Justification This species is classified as Vulnerable because it is thought to have a very small population. However, it is unclear whether this apparent rarity is genuine or owing to a lack of thorough surveys. Suitable habitat throughout the species's range is not lacking and does not appear to be threatened, but it is possible that there are particular limiting factors that are not yet known.

Family/Sub-family Estrildidae

Species name author Reichenow, 1902

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

Taxonomic note Estrilda paludicola and E. ochrogaster (Sibley and Monroe 1990, 1993) have been lumped into E. paludicola, while retaining E. poliopareia (Sibley and Monroe 1990, 1993), contra Dowsett and Forbes-Watson (1993) who lump all three taxa into E. paludicola. This is because recently published photographic evidence has shown that E. poliopareia has white eyes, unlike all other forms of E. paludicola. This, coupled with plumage and other differences, justifies its recognition as a separate species.

Identification 12 cm. Dun-coloured finch with red bill and rump. General impression is of pale brown waxbill with red rump. At closer range shows very fine barring on upperparts, sides of breast and flanks. Unusual for waxbill in having pale eyes. Similar spp. None within its known range. Voice Typical waxbill-like tzzzt calls. Hints Lives in small flocks of up to 20 birds or more. Frequently sidles up and down grass stems.

Population estimate

Population trend

Range estimate (breeding/resident)

Country endemic?

250-999

stable

37,900 km²

Yes

Range & population Estrilda poliopareia appears to be restricted to a few localities in southern Nigeria. Although reportedly common at one locality (Onitsha) in 1954, there have been only limited records since 1980 despite considerable search effort, including one of 2 (perhaps 5) birds at Onitsha in 1987, and most recently a flock of 40 birds in the grounds of a nursing home at Tombia, south of Yenagoa in 2002. In addition, groups of 1-30 birds were observed at 12 sites in the Niger Delta, on nine dates between March 2001 and April 2002⁵. Simple extrapolation from the numbers observed between these dates suggests a total population of at least 500 individuals⁵. The population appears to remain very small despite large areas of apparently suitable habitat⁴.

Ecology: It occurs in long grass along rivers, lagoon sandbanks, swamps and within or on the edges of open deciduous forest¹. It has also been observed in cassava plantations⁵. The species is often seen close to human habitations and activity⁵. It feeds principally on grass seeds taken from seedheads¹. It has been observed feeding on the seeds of Kyllinga, Fimbristylis, Cerastium, Digitaria and Panicum, often on river and estuarine sandbanks, and it seems to occur where these plants are present, however it also feeds on the seeds of weeds in yam plantations and takes the young seeds and flowers of tall elephant grass Pennisetum during flood periods (October-November) when sand banks are covered⁵. The species may also nest in stands of Pennisetum, with nest construction appearing to take place in April⁵. One bird collected in June was coming into breeding condition. It is a brood host to the parasitic Pin-tailed Whydah Vidua macroura¹. It was thought likely to make short-distance movements following flooding in severe rainy seasons, however observations at Tombia in late October 2001 suggest that this may not be the case, at least in some areas⁵.

Threats The species's habitat does not appear to be threatened and no other threats are known³. However, the low numbers of recent records from a heavily inhabited region must raise the concern that an as-yet unidentified factor may be working against the species. The species's dependence on weeds associated with disturbance and its tolerance of human activity suggest that it will not be negatively impacted by the dredging of the River Niger or other sources of disturbance⁵.

Conservation measures underway No specific conservation action is known for this species.

Conservation measures proposed Conduct population surveys to determine its distribution more precisely. Conduct detailed ecological studies to determine the species's habitat requirements⁴. Collect data on the species's breeding biology⁵. Assess any potential threats, starting at the site of the most recent sighting involving a large flock⁴. Study its behaviour, voice and DNA to clarify its taxonomic relationship with the closely-related Fawn-breasted Waxbill E. paludicola².

References Collar and Stuart (1985). 1. Clement et al. (1993). 2. Dowsett and Dowsett-Lemaire (1993). 3. P. Hall in litt. (1999). 4. J. Lindsell in litt. (2002). 5. Roux and Otobotekere (2005).

Text account compilers Phil Benstead (BirdLife International), Jonathan Ekstrom (BirdLife International), Sue Shutes (BirdLife International), Joe Taylor (BirdLife International)

Contributors John S. Ash, Philip Hall (Pro Natura International), Jeremy Lindsell (Royal Society for the Protection of Birds)

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

Recommended citation BirdLife International (2009) Species factsheet: Estrilda poliopareia. 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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