Justification This thrush has a small, rapidly declining, population as a result of high levels of nest-predation by introduced species, probably compounded by habitat loss. It therefore qualifies as Vulnerable.

Family/Sub-family Turdidae

Species name author Stejneger, 1887

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

Identification 23 cm. Medium-sized, strikingly patterned thrush. Male has black head and upper breast, rich orange-red breast, flanks and white centre of belly. Dark brown upperparts. Female has rich brown head and white throat with black streaks. Similar spp. Brown Thrush T. chrysolaus male has olive-brown head with darker throat and orange-red top of breast. Female has indistinct pale supercilium and pale throat streaked brown.

Population estimate

Population trend

Range estimate (breeding/resident)

Country endemic?

2,500-9,999

decreasing

880 km²

Yes

Range & population Turdus celaenops is endemic to Japan. The majority of the population is resident on the Izu Islands between Oshima and Aogashima, but a few birds move to adjacent parts of Honshu and the Shikoku Islands during winter. There are also small numbers on the islands of Yaku-shima and Tokara in the northern Nansei Shoto Islands. Given that the total area of the Izu Islands is only c.300 km^2, it is unlikely that the population ever exceeded more than a few thousands of individuals and is now declining rapidly.

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

Ecology: It inhabits deciduous woodlands with a well developed canopy and sparse shrub layer, avoiding understoreys with bamboo. On Yaku-shima, it occurs in mixed juniper - rhododendron forest. It also feeds outside forest along roadsides, in ploughed fields and undisturbed gardens, foraging for fruit, seeds and, in summer, mainly invertebrates.

Threats Nest-predation by Siberian weasel Mustela sibirica, Large-billed Crows Corvus macrorhynchos and domestic cats is the main threat. Its population on Miyake-jima declined rapidly following the introduction of Siberian Weasels in the 1970s. The number of Large-billed Crows on Mikake-jima and the other Izu Islands has increased as a result of the dumping of raw garbage. During a survey on Miyake-jima in 1992, a total of 22 nests were found containing eggs, all of which hatched, but all nestlings were subsequently predated. The effects of predation are likely to have been compounded by habitat loss, associated with timber production, tourist developments and road construction. Volcanic eruptions on Miyake-jima in 2000 are likely to have negatively affected the population on that island.

Conservation measures underway It is legally protected in Japan. The entire Izu Archipelago has been designated as a national park and several important sites as Special Protected Areas. There is a small sanctuary on Miyake-jima.

Conservation measures proposed Research its ecology, especially the migratory movements of the Tokara Islands population. Maintain and enhance areas of suitable forest and woodland on the Izu Islands. Plan new development on the Izu Islands to minimise their negative effects on the habitats of this and other endemic species. Strengthen the infrastructure and human resources of the national park on the Izu Islands to improve enforcement of habitat conservation measures. Control predators, particularly Siberian Weasels and Large-billed Crows. Instigate new controls on the dumping of garbage to reduce the numbers of Large-billed Crows.

References BirdLife International (2001).

Further web sources of information

Fully detailed species accounts from the Threatened birds of Asia: the BirdLife International Red Data Book (BirdLife International 2001), together with new information collated since the publication of the Red Data Book

Text account compilers Phil Benstead (BirdLife International), Simba Chan (Wild Bird Society of Japan), James Gilroy (BirdLife International), Nic Peet (BirdLife International)

IUCN Red List evaluators Phil Benstead (BirdLife International), Stuart Butchart (BirdLife International), Simba Chan (Wild Bird Society of Japan), Nigel Collar (BirdLife International), Mike Crosby (BirdLife International), James Gilroy (BirdLife International), Nic Peet (BirdLife International)

Recommended citation BirdLife International (2009) Species factsheet: Turdus celaenops. 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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