[Steve]

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Pale-headed Brush-finch (Atlapetes pallidiceps

Justification This species is Critical because it has a tiny population occupying an extremely small range at one site and is declining owing to habitat loss. Emergency conservation measures are being taken and will hopefully lead to population and habitat stabilisation and then recovery.

Identification 16 cm. Pale grey-and-white passerine. Pale brownish-grey upperparts, white head with ill-defined buff stripes on crown sides and behind eye, and whitish underparts. Similar spp. Entirely white head separates this species from similar White-headed Brush-finch A. albiceps. Voice Variety of whistles and trills, both high and low pitched.

Population estimate

10 - 32

Range & Population Atlapetes pallidiceps occurs in the RJubones drainage, in Azuay and Loja, south Ecuador. There were no records between 1969 and 1998, when five pairs and two presumed immatures were found in the Yunguilla valley, near GirAzuay1,2. Intensive studies discovered two habitat patches with the species, and small ravines in the 1 km between the two that probably support 1-2 pairs1,2. Despite repeated searches, it is unknown elsewhere within its presumed historical range2. The population is estimated at 10-32 mature individuals1,2

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Ecology It occurs in arid scrub (apparently the nesting habitat), at 1,650-1,800 m , which is mostly composite and herbaceous with a few Acacia and lauraceous trees lower down (with some 2-3 m tall Chusquea bamboo). Birds have been observed feeding on fruit of a Solanum sp. (Solanaceae), a Morus sp. (Moraceae), an introduced Rubus sp. (Rosaceae) and an unidentified Polygonum sp. (Polygonaceae), and gleaning insects on twigs. One stomach contained insect and seed remains. Historical records are all from oases in arid intermontane valleys, at 1,500-2,100 m. It is usually seen in pairs, foraging on the ground and up to 2 m above it, but historically it was observed well above ground-level in Acacia. Immatures have been collected in June-July.

Threats Intensive grazing must be considered important in its decline, because the only apparent difference between occupied and unoccupied areas is the lack of access for cattle and goats to the former. A large fire that threatened to destroy its habitat was extinguished by local people, who had been made aware of the bird and interest in its preservation. Virtually no natural habitat remains in the rLedrainage, near Owhere many specimens were taken.


Action The remaining 27 ha of suitable habitat, including the area where it was observed in 1998, has been purchased and securely fenced off to remove grazing pressure.