Rarity Status
Currently this species is not classified as a rarity in this country OR information has not been updated.
Population
Estimated population is 16,000 - 28,000 (2010) and decreasing.
Status NT
Habitat destruction and degradation due to logging, clearance for agriculture and conversion of logged forest to exotic plantations, is the mian threat.
For more information see BirdLife International Species Factsheet.
Food
Small arthropods, worms, insects.
Voice
Loud whistles, a whistling trill and low, rasping squeaks.
Taveuni Silktail (Lamprolia victoriae) [XC282778]
by Phil Gregory from Des Voeux Peak Track, Fiji (call)
Taveuni Silktail (Lamprolia victoriae) [XC282780]
by Ethan Linck from Des Voeux Peak Track, Fiji (call, song)
Subspecies
Has been placed with Australasian robins (Petroicidae), and suggested as being possibly a member of the birds-of-paradise family (Paradisaeidae) or as constituting a separate family of its own. Currently regarded as an aberrant member of present family, but molecular-genetic studies required. Subspecies kleinschmidti originally published as "klinesmithi", based on anglicized version of the German collector's name; original description nowhere mentions the correct, German spelling of collector's name, so original spelling should stand. Prevailing usage is overwhelmingly in favour of retaining "kleinschmidti".
The following 2 subspecies are recognised:
kleinschmidti Finsch, 1874 - Eastern Vanua Levu (Natewa Peninsula), in northern Fiji. Considered by some authors to be a distinct species, Natewa Silktail (Lamprolia klinesmithi).
BirdLife International Species Factsheet