There are about 18,000 species of birds scattered around the world, with different habitats and distinctive characteristics. Sadly, many of these birds are battling extinction and, if left unprotected, will disappear into the world forever.
We've covered 10 of the world's most endangered species of birds, from kiwis to the great crested pheasant, which need to be protected in order to preserve and sustain their species in the wild.
1. Kiwi bird
This is no ordinary kiwifruit, but a unique, flightless bird that is critically endangered. Kiwi birds are common in New Zealand, and conservation efforts for the order Kiwi are concentrated in one species. In the past, the species was on the verge of extinction, with only five members left. Thankfully, the New Zealand government has stepped up protection efforts and the bird population has risen to around 1,600 worldwide. Scientists on the island employ a special technique to expand the descendants of New Zealanders. They collect kiwi eggs and hatch in the lab with artificial 3D printed eggs instead of the original eggs. The eggs are then returned to the mother at the time of hatching. However, not all Kiwi species have been successfully protected, for example, the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) considers the Rocky species to be "fragile". They currently have about 400 members because the species is under threat from climate change and deforestation.
kiwi
2. Parrot (New Zealand Parrot)
The Owl Parrot, also known as the Owl Parrot, is another endangered bird on our list of the most endangered birds we have found in New Zealand. Like the Kiwi bird, it can't fly either. More than 125 years ago, New Zealand began working to protect the Owl Parrot. Unfortunately, it didn't produce much. As of 2019, the population of the Owl Parrot is only 142. A breeding conference was held in 2019 and 24 chicks were produced. While the New Zealand government is working to increase the bird population, the species is close to extinction.
3. Snow Owl (Snow Owl)
Fans of the famous Harry Potter series recognize the Snowy Owl at a glance. But this bird is far from fictional because it exists in reality. However, it is critically endangered and classified as "vulnerable". Snowy owls are dwindling at a rate of seconds, thanks to their habitat. North of the 60° latitude line (the Arctic) they are found to have to face melting polar ice caps that are too cold to be comfortable. Even the food they depend on, such as rats, is dwindling. As a result, their population has decreased by about 85 percent since 2003.
4. Fruit pigeons
Native to Guam and the Northern Mariana Islands, the pigeon is an endangered bird that is expected to disappear from the face of the earth soon. In recent years, the population has faced many threats, leading to a rapid decline in population numbers. Two of the core threats are invasive species (the tree snakes that occupy their habitat) and habitat loss. As the official bird of the Mariana Islands, there is an urgent need to restore the pigeon population. But will they survive extinction? It remains to be seen!
5. California Condor
California condors are popular, and unfortunately, they are on the brink of extinction. In fact, it became extinct in the wild in 1987. This forced the U.S. Department of the Interior (DOI) to launch an intensive mission to capture every frankness left in the wild. Only 26 surviving members were on record at the time. Interestingly, the number quickly increased to more than 400. DOI also provides a home for these birds in Zion and Grand Canyon National Parks. However, only 44 bald eagles remain in the wild and are still struggling to overcome extinction.
6. Argentine Partridge
The Argentine Grebe is endemic to Chile and Argentine Patagonia. Like all the other birds on this list, the spectacular bird is under threat of extinction. The most dangerous threat to these birds is the predation of the American mink (N. vision) introduced to its habitat. In the first year of mink rule, the population of the hooded grey wrench rapidly decreased (half of the population was extinct). As the population declined, the IUCN classified these birds as "critically endangered."
7. The Hidden Ibis (scientific name: Geronticus eremita)
The recluse (scientific name: Geronticus eremita) is commonly found on the coasts of North Africa and the Saudi Arabian peninsula. The report highlights its imminent extinction, with fewer than 500 surviving. Their numbers were predicted to be worse in the Syrian wilderness, with only 5 left. This earned them the reputation of the rarest bird in the Middle East. Threats to their survival include habitat loss, hunting and trade.
8. The king feeds on honey birds
The King Eater Honey Bird originated in southeastern Australia. It gets its name from its favorite food source; Nectar of eucalyptus. Sadly, this interesting bird has witnessed a rapid decline in its population since the 20th century. Global warming and habitat loss due to human activities are the main reasons for its population decline.
9. African Grey Parrot
It belongs to the large parrot and is a typical climbing bird. Unfortunately, it is on the verge of extinction. Over the past 20-25 years, the wild populations of these birds have fallen dramatically by 95-99%. Surprisingly, this decline is not caused by typical habitat loss, but rather by the fact that they fall prey to poachers.
10. Pheasant
The great crested pheasant is widely known for its peculiar whistle, which is both rare and fascinating. It is an endangered bird endemic to the rainforests of Ecuador, Mexico and Colombia. Deforestation is the main cause of their endangerment, which has led to their decline in numbers since the 1980s. It is classified as "vulnerable" by the IUCN.
These 10 of the most endangered birds and many other birds are valuable to biodiversity on Earth, but are also at risk of extinction. We must support organizations that work to protect these birds and their habitats, and jointly protect this beautiful biological species of the earth!