^1Berlin**1945, Germany.**The Allies must secure this Berlin street in house-to-house combat!**Each building in turn must be secured before the Allies can advance to the next, and Axis are fighting to the last man!
Since
1500, over 100 species of
birds have become
extinct, and this rate of extinction seems to be
increasing. The situation is exemplified by
Hawai‘i, where 30% of all known recently extinct species
originally lived. Other areas, such as Guam, have also been
hard hit; Guam has lost over 60% of its native species in
the last 30 years, many of them to the introduced Brown Tree
Snake.
There are today about 10,000 species
of birds, with roughly 1200 considered to be under threat of
extinction. Except for a dozen or so species the threat is
man-made.
Island species in general, and flightless island species
in particular are most at risk. The disproportionate number
of
rails in the list reflects the tendency of that family
to lose the ability to fly when geographically isolated.
Even more rails became extinct before they could be
described by scientists; these taxa are listed in
Later Quaternary Prehistoric Birds.
The extinction dates given below are usually
approximations of the actual date of extinction. In some
cases, more exact dates are given as it is sometimes
possible to pinpoint the date of extinction to a specific
year or even day (the San Benedicto Rock Wren is possibly
the most extreme example - its extinction could be timed
with an accuracy of maybe half an hour). Extinction dates in
the literature are usually the dates of the last verified
record (credible observation or specimen taken); in many
Pacific birds which became extinct shortly after European
contact, however, this leaves an uncertainty period of over
a century because the islands on which they used to occur
were only rarely visited by scientists.
Elephant bird, Aepyornis maximus (Madagascar,
16th century?)
The taxonomy of the elephant birds is not fully
resolved; it is almost certain that at least one taxon
survived until
Recent times, but it is not clear which species the
reports refer to, if there were indeed more than one.
Lesser Megalapteryx, Megalapteryx didinus
(South Island, New Zealand, late 15th century?)
Generally believed to have been extinct by 1500,
this is the only
moa species that according to current knowledge
might have survived until later times, possibly as late
as the 1830s.
King Island Emu, Dromaius ater (King Island,
Australia, 1822)
Extinct in the wild c.1805, the last captive
specimen died in 1822 in the
Jardin des Plantes.
Kangaroo Island Emu, Dromaius baudinianus
(Kangaroo Island, Australia, 1827)
West Coast Spotted Kiwi, Apteryx occidentalis
(South Island, New Zealand, c.1900)
A doubtful form known from a single bird; may be a
Little Spotted Kiwi subspecies or a hybrid between that
species and the rowi.
Tinamiformes
Tinamous
Magdalena Tinamou, Crypturellus saltuarius
(Colombia, late 20th century?)
Sometimes considered a
Red-legged Tinamou subspecies, this bird is only
known from the 1943 type specimen. Recent research
suggest it is still extant.
Korean Crested Shelduck, Tadorna cristata
(Northeast Asia, late 20th century?)
A
relict species from Northeast Asia. Officially
critically endangered due to recent unconfirmed
reports.
Réunion Shelduck, Alopochen kervazoi (Réunion,
Mascarenes, c.1690s)
Mauritian Shelduck, Alopochen mauritianus (Mauritius,
Mascarenes, late 1690s)
Amsterdam Island Duck, Anas marecula (Amsterdam Island,
South Indian Ocean, 1800)
Mauritian Duck, Anas theodori (Mauritius and Réunion,
Mascarenes, late 1690s)
Mariana Mallard, Anas oustaleti (Marianas, West Pacific,
1981)
Finsch's Duck, Chenonetta finschi from New Zealand
possibly survived to 1870
Pink-headed Duck, Netta caryophyllacea (East India,
Bangladesh, North Myanmar, 1945?)
Officially
critically endangered; recent surveys have failed to
rediscover it.
A bone of a pochard found on Réunion seems to
resolve the reports of canards other than the
Mauritian Duck having occurred on the island. The
taxonomic status of this form cannot be resolved until
more material is found, however.
The
Giant Scrubfowl, Megapodius molistructor, may
have survived on New Caledonia to the late 18th century
as evidenced by decriptions of the bird named "Tetrao
australis" and later "Megapodius andersoni".
The
Viti Levu Scrubfowl, Megapodius amissus of
Viti Levu and possibly Kadavu, Fiji, may have survived
to the early 19th or even the 20th century as suggested
by circumstantial evidence.
Raoul Island Scrubfowl, Megapodius sp.
(Raoul, Kermadec Islands, 1876)
A megapode is said to have inhabited Raoul Island
until the population was wiped out in a volcanic
eruption. It is not clear whether the birds represent a
distinct taxon or derive from a prehistoric introduction
by Polynesian seafarers.
New Zealand Quail, Coturnix novaezelandiae (New
Zealand, 1875)
Himalayan Quail, Ophrysia superciliosa (North India,
late 19th century?)
Officially
critically endangered. Not recorded with certainty since
1876, but thorough surveys are still required, and there
is a recent set of possible (though unlikely) sightings
around Naini Tal in 2003. A little-known native name
from Western Nepal probably refers to this bird, but for various
reasons, no survey for Ophrysia has ever been
conducted in that country, nor is it generally assumed
to occur there (due to the native name being
overlooked).
Charadriiformes
Great Auk (Pinguinus impennis), Natural History
Museum, London, England
Javanese Lapwing, Vanellus macropterus (Java,
Indonesia, mid-20th century)
Officially classified as
critically endangered, but as this conspicuous bird
has not been recorded since 1940, it is almost certainly
extinct.
Tahitian Sandpiper, Prosobonia leucoptera (Tahiti,
Society Islands, 19th century)
White-winged Sandpiper, Prosobonia ellisi (Moorea,
Society Islands, 19th century)
Doubtfully distinct from P. leucoptera.
Eskimo Curlew, Numenius borealis (Northern
North America, late 20th century?)
May still exist; officially classified as
critically endangered, possibly extinct.
Slender-billed Curlew, Numenius tenuirostris
(Western Siberia, early 2000s?)
May still exist; officially classified as
critically endangered. Last seen in 1999 following
several decades of increasing rarity.
Great Auk, Pinguinus impennis (North Atlantic,
c.1844)
Canarian Black Oystercatcher, Haematopus meadewaldoi (Fuerteventura
and Lanzarote, Canary Islands, early 20th century)
Antillean Cave-Rail, Nesotrochis debooyi from Puerto
Rico and the Virgin Islands possibly survived into the
Modern Era.
Hawkins' Rail, Diaphorapteryx hawkinsi (Chatham Islands,
SW Pacific, 19th century)
Red Rail, Aphanapteryx bonasia (Mauritius, Mascarenes,
c.1700)
Rodrigues Rail, Aphanapteryx leguati (Rodrigues,
Mascarenes, mid-18th century)
Bar-winged Rail, Nesoclopeus poecilopterus (Fiji,
Polynesia, c.1980)
New Caledonian Rail, Gallirallus lafresnayanus (New
Caledonia, Melanesia, c.1990?)
Officially classified as
critically endangered, the last records were in 1984
and it seems that all available habitat is overrun by
feral pigs and dogs which prey on this bird.
Wake Island Rail, Gallirallus wakensis (Wake Island,
Micronesia, 1945)
Tahitian Red-billed Rail, Gallirallus pacificus (Tahiti,
Society Islands, late 18th - 19th century)
Dieffenbach's Rail, Gallirallus dieffenbachii (Chatham
Islands, SW Pacific, mid-19th century)
Sharpe's Rail, Gallirallus sharpei (Indonesia?, 20th
century?)
A bird known from a single skin of unknown origin. A
reseach project has been proposed to shed light on its
relationships and possible place of origin.
Vava'u Rail, Gallirallus cf. vekamatolu
(Vava'u, Tonga, early 19th century?)
This bird is known only from a drawing by the 1793
Malaspina expedition, apparently depicting a species of
Gallirallus. The 'Eua Rail, Gallirallus vekamatolu, is
known from prehistoric bones found on 'Eua, but this species cannot have been the bird
depicted, as it was flightless. However, it probably was
a close relative.
The Norfolk Island Rail, Gallirallus sp. may be the
bird shown on a bad watercolor illustration made around
1800
Chatham Rail, Cabalus modestus (Chatham Islands, SW
Pacific, c.1900)
Réunion Rail, Dryolimnas augusti (Réunion, Mascarenes,
late 17th century)
Red-throated Wood-rail, Aramides gutturalis (Peru, 20th
century?)
Usually considered a badly prepared specimen of the
Grey-necked Wood Rail, the single known individual
of this bird may prove a distinct species though.
Ascension Island Rail, Mundia elpenor (Ascension,
Island, Atlantic, late 17th century) - formerly
Atlantisia
Saint Helena Crake, Porzana astrictocarpus (Saint
Helena, Atlantic, early 16th century)
Laysan Rail, Porzana palmeri (Laysan Island, Hawaiian
Islands, 1944)
Hawaiian Rail, Porzana sandwichensis (Big Island,
Hawaiian Islands, c.1890)
The
Laysan Rail was a diminutive omnivore
Kosrae Island Crake, Porzana monasa (Kosrae,
Carolines, c. mid-late 19th century)
Miller's Crake, Porzana nigra (Tahiti, Society Islands,
c.1800)
Known only from paintings and descriptions;
taxonomic status uncertain as the material is often
believed to refer to the extant
Spotless Crake.
Saint Helena Swamphen, Aphanocrex podarces (Saint
Helena, Atlantic, 16th century) - formerly Atlantisia
Réunion Swamphen or Oiseau bleu, Porphyrio coerulescens
(Réunion, Mascarenes, 18th century)
Known only from descriptions. Former existence of a
Porphyrio on Réunion is fairly certain, but not
proven to date.
New Caledonian Swamphen, Porphyrio kukwiedei from
New Caledonia, Melanesia, may have survived into
historic times. The native name n'dino is thought to
refer to this bird.
Lord Howe Swamphen, Porphyrio albus (Lord Howe Island,
SW Pacific, early 19th century)
Marquesan Swamphen, Porphyrio paepae (Hiva Oa and
Tahuata, Marquesas)
May have survived into the 19th century. In the
lower right corner of
Paul Gauguin's 1902 painting Le Sorcier d'Hiva Oa
ou le Marquisien à la cape rouge there is a bird
which reminds of native descriptions of P. paepae.
The North Island Takahē, Porphyrio mantelli known
from subfossil bones found on North Island, New Zealand,
may have survived to 1894 or later.
Samoan Wood Rail, Gallinula pacifica (Savai'i, Samoa,
1907?)
Probably better placed in the genus Pareudiastes,
unconfirmed reports from the late 20th century suggest
it still survives in small numbers, and therefore it is
officially classified as
critically endangered.
Only known from a single specimen, this rail is
probably better placed in its own genus, Edithornis.
There are some unconfirmed recent records that suggest
it still survives, thus, it is officially classified as
critically endangered.
Tristan Moorhen, Gallinula nesiotis (Tristan da
Cunha, Atlantic, late 19th century)
Mascarene Coot, Fulica newtoni (Mauritius and Réunion,
Mascarenes, c.1700)
Rallidae gen. et sp. indet.
Unknown rail from
Amsterdam Island, one specimen found but not
recovered. Extinct by 1800 or may have been straggler of
extant species.
Fernando de Noronha Rail, Rallidae gen. et sp.
indet. (Fernando de Noronha, W Atlantic, 16th century)
A distinct species of rail inhabited Fernando de
Noronha island, but it has not been formally described
yet. Probably was extant at Western contact.
Tahitian "Goose", ?Rallidae gen. et sp. indet.
(Tahiti, late 18th century?)
Early travellers to Tahiti reported a "goose" that
was found in the mountains. Altogether, a species of the
rail genus Porphyrio seems the most likely
choice.
"Leguat's Giant" or géant, a hypothetical giant rail
from the Mascarenes, is based on his descriptions of
flamingos, as Leguat was not familiar with their French
name flamand or thought that it referred to other birds
(it was in his time sometimes used for spoonbills, for example).
Officially
critically endangered, possibly extinct, this species
almost certainly became extinct through habitat
destruction and hybridization with the Little Grebe.
Bermuda Night Neron, Nycticorax carcinocatactes
(Bermuda, West Atlantic, 16th century)
Sometimes assigned to the genus Nyctanassa
Réunion Night Heron, Nycticorax duboisi (Réunion,
Mascarenes, late 17th century)
Mauritius Night Heron, Nycticorax mauritianus
(Mauritius, Mascarenes, c.1700)
Rodrigues Night Heron, Nycticorax megacephalus (Rodrigues,
Mascarenes, mid-18th century)
Ascension Night Heron, Nycticorax olsoni (Ascension
Island, Atlantic, late 16th century?)
Known only from subfossil bones, but the description
of a flightless Ascension bird by
F. André Thevet cannot be identified with anything
other than this species.
New Zealand Little Bittern, Ixobrychus
novaezelandiae (New Zealand, late 19th century)
Long considered to be vagrant individuals of the
Australian
Little Bittern, bones recovered from Holocene
deposits indicate that this was indeed a distinct taxon,
but it might not be a separate species.
Réunion Sacred Ibis, Threskiornis solitarius
(Réunion, Mascarenes, early 18th century)
This species was the base for the supposed "Réunion
Solitaire", a supposed relative of the Dodo and the
Rodrigues Solitaire. Given the fact that ibis, but no
dodo-like bones were found on Réunion and that old
descriptions match a flightless Sacred Ibis quite well, the "Réunion Solitaire"
hypothesis has been refuted.
The "Painted Vulture" (Sarcorhamphus sacra),
a Floridan bird supposedly similar to the King Vulture,
is based on a misidentification of the Crested Caracara.
Spectacled Cormorant, Phalacrocorax perspicillatus (Komandorski
Islands, North Pacific, c.1850)
Procellariiformes
Petrels and storm-petrels.
Guadalupe Storm-petrel, Oceanodroma macrodacyla
(Guadalupe, East Pacific, 1910s)
Officially critically endangered, possibly extinct, but a
thorough survey in 2000 concluded the species was
certainly extinct.
St Helena Bulwer's Petrel, Bulweria bifax (Saint
Helena, Atlantic, early 16th century)
Jamaica Petrel, Pterodroma caribbaea (Jamaica, West
Indies)
Possibly a subspecies of the
Black-capped Petrel; unconfirmed reports suggest it
might survive. Officially classified as critically
endangered, possibly extinct.
A wing of a carcass similar to
Gould's Petrel was recovered on Mangareva in 1922,
where it possibly bred. No such birds are known to exist
there today.
St Helena Petrel, Pseudobulweria rupinarum
(Saint Helena, Atlantic, early 16th century)
The Chatham Islands Penguin, Eudyptes sp.
(Chatham Islands, SW Pacific), is only known from
subfossil bones, but a bird kept captive at some time
between 1867 and 1872 might refer to this taxon.
St Helena Flightless Pigeon, Dysmoropelia
dekarchiskos, possibly survived into the Modern Era.
Passenger Pigeon, Ectopistes migratorius (Eastern North
America, 1914)
The passenger pigeon was once probably the most
common bird in the world, a single swarm numbering up to
several billion birds. It was hunted close to extinction
for food and sport in the late 19th century. The last
individual died in the
Cincinnati Zoo in 1914.
The Silvery Pigeon, Columba argentina, has not been
reliably observed since 1931 and may be extinct. It is
difficult to distinguish from the common Pied Imperial
Pigeon, however.
Bonin Wood-pigeon, Columba versicolor (Nakodo-jima and
Chichi-jima, Ogasawara Islands, c.1890)
Ryukyu Wood-pigeon, Columba jouyi (Okinawa and Daito
Islands, Northwest Pacific, late 1930s)
Réunion Pink Pigeon, Streptopelia duboisi (Réunion,
Mascarenes, c.1700)
Its generic allocation is not fully resolved. There
seems to have been at least another species of pigeon on
Réunion (probably an Alectroenas), but bones have
not yet been found. It disappeared at the same time.
Rodrigues Turtle Dove, Streptopelia rodericana
(Rodrigues, Mascarenes, before 1690?)
Its generic allocation is not fully resolved. A
possible subspecies of the
Madagascar Turtle Dove, this seems not to be the bird
observed by Leguat. Introduced rats might have killed it off in
the late 17th century.
Liverpool Pigeon, "Caloenas" maculata
Also known as the Spotted Green Pigeon, the only
specimen has been in Liverpool Museum since 1851, and
was probably collected on a Pacific island for Edward
Stanley, 13th Earl of Derby. It has been suggested that
this bird came from Tahiti based on native lore about a somewhat similar
extinct bird called titi, but this has not been
verified.
Sulu Bleeding-heart, Gallicolumba menagei
(Tawitawi, Philippines, late 1990s?)
Officially listed as
critically endangered. Only known from 2 specimens taken
in 1891, there have been a number of unconfirmed reports
from all over the Sulu Archipelago in 1995. However,
these reports stated that the bird had suddenly
undergone a massive decline, and by now, habitat
destruction is almost complete. If not extinct, this
species is very rare, but the ongoing civil war prevents comprehensive surveys.
Norfolk Island Ground Dove, Gallicolumba
norfolciensis (Norfolk Island, Southwest Pacific,
c.1800)
Tanna Ground Dove, Gallicolumba ferruginea (Tanna,
Vanuatu, late 18th-19th century)
Only known from descriptions of 2 now-lost
specimens.
Last recorded in 1927, only 2 specimens exist.
Declared extinct in 2005.
Choiseul Crested Pigeon, Microgoura meeki (Choiseul,
Solomon Islands, early 20th century)
Marquesas Fruit Pigeon, Ptilinopus mercierii (Nuku Hiva
and Hiva Oa, Marquesas, mid-20th century)
Two subspecies, the little-known P. m. mercierii
of Nuku Hiva (extinct mid-late 19th century) and P.
m. tristrami of Hiva Oa.
Negros Fruit Dove, Ptilinopus arcanus
(Negros, Philippines, late 20th century?)
Known only from one specimen taken at the only
documented sighting in 1953, the validity of this
species has been questioned, but no good alternative to
distinct species status has been proposed. Officially
critically endangered, it might occur on Panay, but
no survey has located it. One possible record in 2002
seems not to have been followed up.
Mauritius Blue Pigeon, Alectroenas nitidissima
(Mauritius, Mascarenes, c.1830s)
Farquhar Blue Pigeon, Alectroenas sp.
(Farquhar Group, Seychelles, 19th century)
Only known from early reports; possibly a subspecies
of the
Comoro or Seychelles Blue Pigeon.
A mysterious bird of unknown affinities, known from
a few bones and, as it seems, two historical reports.
Dodo, Raphus cucullatus (Mauritius,
Mascarenes, late 17th century)
Called Didus ineptus by
Linnaeus. A meter-high flightless bird found on
Mauritius. Its forest habitat was lost when Dutch
settlers moved to the island and the dodo's nests were
destroyed by the monkeys, pigs, and cats the Dutch
brought with them. The last specimen was killed in 1681,
only 80 years after the arrival of the new predators.
Mounted specimen of Conuropsis carolinensis,
Museum Wiesbaden, Germany
New Caledonian Lorikeet, Charmosyna diadema
(New Caledonia, Melanesia, mid-20th century?)
Officially
critically endangered, there have been no reliable
reports of this bird since the early 20th century. It
is, however, small and inconspicuous.
Norfolk Island Kākā, Nestor productus (Norfolk and
Philip Islands, SW Pacific, 1851?)
Society Parakeet, Cyanoramphus ulietanus (Raiatea,
Society Islands, late 18th century)
Black-fronted Parakeet, Cyanoramphus zealandicus
(Tahiti, Society Islands, c.1850)
Paradise Parrot, Psephotus pulcherrimus (Rockhampton
area, Australia, late 1920s)
The Night Parrot, (Pezoporus occidentalis), officially
critically endangered, is a mysterious species which
might be extinct. It was only reliably recoded twice in
the late 20th century, the last time in 1991. More
probably, it still persists in small numbers.
The Pacific Eclectus Parrot, Eclectus infectus, known
from subfossil bones found on Tonga, Vanuatu, and
possibly Fiji, may have survived until the 18th century:
a bird which seems to be a male Eclectus parrot was
drawn in a report on the Tongan island of Vava'u by the
Malaspina expedition.
Seychelles Parakeet, Psittacula wardi (Seychelles, W
Indian Ocean, 1883)
Newton's Parakeet, Psittacula exsul (Rodrigues,
Mascarenes, c.1875)
Mascarene Parrot, Mascarinus mascarinus (Réunion and
possibly Mauritius, Mascarenes, 1834?)
Last known individual was a captive bird which was
alive before 1834.
May have survived to the late 18th century. A
smaller related form described as Mauritius Grey Parrot
(Lophopsittacus bensoni) may be the female of
L. mauritianus.
Rodrigues Parrot, Necropsittacus rodericanus
(Rodrigues, Mascarenes, late 18th century)
The species N. francicus is fictional,
N. borbonicus most likely so.
Glaucous Macaw, Anodorhynchus glaucus (N
Argentina, early 20th century)
Officially
critically endangered due to persistent rumours of
wild birds, but probably extinct.
Cuban Red Macaw, Ara tricolor (Cuba, West
Indies, late 19th century)
A number of related species have been described from
the West Indies, but are not based on good evidence.
Several prehistoric forms are now known to have existed
in the region, however.
Carolina Parakeet, Conuropsis carolinensis
(SE North America, c.1930?)
Although the date of the last captive bird's death
in the Cincinnati Zoo, 1918, is generally given as
extinction date, there are convincing reports of some
wild populations persisting until later. 2 subspecies,
C. c. carolinensis (east and south of the
Appalachian range - extinct 1918 or c.1930) and C. c.
ludovicianus (Louisiana Parakeet, west of the
Appalachian range - extinct early 1910s).
Guadeloupe Parakeet, Aratinga labati
(Guadeloupe, West Indies, late 18th century)
Only known from descriptions, the former existence
of this bird is likely for biogeographic reasons and
because details as described cannot be referred to known
species.
Recently recognized as a distinct species, this bird
has a very restricted distribution and was last reliably
recorded in 1940. It was not found in 2004 and seems to
be extinct.
Martinique Amazon, Amazona martinica (Martinique,
West Indies, mid-18th century)
Guadeloupe Amazon, Amazona violacea (Guadeloupe, West
Indies, mid-18th century)
The extinct amazon parrots were originally described
after travelers' descriptions. Both are nowadays
considered valid extinct species closely related to the
Imperial Parrot.
Cuculiformes
Cuckoos.
Delalande's Coua, Coua delalandei (Madagascar, late
19th century?)
St Helena Cuckoo, Nannococcyx psix (Saint Helena,
Atlantic, 16th century)
Known only from prehistoric bones, but might still
survive.
Laughing Owl, Sceloglaux albifacies (New
Zealand, 1914?)
Two subspecies, S. a. albifacies (South
Island and Stewart Island, extinct 1914?) and S. a.
rufifacies (North Island, extinct c.1870s?) -
circumstantial evidence suggests small remnants survived
until the early/mid-20th century.
The
Puerto Rican Barn Owl, Tyto cavatica, known
from prehistoric remains found in caves of Puerto Rico,
West Indies, may still have existed in 1912 given
reports of the presence of cave-roosting owls.
Jamaican Parauque, Siphonorhis americana
(Jamaica, West Indies, late 19th century
Reports of unidentifiable nightjars in habitat
appropriate for S. americanus suggest that this
cryptic species may still exist. Research into this
possibility is currently underway; pending further
information, it is classified as
critically endangered, possibly extinct.
Cuban Parauque, Siphonorhis daiquiri (Cuba,
West Indies)
Described from
subfossil bones in 1985. There are persistent rumors
that this bird, which was never seen alive by
scientists, may still survive. Compare Puerto Rican
Nightjar.
Vaurie's Nightjar, Caprimulgus centralasicus
Only known from a single 1929 specimen from
Xinjiang, China. It has never been found again, and it
is quite possibly invalid as it has not yet been
compared to the similar subspecies of the
European Nightjar, C. europaeus plumipes,
which occurs at the locality where C. centralasicus
was found.
Known only from 3 trade specimens of unknown origin.
Might still exist.
Brace's Emerald, Chlorostilbon bracei (New
Providence, Bahamas, late 19th century)
Gould's Emerald, Chlorostilbon elegans (Jamaica or
northern Bahamas, West Indies, late 19th century)
Alfaro's Hummingbird, Saucerottia alfaroana (Costa Rica,
c.1900)
Bogota Sunangel, Heliangelus zusii (Colombia?)
A mysterious bird known only from a single specimen
of unknown origin. Might be a hybrid (although the
specimen is very distinct) or might still exist.
Turquoise-throated Puffleg, Eriocnemis godini
(Ecuador, 20th century?)
Officially classified as
critically endangered, possibly extinct. Known only
from 6 pre-1900 specimens, the habitat at the only known
site where it occurred has been destroyed. However, the
bird's distribution remains unresolved.
Ryukyu Kingfisher, Todiramphus miyakoensis
(Miyako-jima, Ryukyu Islands, late 19th century)
This was probably a sub-species of the
Micronesian Kingfisher Todiramphus cinnamomina.
Only seen once by scientists, in 1887; the specimen
taken is somewhat damaged, making identification by
other than molecular analysis difficult.
Giant Hoopoe, Upupa antaois (Saint Helena,
Atlantic, early 16th century)
This bird is known from a single specimen taken in
1926 and was long believed to be a subspecies of the
Rufous-headed Woodpecker. As it was confined to caatinga
habitat, which has been largely
destroyed where the bird was once found, it is most
likely extinct.
Imperial Woodpecker, Campephilus imperialis
(Mexico, late 20th century)
This 60-centimeter-long woodpecker is officially
listed as
critically endangered, possibly extinct. Occasional
unconfirmed reports come up, the most recent in late
2005.
There is currently a major debate on whether the
North American Ivory-billed Woodpecker (Campephilus
principalis principalis) was indeed rediscovered in the
White River National Wildlife Refuge of Arkansas in 2004. The Cuban Ivory-billed Woodpecker
(Campephilus principalis bairdii) was last seen
in 1987 and is generally considered extinct, but there
are a few patches of habitat not yet surveyed.
Táchira Antpitta, Grallaria chthonia
(Venezuela, late 20th century?)
Officially
critically endangered, this species has not been
recorded since 1956 and although some habitat still
exists, it was not found in dedicated searches in the
1990s.
The famous
Stephens Island Wren, victim of feral cats
Stephens Island Wren, Xenicus lyalli (New
Zealand, 1895?)
The species famously (but erroneously) claimed to
have been made extinct by a single cat named "Tibbles".
Bush Wren, Xenicus longipes (New Zealand,
1972)
3 subspecies: X. l. stokesi - North Island,
extinct 1955; X. l. longipes - South Island,
extinct 1968; X. l. variabilis - Stewart Island,
extinct 1972.
Kioea, Chaetoptila angustipluma (Big Island,
Hawaiian Islands, 1860s)
Hawai‘i ‘O‘o, Moho nobilis (Big Island, Hawaiian
Islands, 1930s)
O‘ahu ‘O‘o, Moho apicalis (O‘ahu, Hawaiian Islands,
mid-19th century)
Moloka‘i ‘O‘o, Moho bishopi (Moloka‘i and probably Maui,
Hawaiian Islands, c.1910 or 1980s)
Kaua‘i ‘O‘o, Moho braccatus (Kaua‘i, Hawaiian Islands,
1987)
Chatham Island Bellbird, Anthornis melanocephala
(Chatham Islands, Southwest Pacific, c.1910)
Unconfirmed records exist from the early-mid 1950s
Pardalotidae - Pardalotes, scrubwrens, thornbills,
and gerygones
Lord Howe Gerygone, Gerygone insularis (Lord
Howe Island, Southwest Pacific, c.1930)
Pachycephalidae - Whistlers, shrike-thrushes,
pitohuis and allies
Mangarevan Whistler, ?Pachycephala gambierana
(Mangareva, Gambier Islands, late 19th century?)
A mysterious bird of which no specimen exists today.
It was initially described as a shrike, then classified
as an Eopsalteria "robin", and may actually be an
Acrocephalus flycatcher.
Previously considered a subspecies of the
Marquesas Monarch, this is another early offspring
of the Marquesan stock.
Ua Pou Monarch, Pomarea mira (Ua Pou,
Marquesas, c.1986)
Previously considered another subspecies of the
Marquesas Monarch, this was a distinct species most
closely related to that bird and the Fatuhiva Monarch.
Banggai Crow, Corvus unicolor (Banggai or
Peleng Island, Indonesia, 20th century?)
Officially
critically endangered, it is known only from two
specimens taken on an unspecified island at some date in
the late 19th century, probably in 1884 or 1885.
Possible sightings in 1981 and 1991, but no unequivocal
recent records and amount of habitat destruction suggest
this species is extinct.
Malaconotidae - Bushshrikes
Bulo Burti Boubou, Laniarius liberatus
(Somalia, early 1990s?)
Only found once, in 1988, this bird is officially
critically endangered, as it may still exist.
However, it was never found again despite being looked
for, and there seems to be much habitat degradation.
Owing to the political situation in Somalia, further
research has not been possible.
North Island Piopio, Turnagra tanagra (North
Island, New Zealand, c.1970?)
Not reliably recoded anymore since about 1900.
South Island Piopio, Turnagra capensis (South
Island, New Zealand, 1960s?)
Two subspecies, T. c. minor from
Stephens Island (extinct c.1897) and the nominate
T. c. capensis from the South Island mainland (last
specimen taken in 1902, last unconfirmed record in 1963)
An enigmatic bird known from just 2 specimens
collected in 1929. As no threats are known, probably
still extant, but the lack of recent records is
puzzling.
Officially classified as
critically endangered, possibly extinct, this was
once the most widespread species of Hawaiian
honeycreeper. It has not been reliably recorded since
1987 or 1989.
Lana‘i Hookbill, Dysmorodrepanis munroi (Lana‘i,
Hawaiian Islands, 1918)
The Kaua‘i Palila, Loxioides kikuichi (Kaua‘i, Hawaiian
Islands), possibly survived to the early 18th century.
Lesser Koa Finch, Rhodacanthus flaviceps (Big Island,
Hawaiian Islands, 1891)
Greater Koa Finch, Rhodacanthus palmeri (Big Island,
Hawaiian Islands, 1896)
Kona Grosbeak Finch, Psittirostra kona (Big Island,
Hawaiian Islands, 1894)
Greater ‘Amakihi, Hemignathus sagittirostris (Big
Island, Hawaiian Islands, 1901)
Hawai‘i ‘Akialoa, Akialoa obscura (Big Island, Hawaiian
Islands, 1940)
Maui Nui ‘Akialoa, Akialoa lanaiensis (Lana‘i and
prehistorically probably Maui and Moloka‘i, Hawaiian
Islands 1892)
O‘ahu ‘Akialoa, Akialoa ellisiana (O‘ahu, Hawaiian
Islands, 1940)
Kaua‘i ‘Akialoa, Akialoa stejnegeri (Kaua‘i, Hawaiian
Islands, 1969)
Nukupu‘u, Hemignathus lucidus (Hawaiian Islands,
c.2000?)
The subspecies from O‘ahu (H. l. lucidus) is
extinct since the late 19th century, that of Kaua‘i (H.
l. hanapepe) most probably since the late 1990s and
that of Maui (H. l. affinis) has not been
reliably seen since 1995. It is currently classified as
critically endangered, possibly extinct.
Officially classified as
critically endangered, possibly extinct. It is known
only from a single male collected in 1823, and has
variously been considered an aberrant Yellow-bellied
Seedeater or a hybrid.
White-eyed River Martin, Pseudochelidon
sirintarae (Thailand, late 1980s?)
Officially
critically endangered, this enigmatic species is only
known from migrating birds and it was last seen in 1986
at its former roost site. Recent unconfirmed repors
suggest it may occur in Cambodia.
Red Sea Swallow, Petrochelidon perdita (Red
Sea area, late 20th century?)
Known from a single specimen, this enigmatic swallow
probably still exists, but the lack of recent records is
puzzling.
A mysterious bird known only from a 1867 specimen
that was long considered invalid, but has recently been
determined to be a very distinct species. It may still
exist and simply have been overlooked due to the former
fact.
Chatham Islands Fernbird, Bowdleria rufescens
(Chatham Islands, New Zealand, c.1900)
Often placed in genus Megalurus, but this is
based on an incomplete review of the evidence.
Tana River Cisticola, Cisticola restrictus
(Kenya, 1970s?)
A mysterious bird, found in the Tana River basin in
small numbers at various dates, but not anymore since
1972. Probably invalid, based on aberrant or hybrid
specimens.
Zosteropidae - White-eyes
Seychelles White-eye, Zosterops semiflava
(Marianne, Seychelles, early 20th century)
Sometimes considered a subspecies of the
Mayotte White-eye. Possibly occurred on other
islands in the Seychelles as well.
Lord Howe White-eye, Zosterops strenua (Lord
Howe Island, Southwest Pacific, c.1918)
Timaliidae - Old World babblers
Black-browed Babbler, Malacocincla perspicillata
(Borneo?, Indonesia, 20th century?)
Known from a single mid-19th century specimen, this
bird may be extinct or could still exist. If the
specimen label, usually considered erroneous in claiming
"Java" as the bird's origin, is correct, it may have
gone extinct earlier.
Rueck's Blue Flycatcher, Cyornis ruckii
(Malaysia or Indochina, 20th century?)
An enigmatic bird known from 2 or 4 possibly migrant
specimens, last recorded in 1918. Might exist in NE
Indochina and might be a subspeices of the
Hainan Blue Flycatcher.
Officially
critically endangered, possibly extinct because a
possible location on Moloka‘i remains unsurveyed. Two
subspecies are known from Lana‘i (M. l. lanaiensis,
extinct early 1930s), Moloka‘i (M. l. rutha,
extinct 1980s?) and a possible third subspecies from
Maui (extinct before late 19th century).
Sturnidae - Starlings
Kosrae Island Starling, Aplonis corvina (Kosrae,
Carolines, mid-19th century)
Mysterious Starling, Aplonis mavornata (Mauke, Cook
Islands, mid-19th century)
Tasman Starling, Aplonis fusca (Norfolk Island and Lord
Howe Island, Southwest Pacific, c.1923)
Two subspecies, A. f. fusca - Norfolk Island
Starling (extinct c.1923); A. fuscus hulliana -
Lord Howe Starling (extinct c.1919).
Only once reliable record since 1956, in 1995,
leaves the species' survival seriously in doubt.
Bay Starling, Aplonis ulietensis (Raiatea,
Society Islands, between 1774 and 1850)
Usually called "Bay Thrush"; a completely mysterious
bird from Raiatea, now only known from a painting and
some descriptions of a (now lost) specimen. Its
taxonomic position is thus unresolvable at present,
although for biogeographic reasons and because of the
surviving description, it has been suggested to have
been a honeyeater. However, with the discovery of
fossils of the prehistorically extinct starling Aplonis
diluvialis on neighboring Huahine, it seems likely that this bird also
belonged into this genus.
The bird variously described as Testudophaga
bicolor, Necropsar leguati or Orphanopsar
leguati which was considered to be identical with
N. rodericanus (which is only known from fossils)
was finally resolved to be based on a misidentified
partially
albinistic specimen of the Martinique Trembler (Cinclocerthia gutturalis)
(Olson et al., Bull. B.O.C. 125:31).
List adapted, expanded and updated from that in
Extinct Birds, Fuller,
ISBN 0-19-850837-9 (Extinct Birds is an absorbing study
of the world's recently extinct bird species, the first
complete survey since
Walter Rothschild's classic work of 1907)
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