Species

Justification
This species has a small range and numbers are likely to be declining owing to habitat loss. However, the range is not yet severely fragmented or restricted to few locations. For these reasons, the species is classified as Near Threatened.

Taxonomic source(s)
SACC. 2006. A classification of the bird species of South America. Available at: http://www.museum.lsu.edu/~Remsen/SACCBaseline.html.
Sibley, C. G.; Monroe, B. L. 1990. Distribution and taxonomy of birds of the world. Yale University Press, New Haven, USA.
Stotz, D. F.; Fitzpatrick, J. W.; Parker, T. A.; Moskovits, D. K. 1996. Neotropical birds: ecology and conservation. University of Chicago Press, Chicago.

Distribution and population
Grallaricula loricata occurs in the mountains of the Sierra de Aroa, Yaracuy and along the Cordillera de la Costa from Carabobo and Aragua to Distrito Federal, north Venezuela (Meyer de Schauensee and Phelps 1978, Ridgely and Tudor 1994, Hilty 2003).

Population justification
The global population size has not been quantified, but this species is described as uncommon. However, since its easily-overlooked song was first recorded in 2004, it has been seen regularly at several different locations within Henri Pittier National Park (Sharpe in litt. 2011). During surveys in suitable habitat, it was found to be common, comprising 2.4-3.5% of the bird community and being recorded in 80-83% of surveys.

Trend justification
Data on population trends are lacking, but the species may be declining, owing to habitat loss in parts of its range.

Ecology
This species is locally common (Verea 2004, C. J. Sharpe in litt. 2011, Verea and Solórzano 2011) in the lower growth of montane humid forest at elevations of 1,200-2,100 m, although mostly at 1,440-1,700 m (Ridgely and Tudor 1994, Hilty 2003). It feeds on small arthropods such as crustaceans (Isopoda), arachnids (Aranae), and insects (Orthoptera, Hemiptera, Coleoptera and Hymenoptera) (Verea 2004). The species is thought to be monogamous, and breed from March to November, with moulting taking place from August to December (Verea 2004).

Threats
Although there is still extensive forest cover in parts of its limited range, deforestation has been severe around Caracas, and many other areas have been degraded (Huber and Alarcón 1988, Stattersfield et al 1998).

Conservation actions underway
It occurs in San Esteban, Henri Pittier and El Avila National Parks, Venezuela.

Conservation actions proposed
Conduct ecological studies to determine this species's habitat requirements, as well as its tolerance of secondary habitats and fragmentation. Ensure that measures are taken to protect remaining areas of suitable habitat within the range.

References
Meyer de Schauensee, R.; Phelps, W. H. 1978. A guide to the birds of Venezuela. Princeton University Press, Princeton.

Huber, O.; Alarcón, C. 1988. Mapa de la vegetación de Venezuela. Ministério del Ambiente y de los Recursos Naturales Renovables (División de Vegetación) and Nature Conservancy, Caracas.

Ridgely, R. S.; Tudor, G. 1994. The birds of South America. University of Texas Press, Austin, Texas.

Stattersfield, A. J.; Crosby, M. J.; Long, A. J.; Wege, D. C. 1998. Endemic bird areas of the world: priorities for bird conservation. BirdLife International, Cambridge, U.K.

Further web sources of information
Hear sounds for this species from xeno-canto, the community database of shared bird sounds from around the world.

View photos and videos, and hear sounds of this species from the Internet Bird Collection

Text account compilers
Butchart, S., Gilroy, J., Sharpe, C J

Contributors
Sharpe, C J

IUCN Red List evaluators
Butchart, S., Symes, A.

Recommended citation
BirdLife International (2013) Species factsheet: Grallaricula loricata. Downloaded from http://www.birdlife.org on 22/05/2013. Recommended citation for factsheets for more than one species: BirdLife International (2013) IUCN Red List for birds. Downloaded from http://www.birdlife.org on 22/05/2013.

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.

Additional resources for this species

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