When we refer to an extinct bird we are referring to a bird species that is no longer in existence. Recent studies have determined the main reasons for extinction are: loss of habitat due to development by humans; and harassment by humans or predation by exotic species. 42 species and 44 subspecies have become extinct within the last 280 years, most of which are island dwellers. The three extinct species below clearly illustrate the seriousness of this issue.

The Dodo was a large flightless bird living on the island of Mauritius. Dodos were killed by sailors, and their nests and young were destroyed by newly introduced cats, rats and pigs brought to the island by the settlers. Another extinct flightless bird was the Great Auk. Its population decreased due to hunting, with the last two being killed by collectors of rare specimens. The Passenger Pigeon was one of the most plentiful bird species in the world in the 19th century. The trees in which they nested were cut down to make way for farm land, decreasing their numbers. Additionally, a mass slaughter was conducted yearly. As Passenger Pigeons required large groups to breed and thrive in, this led to their extinction.

Unfortunately, nothing can be done for these and many other extinct species. However, we can make an effort to preserve those species which are considered to be rare and endangered. The World Conservation Union (IUCN) classifies 168 species as having a critical conservation status (50% probability of becoming extinct within 5 years) and 235 species as endangered (20% probability of extinction within 20 years). Many people consult rare bird alerts to find out the latest status on these bird species as well as when/where they have been spotted. Lists of rare birds are released and updated regularly by the IUCN.

Many programs have been set up to curb this trend towards extinction. Why not find out what rare birds are in your area and how you can help them survive.

Related posts:

1. Why the Dodo Bird?
2. Flightless Birds
3. One in Eight Birds in Danger of Extinction

They are predominantly white over their heads, necks, throats, breasts, bellies, and under their wings. The upper parts of their wings are black at the tips, and turning lighter and receding as they age. Younger birds that are still undergoing the stages to adult plumage are often confused with similar looking albatrosses. Their bills are generally a yellow to pink color, but it can vary. The albatross will glide over the surface of the water to feed, and collects fish, squid and other aquatic foods from the water. These magnificent birds are known to follow fishing trawlers to collect scraps that are thrown overboard, and  this is often the reason why they get caught up in the nets.

Breeding season is in November for the Wandering Albatrosses, and only takes place every second year. They mate for life, and will migrate to sub-Antarctic islands to nest. Nests are constructed on ridges close to the ocean, and are built from mud, sticks and other pieces of vegetation. The female will only lay one egg and the incubation period is approximately eight weeks. After hatching, the chicks will remain in the nest for a period of nine months, while it develops. While the chicks are still very young, parents will alternate to search for food, to ensure that one parent is at the nest at all times. As the chick ages, both parents will start hunting for food, returning to feed their chick. The chick is only fully developed after twelve months and weighs approximately a staggering twelve kilograms when it fledges the nest. In ideal conditions Wandering Albatrosses can live to the ripe old age of about 80.

Related posts:

1. Amazing Albatross – Birds
2. The Albatross Task Force Project
3. Raising a Chick at the Age of Sixty

Sometimes the daily habits of a certain bird species may be so obscure that ornithologists are not even sure how many of them exist. That certainly seems to be the case with the Slender-billed Curlew as it seems there is some doubt as to whether or not this bird is still surviving or has become completely extinct.

The last time there was a confirmed sighting of one of these birds, it was in Morocco in 1999. That may not seem so bad, but when you consider that these birds were quite common in the 19th century, you start to understand why only one occasional sighting raises concerns. In fact, between 1980 and 1990 it was estimated that there were only about 100 of these birds left and experts now guess that that number may be less than half – or the birds may have died out completely. However, ornithologists at the Royal Society for the Protection of Birds and Birdlife International refuse to give up hope. They are asking bird-watchers to join in a massive operation to try and establish how many of these birds may still exist in the wild. Their hope is that if any of the birds are found still breeding, their natural habitat can be protected and the birds might stand a chance of recovering somewhat.

The speedy disappearance of the bird, however, might not be entirely due to diminishing habitat. It seems that the bird is also a target for predators and hunters, since it is plump and is not easily encouraged to flee from possible danger. Little wonder then with those characteristics – and its possible extinction – that it has been called the ‘European dodo’.

With possibly less than 50 birds remaining in the wild, one may be inclined to think that hopes of reviving wild bird populations, or the species as a whole, are hopeless. But according to Nicola Crockford at the Royal Society for the Protection of Birds, this is not necessarily the case. She said: “Although the situation for the slender-billed curlew does look gloomy, that other species have risen from the ‘dead’ recently does fuel our optimism.” Hopefully these efforts will prove successful and, not only will the birds be found to be still existing and breeding in the wild, but they will be successfully protected and slowly start to grow in numbers.

Related posts:

1. Feed the Birds Day 2009
2. Ornithologist Pair Break Record
3. The Large-Billed-Reed-Warbler Rediscovered

Considered to be on the brink of extinction in Britain just over a decade ago, the bittern has made a remarkable come-back, with the species enjoying its best recorded nesting season in the past 130 years. The loud “booming” mating call of the bittern assisted conservationists in tracking the birds, resulting in a count of 75 males, an astonishing 47 percent increase on last year’s numbers and nearly seven times as many as the 11 which were counted in 1997.

This is, of course, excellent news for conservationists and bird lovers who are making efforts to counteract the negative impact of climate changes, habitat loss and other factors threatening bird-life on our planet. The figures that were released by the RSPB and Natural England are evidence of the success of conservation work that has focused on restoring the bittern’s freshwater reedbed habitat. Much of the bittern’s traditional nesting spots have been concentrated in the coastal areas of East Anglia, however these are being threatened by the slow, but steady, rise in sea levels prompting conservationists to establish inland wetland sites as an alternative habitat for these shy wading birds. The bitterns have responded to the efforts being made on their behalf by widening out their range to incorporate ten English counties, including a newly-created site in Somerset, compared to last year’s eight nesting locations and only four in 1997.

Bitterns feed on insects, fish, reptiles and amphibians that are found in the marshy areas they favor as breeding grounds. It is believed that the habitat conservation efforts, coupled with the wet weather which created excellent feeding conditions, have resulted in the females being in good breeding condition.

In the late 19th century bitterns had disappeared from the U.K. as a result of the wetlands being drained, but they re-colonized in 1911 and were found breeding in the Norfolk Broads. Currently, Norfolk, Suffolk and Cambridge-shire are home to around three-quarters of the bittern population in the U.K. RSPB conservation director, Dr. Mark Avery acknowledges that the bittern has had a rather “ill-fated history” in the U.K. with the 19th century extinction, as well as the near extinction in the late 1990s. The efforts being made by the RSPB and associated conservationists in a bid to ensure that this bird never faces extinction again, has benefited a wide range of other wildlife too.

Related posts:

1. Bird Breeding Season: The Good News And The Bad News
2. New Conservation Strategy Comes After Years of Research
3. Aviornis – Playing An Important Role in Bird Conservation

According to the International Union for the Conservation of Nature (IUCN), one in eight bird species is currently facing extinction. The most recent update of the Red List of threatened bird species listed 190 bird species as ‘critically endangered’. Eight of the birds on this list were added this year and a further sixteen species have been given a higher threat status. In sharp contrast, only two species were found to have improved prospects of survival. Clearly things are spiraling out of control.

Stuart Butchart of BirdLife International, an organization which helped IUCN compile the list, sighted the destruction of natural habitats and climate changes brought about by global warming as the biggest factors in this unfortunate trend. Sadly things seem unlikely to change anytime soon. Burchart noted that the resulting fragmented populations become even more susceptible to climate changes and this, in turn, can bring about a higher level of localized extinctions. He further added that to ultimately turn things around, we would have to see “broad-scale climate-change mitigation measures” as well as a change in “society’s values and lifestyles.” However, while there has been an ever-increasing trend amongst first world countries to go ‘green’, it is unlikely that we will see these changes implemented on a large-enough scale to prevent this wave of destruction.

There are approximately 10 000 known bird species. Of these over 1200 are now considered to be ‘threatened’. At least eight species have been bumped up the list to the status ‘critically endangered’. The statistics include the Floreana mocking bird, which is limited to a tiny population of only 60 animals, and the Mallee emuwren – of which there are only about 100 individuals still left in the wild. These are two of the most endangered species on the list, but more familiar bird species also merit attention. The sandpiper and albatross are also listed as endangered, and the spotted kiwi in New Zealand has had its status marked up from near threatened to vulnerable.

One of the birds marked down was the Marquesan imperial pigeon. The change from ‘critically endangered’ to ‘endangered’ comes as the result of determined conservation efforts. This shows that conservation can be effective, but it has to be implemented for all these endangered species if we are going to see any major changes. While activities, such as the clearing of forests to make way for palm-oil plantations, continue to destroy vital bird habitats, BirdLife has set a program in motion to try and stop this ongoing trend in its tracks. Called the “Preventing Extinctions” program, the aim is to find groups who will be willing to protect each of the 190 birds that are listed as critically endangered. Bird lovers can only hope that the new program will prove to be a success.

Related posts:

1. Black Grouse Saved from Extinction
2. Farmers Could Save Endangered Ibis
3. Experts Estimate Birds Will Be Grossly Affected By Global Warming

According to recent research and data, as many as 20-30% of all animal species will be at an increased risk of extinction if temperatures continue to rise. Experts estimate that an increase of more than 2.5 °C in average temperatures across the globe could have a deadly impact on existing animal species as it will make survival more difficult. This is especially the case for many birds.

The results come in the wake of a report conducted by the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change in 2007. The changes will especially affect birds as their life cycles are often closely linked with the changes in season. If those changes become almost indiscernible, birds will have a hard time functioning as they should. Neotropical migrant species, for example, are signaled by changes in temperature, daylight and wind as to when they should begin their annual migrations to the south and when they should return. The changes in temperature also affect other aspects of the bird’s lives – such as the availability of flowers, seeds and other sources of food at certain destinations. Too little food could result in major deaths in certain bird species. In addition to this, encroachment on natural habitats of birds that rely on specific habitats is also pushing birds to the brink of extinction. All of these reasons tell us that global warming could desolate bird populations across the globe.

In fact, research over the past few decades already shows that birds are being affected by the change in climate. Some bird populations seem to be changing their range in relation to the change in temperature, shifting closer to the poles in order to find their ideal average temperatures and habitats. Studies have documented that several North American warbler species have already shifted their range northward during the course of the past 24 years – and warblers are not the only species to be affected. The Great Kiskadee, White-tippe Dove, Tropical Parula, Green Jay, Buff-bellied Hummingbird, Tufted Titmouse, Red-bellied Woodpecker, Blue-gray Grantcatcher and Northern Mockingbird have also shifted their range – some by as many as 60 miles in the last 20 or so years.

Seabirds are also not unaffected by the trend and it has been discovered that the Sooty Shearwater has also shifted its migration routes northward. The changes in temperature also affect when these birds leave for warmer or cooler climes and some birds have been found to leave up to 21 days earlier than they would have just a few years ago. It is easy to note that the shift in bird behavior is a global phenomenon and so perhaps we should take it as a warning of how the irresponsible actions of much of the human race is slowly destroying the environment that we enjoy so much. Indeed, if trends continue it could be all over for the birds and we could be the ones heading north in search of some relief from the searing heat.

Related posts:

1. Shifting Migrations Might Indicate Global Warming
2. Climate Changes Affect Bird Populations in Europe
3. One in Eight Birds in Danger of Extinction

The colorful and unusual takahe (Porphyrio hochstetteri) is not a bird that many people are familiar with. In fact, it wasn’t very long ago when the bird was thought to be extinct since there were no sightings from 1948 until very recently. So, while very few people are aware of its existence, takahes are slowly being cast under the ornithological spotlight since the re-emergence of this species has many bird enthusiasts nattering enthusiastically amongst one another.

The flightless takahe has colorful plumage, a large, strong beak and rather stout legs. The feathers on the bird’s neck and body take on lovely purple-blue color, while the wings and back are a pleasant shade of green. The bill is reddish pink with a red frontal shield, while the legs are a dark pink. While the male and female bear similar plumage, the juveniles have only pale brown plumage. The female is slightly smaller than the male. The overall length of the bird is about 63 centimeters and, as such, it is the largest living member of the Rallidae (rail) family.

Currently Takahe’s are most commonly sighted at the location where they were first rediscovered – the Murchison Mountains in New Zealand. However, now that the population in that area is breeding successfully, small numbers of the birds have also been taken to four safe and appropriate sights, namely: Tiritiri Matangi, Kapiti, Maud and Manna. Those wishing to see the bird in captivity can go to the Mt Bruce Wildlife centers in Te Anau.

At one stage the Takahe nearly died out completely due to over-hunting, introduced predators and loss of habitat. While a few did survive and manage to reproduce, there is now a shortage of strong genes and inbreeding is a problem. As a result a lot of research is currently being done to ensure that captive breeding stock is as genetically diverse as possible. If you are planning to do some bird watching in New Zealand, head to the Murchison Mountains and keep an eye out for the Takahe. You’ll find these birds in alpine grasslands where it can often be seen plucking grass and eating the lower parts of the stalk.

Related posts:

1. Kiwi Encounter at Rainbow Springs in New Zealand
2. A Brightly Colored and Lively Courtship Display
3. Alien Predators Outsmarted by Birds

The Black Grouse appears on the IUCN Red List of endangered species and was considered to be one of the bird species most likely to become extinct. However, through the dedicated efforts of conservation groups over the past two decades, the dramatic decline of this rare bird has not only been halted, but turned around, and Black Grouse numbers in the northern Pennines are slowly rising.

The Black Grouse was once plentiful in all the counties of England, but by 1910 it had disappeared from all the southern counties. The Black Grouse can still be seen in most of Scotland and in the upland areas of Wales, but the population in England is restricted to Northumberland, North Yorkshire, County Durham and Cumbria. As a signature species of upland moorland, as well as being a key indicator species, the Black Grouse is considered to be an important bird in the environment. It is also one of the relatively few bird species which has a lek – gathering of male birds in a competitive mating display – at breeding season.

Under the direction of Dr. David Baines and Dr. Phil Warren, the North Pennines Black Grouse Recovery Project is a joint conservation project by the Game and Wildlife Conservation Trust, RSPB, Natural England, Ministry of Defense, Northumbrian Water and North Pennines AONB Partnership. The reasons behind the decline of Black Grouse numbers was a key aspect of the study. It was established that overgrazing by sheep has resulted in a significant loss of suitable habitats for the Black Grouse. Another factor affecting the Black Grouse population is the increase in the number of predators, including Carrion Crows and Red Foxes. Additionally there has been a reduction in the number of insects, which are essential in the diet of young Black Grouse chicks.

Using this information, conservationists were able to formulate a recovery program which, with the co-operation of landowners and gamekeepers, is showing positive results. Numbers of grazing sheep were cut, allowing the vegetation to recover in overgrazed areas, thereby providing cover and food for the birds. Also, gamekeepers are working to keep predators under control on the fringes of moorland and woodland, which are the Black Grouses’ preferred nesting areas.

Surveys conducted throughout the Black Grouse habitat area in northern England revealed that there has been a 4% increase of males between 1998 and 2006. Although conservationists believe that it is unlikely that the Black Grouse will ever return to the southern counties, they are hopeful that a significant recovery of Black Grouse will be experienced in the counties down the northern area of the Pennine Chain, as well as into the Forest of Bowland. Based on the success of the North Pennines Black Grouse Recovery Project, similar projects are likely to be implemented for the conservation of other threatened bird species.

Related posts:

1. Hen Harrier to be Released into English Wilds
2. One in Eight Birds in Danger of Extinction
3. Family Tree Gives Clues to Next Endangered Bird Species

With the last verified sighting of a Beck’s Petrel being almost 80 years ago, conservationists were of the opinion that this particular bird species (Pseudobulweria becki) had become extinct. However, to the delight of ornithological conservationists, the British Ornithologists’ Club recently published photographic confirmation of Beck’s Petrel sightings.

The Beck’s Petrel was first described by ornithologist, museum collector and explorer, Rollo Beck. In 1928 Beck discovered a female petrel east of New Ireland, Papua New Guinea, and in 1929 a male was found north-east of Rendova, Solomon Islands. The small tube-nosed Beck’s Petrel is dark brown with a white wing-bar, belly and breast. It flies over the ocean with straight wings with tips slightly bent back, and feeds on food items picked from the ocean surface. The Beck’s Petrel is quite similar to the Tahiti Petrel (Pseudobulweria rostrata) and, based on this, previously reported sightings of the Beck’s Petrel have been dismissed due to lack of proper evidence.

The re-discovery of Beck’s Petrel is a result of the efforts of Israeli ornithologist, Hadoram Shirihai. In 2003, during a visit to the Bismarck Archipelago, a province of Papua New Guinea in the western Pacific Ocean, Shirihai made some tentative sightings of the Beck’s Petrel, but could not confirm these sightings at the time. In July and August 2007 he returned to the area with the hope of confirming the existence of these elusive seabirds, and during the two-week expedition Shirihai observed and photographed an estimated 30 Beck’s Petrels. In addition to photographic evidence, a bird that had recently died was found out at sea, confirming without a doubt that Beck’s Petrels still exist.

Although breeding grounds have not yet been discovered, sightings included juvenile birds, suggesting that Beck’s Petrels are breeding in the area. There are numerous islands and atolls where they could breed and it is believed that the Beck’s Petrel may only visit their breeding grounds at night. These are factors which make the detection of breeding grounds even more difficult.

The ultimate goal of ornithological conservationists would be to assist the Beck’s Petrel to breed to the extent of being removed from the endangered list. They now face the task of investigating ways to protect these seabirds from predatory cats and rats, as well as the widespread logging activity in the islands. Re-discovery of the Beck’s Petrel is sure to add impetus to conservation efforts in the area.

Related posts:

1. Remarkable Bird Watching in Egypt
2. Birding in the Remarkable Florida Everglades
3. Green Woodhoopoe Displays Remarkable Team Spirit

The dodo did not need the ability to fly, because Mauritius had no predators. Unfortunately, human settlers brought rats, cats, pigs and monkeys to the island. Dodos could not escape these new creatures, and were also hunted by man. Within 40 to 50 years of the island’s discovery, the dodo was no more.

The dodo was barely remembered for the next several centuries. But in the 1860′s, the dodo appeared in Lewis Carroll’s famous book “Alice in Wonderland.” Also at that time, scientists found well-preserved dodo bones. Both events sparked a flurry of popular and scientific interest in dodos.

Perhaps the dodo also gained fame from the swiftness of its extinction. In today’s world of environmental concerns, it stands as a symbol of how easily humans can negatively affect wildlife. Many bird species today are threatened with extinction- hopefully no more species will suffer the dodo’s sudden fate.

Related posts:

1. Flightless Birds
2. Slender-billed Curlews Extinct?
3. International Festival of Owls in Houston, Minnesota