Unfortunately, several bird species have gone extinct in recent years. Habitat loss, climate change, invasive species, and other threats have caused some birds to vanish forever. This article will examine some of the bird species declared extinct in the past decade.
IUCN Red List of Threatened Species
The International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) Red List of Threatened Species is the world’s most comprehensive inventory of the global conservation status of species. The IUCN has assessed the extinction risk of thousands of species and maintains a list of species that have gone extinct recently. According to the IUCN Red List, at least 10 bird species have been declared extinct since 2010.
Critically Endangered Species
Before a species can be declared extinct, it is typically classified as “Critically Endangered” on the IUCN Red List. This means it faces an extremely high risk of extinction in the wild. The criteria for Critically Endangered status include:
- Population size estimated to number fewer than 50 mature individuals
- Population size estimated to number fewer than 250 mature individuals, with a continuing decline
- Population size estimated to number fewer than 250 mature individuals, with at least 90% in one subpopulation
- Population size estimated to number fewer than 50 mature individuals in each subpopulation
Species that meet any of these criteria are at grave risk. If surveys fail to record any individuals over a period of time, the species may be declared extinct.
Extinct in the Wild
Before declaring a species completely extinct, the IUCN will first list it as “Extinct in the Wild”. This means the species is known to survive only in captivity or as a naturalized population outside its historic range.
With concerted conservation efforts, it’s possible a species Extinct in the Wild could later be reintroduced. But without successful reintroduction back into its native habitat, the IUCN will eventually declare the species fully extinct.
Birds Declared Extinct 2010-2022
According to the IUCN Red List, at least 10 bird species have been declared extinct since 2010. These birds represent a diverse range of families and regions. Many were endemic to small islands and had extremely limited ranges even before their extinction.
Poʻouli
The Poʻouli was a small finch-billed bird endemic to Maui in Hawaiʻi. Its habitat was degraded by invasive plants and animals, and its population declined to just three known individuals by 1997. After failed attempts to mate the last birds in captivity, the Poʻouli was declared extinct in 2004. The last confirmed Poʻouli sighting was in 2002.
Laysan Honeycreeper
Native to the Hawaiian island of Laysan, this brightly colored honeycreeper saw its habitat diminished by invasive weeds and rabbits. Its population declined drastically throughout the 20th century due to these threats and avian disease. The last surveys in the 1980s found no remaining Laysan Honeycreepers, and it was declared extinct in 2022.
Kaʻupuʻu ʻŌʻō
This large honeyeater was endemic to Maui and Molokaʻi in Hawaiʻi. Habitat loss and avian malaria contributed to its decline. Only a few dozen Kaʻupuʻu ʻŌʻō remained by the 1990s. The last sighting was in 2004, and it was declared extinct in 2019 after exhaustive surveys failed to find any surviving birds.
Alagoas Foliage-gleaner
This small bird inhabited forest fragments in northeastern Brazil. Rapid deforestation destroyed over 90% of its habitat by the 1980s. Surveys in the 1990s and 2000s found no remaining individuals, and it was declared extinct in 2011.
Cryptic Treehunter
Living in mountain forest habitats in eastern Brazil, the Cryptic Treehunter declined due to habitat loss from logging and agricultural expansion. Extensive searches from 1996-2012 yielded no sightings, leading to its declaration of extinction in 2022.
Cozumel Thrasher
This species was restricted to the island of Cozumel off the Yucatan Peninsula in Mexico. Deforestation and development reduced its range, while hurricanes further damaged habitat. Declared extinct in 2022, it is survived by the related Yucatan Thrasher.
Spix’s Macaw
This brilliant blue parrot was endemic to a small region of Brazil where 90% of its habitat was destroyed. Heavy trapping for the wild bird trade also contributed to its demise. The last bird in the wild was seen in 2000. Declared extinct in the wild in 2000, it went fully extinct in 2022 after the lone known captive male died.
Pernambuco Pygmy-owl
Native to forest habitats in northeastern Brazil, habitat destruction caused this owl’s decline. It was declared extinct in the wild in 2003. By 2022 the three captive populations also died out, leading to the species’ full extinction.
Glaucous Macaw
This large, pale blue macaw inhabited wooded regions of Paraguay, Brazil, and Argentina. Habitat loss and poaching for the pet trade decimated populations. No reports of wild birds were made after 1960. Declared extinct in 2018, it is survived by small captive populations.
Causes of Extinction
These recently extinct birds perished largely due to human activities destroying their habitat and introducing invasive predatory species. Other major causes of avian extinctions include:
Habitat Destruction
Deforestation, development, agriculture, logging, and other habitat degradation are the primary threats to most endangered birds. Most extinct bird species lived in habitats that were almost completely destroyed.
Invasive Species
Non-native plants, predators like rats and cats, and diseases like avian malaria have impacted many island birds. Flightless birds naïve to predators were especially vulnerable.
Overhunting
Hunting and trapping birds for food, feathers, or the pet trade decimated many species’ populations. Slow-breeding birds like large parrots were particularly affected.
Climate Change
Changing temperatures, precipitation, storms, and other climate impacts are emerging threats to many birds. Shifting conditions may make current habitats unsuitable.
Small Populations
Species restricted to small islands or fragments often have tiny population sizes prone to inbreeding, random extinction, and disaster impacts.
Preventing Future Extinctions
Conservation efforts can help prevent further bird extinctions if action is taken quickly. Some strategies include:
- Habitat protection and restoration
- Control of invasive species
- Breeding programs for endangered species
- Public education campaigns
- Sustainable development practices
- Protected ecological reserves
- International cooperation on conservation
With proactive efforts, it’s possible to reverse population declines even for Critically Endangered species. But once a species is gone, it’s gone forever.
Recently Extinct Birds Table
| Common Name | Scientific Name | Range | Year Declared Extinct |
|---|---|---|---|
| Poʻouli | Melamprosops phaeosoma | Maui, Hawaii | 2004 |
| Laysan Honeycreeper | Himatione fraithii | Laysan Island, Hawaii | 2022 |
| Kaʻupuʻu ʻŌʻō | Moho braccatus | Maui and Molokaʻi, Hawaii | 2019 |
| Alagoas Foliage-gleaner | Philydor novaesi | Northeastern Brazil | 2011 |
| Cryptic Treehunter | Cichlocolaptes mazarbarnetti | Eastern Brazil | 2022 |
| Cozumel Thrasher | Toxostoma guttatum | Cozumel Island, Mexico | 2022 |
| Spix’s Macaw | Cyanopsitta spixii | Northeastern Brazil | 2022 |
| Pernambuco Pygmy-owl | Glaucidium mooreorum | Northeastern Brazil | 2022 |
| Glaucous Macaw | Anodorhynchus glaucus | South America | 2018 |
Conclusion
Bird extinctions represent a loss of unique, irreplaceable species. Unfortunately, the main causes – habitat destruction, climate change, invasive species – continue to threaten vulnerable birds worldwide. Increased conservation efforts are needed to prevent further losses. With proactive human intervention, it is possible to bring even Critically Endangered species back from the brink. But once a species like the Poʻouli or Spix’s Macaw disappears fully, it is gone forever.
