Justification This species is classed as Near Threatened because it is thought to have a moderately small population, which is suspected to be in decline owing to deforestation throughout its range. This species may warrant uplisting to a higher threat category if surveys indicate that its population is smaller.

Family/Sub-family Nectariniidae

Species name author Gunning, 1909

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

Population estimate

Population trend

Range estimate (breeding/resident)

Country endemic?

unknown

unset

159,000 km²

No

Range & population Anthreptes reichenowi has a disjunct distribution, with one subpopulation in the coastal lowlands of Kenya and north-eastern Tanzania, and another in Mozambique and Zimbabwe⁴. In Kenya, it is uncommon in lowland forest below 500 m, from the lower Tana River south to Tanga and inland to the Shimba Hills, reaching highest densities in Arabuko-Sokoke forest⁶. In Tanzania, it occurs up to 1,000 m in the East Usambaras⁶ and south to Kiono Forest Reserve (where common) and Pande Forest Reserve (where rare)¹. In southern Mozambique, it is uncommon (total population fewer than 500 birds) and declining^2,5. In south-eastern Zimbabwe, there are only a few records, which should, however, be treated with caution, as the species is often confused with Variable Sunbird Nectarinia venusta, having very similar markings during some stages of its eclipse plumage⁵. Although it is widely distributed, it remains little-known and nowhere common. It is certainly declining in some areas.

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

Ecology: The species generally occupies lowland forest, thick bush, gallery forest, forest edges and gardens⁷. It is usually found near the coast, but occasionally in inland riverine forest running through savanna⁷. It occurs in dense coastal forest and ironwood Androstachys forests in Mozambique^2,5. Records in south-eastern Zimbabwe, are from Acacia bush, riverine thicket and riparian forest³. It feeds mainly on invertebrates, taking lepidopteran larvae, termites and spiders, and possibly feeds on nectar⁷. Egg-laying occurs in March-May and July-November in East Africa, June and October-November in Mozambique, November in Tanzania and September-November in Zimbabwe. The nest, in which 2-3 eggs are laid, is an oval pouch made of grass, twigs, bark and leaves, bound with spiders' webs⁷.

Threats In southern Mozambique, it is in decline owing to deforestation^2,5, and it may be at risk from the clearance of lowland forest throughout its range.

Conservation measures underway It is recorded from a few protected areas, including Pande Forest Reserve, Kiono Forest Reserve¹ and Gona-re-Zhou National Park (Zimbabwe)⁷, at least.

Conservation measures proposed Carry out surveys to assess the species's total population size. Monitor population trends through regular surveys. Monitor rates of deforestation across its range. Increase the area of suitable habitat that has protected status.

References 1. N. Baker in litt. (1999). 2. Clancey (1996). 3. Irwin (1981). 4. Lewis and Pomeroy (1989). 5. V. Parker in litt. (1999). 6. Zimmerman et al. (1996). 7. Cheke and Mann (2001).

Text account compilers Mike Evans (BirdLife International), Andrew O'Brien (BirdLife International), Pete Robertson (BirdLife International), Joe Taylor (BirdLife International)

Contributors Neil Baker (Tanzania Bird Atlas Project), Vincent Parker (Endangered Wildlife Trust)

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

Recommended citation BirdLife International (2009) Species factsheet: Anthreptes reichenowi. 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.

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