reserves on Dominica⁸, Guadeloupe National Park on Guadeloupe and various forest reserves including Edmond on St Lucia. On Montserrat, remaining habitat in the Centre Hills area is protected and highly unlikely to suffer any further anthropogenic habitat destruction⁴. The species is monitored annually in the Centre Hills, with large-scale censuses in 1997 and 1999⁴.

Conservation measures proposed Survey to assess the status and seasonal requirements of the species on each island. Implement a specific hunting ban. Conduct an awareness campaign to limit hunting.

References 1. Arendt et al. (1999). 2. Bond (1979). 3. P. Feldmann and P. Villard in litt. (1998). 4. G. Hilton in litt. (2000). 5. Keith (1997). 6. Raffaele et al. (1998). 7. Cotinga (2002) 17: 7. 8. Arlington in litt. (2007). 9. Young (2008). 10. A. Levesque and B. Ibene in litt. (2007) 11. P. Villard in litt. (2007). 12. G. Hilton in litt. (2007). 13. L. John in litt. (2007).

Text account compilers Isabel Isherwood (BirdLife International), Simon Mahood (BirdLife International), Rob Pople (BirdLife International), David Wege (BirdLife International)

Contributors . Arlington, P. Feldmann, Geoff Hilton (Royal Society for the Protection of Birds), Beatrice Ibene, Lyndon John, Anthony Levesque (Reserve Naturelle des ilets de la Petite-Terre), P. Villard

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

Recommended citation BirdLife International (2009) Species factsheet: Cichlherminia lherminieri. Downloaded from http://www.birdlife.org on 9/2/2010

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