With over 10,000 bird species on Earth, these incredible creatures come in all shapes and sizes—from tiny hummingbirds to massive vultures. However, many of them are on the verge of extinction due to climate change, deforestation, hunting, and the illegal pet trade.
According to the IUCN Red List, these 15 critically endangered birds are among the rarest in the world. Conservation efforts are crucial to protect them and restore their populations.
1. Yellow-Crested Cockatoo
Why is the Yellow-Crested Cockatoo Endangered?
Native to Indonesia and Timor-Leste, the Yellow-Crested Cockatoo faces a major decline due to illegal pet trade and habitat destruction. Despite being protected since 1994 under CITES, illegal trapping continues. Logging and agriculture further threaten their nesting sites.
How Many Are Left?
Only 1,200–2,000 individuals remain, and their numbers continue to decrease.
Are Cockatoos Good Pets?
No. They require high maintenance, live up to 60 years, and can be destructive, making them unsuitable as household pets.
2. California Condor
Why is the California Condor Endangered?
The California Condor, one of the largest flying birds in North America, is critically endangered due to lead poisoning from bullet fragments, pesticides like DDT, and ingesting trash.
How Many Are Left?
Only 93 remain in the wild, primarily in California and Arizona. However, their population is slowly increasing due to conservation programs.
3. Northern Bald Ibis
Why is the Northern Bald Ibis Endangered?
This large black bird with a red face and curved bill has suffered due to hunting, habitat destruction, and pesticide poisoning. Populations have disappeared from many regions, including Syria, Turkey, and Algeria.
How Many Are Left?
Only 200–250 birds survive in Morocco, their last stronghold.
4. Dwarf Ibis (São Tomé Ibis)
What is an Ibis?
Ibises are long-legged wading birds that use their curved bills to forage for food in mud and wetlands.
How Many Dwarf Ibises Are Left?
Only 130–1,700 remain, with hunting being their biggest threat.
5. Amazon Parrots
Are Amazon Parrots Endangered?
Out of 36 species, five are endangered, and four are critically endangered, including:
- Imperial Amazon (40–60 left)
- Puerto Rican Amazon (Fewer than 50 left)
Main Threats?
- Habitat loss (especially from hurricanes like Maria in 2017)
- Climate change
How Long Do They Live?
Amazon parrots can live 30–50 years, making them difficult pets to care for.
6. Imperial Woodpecker
Is the Imperial Woodpecker Extinct?
Possibly. Last seen in 1956, fewer than 50 individuals may exist.
Main Threats?
- Deforestation
- Hunting
7. African Grey Parrot
Why Are African Grey Parrots Endangered?
These highly intelligent birds are declining due to illegal pet trade and habitat destruction.
How Long Do They Live?
They can live 60–80 years, making them unsuitable pets as they often need multiple rehomes in their lifetime.
8. Bahama Nuthatch
Why is the Bahama Nuthatch Endangered?
This small bird from Grand Bahama Island has been devastated by hurricanes. After Hurricane Dorian in 2019, it hasn’t been seen since and may now be extinct.
Estimated Population?
Fewer than 50 individuals left.
9. Indian Vulture
Why Are Indian Vultures Endangered?
Indian vultures declined due to poisoning from livestock drugs, mainly diclofenac, which is toxic to them.
How Many Are Left?
Only about 8,000 remain, a massive decline from their once-thriving population.
10. Maui Parrotbill
What is the Maui Parrotbill?
A Hawaiian honeycreeper, unrelated to parrots but with a hooked beak.
How Many Are Left?
Only 250–540 remain, threatened by habitat loss, climate change, and disease.
11. Mangrove Finch
Why is the Mangrove Finch Endangered?
One of Darwin’s finches, it has adapted to lifting bark to find insects.
How Many Are Left?
Only 20–40 remain, making it one of the rarest birds in the world.
12. Seychelles Scops Owl
Where Is It Found?
Only in Morne Seychellois National Park on Mahé Island.
Why Is It Endangered?
- Deforestation
- Invasive predators (rats, cats, and barn owls)
- Climate change
How Many Are Left?
Between 200–280 individuals.
13. Fruit Doves
Are Fruit Doves Endangered?
Yes, especially:
- Rapa Fruit Dove (Fewer than 250 left)
- Negros Fruit Dove (Fewer than 50 left)
Why Are They Endangered?
- Deforestation
- Predation by rats and feral cats
14. Yellow-Breasted Bunting
Why is the Yellow-Breasted Bunting Endangered?
Once widespread across Europe and Asia, this bird has suffered due to hunting and habitat loss.
How Many Are Left?
Only 120–600 remain in Europe, with no clear estimates for Asia.
15. Mariana Crow
Where Is It Found?
Only on Rota Island in the Northern Mariana Islands. It recently went extinct in Guam (2014).
How Many Are Left?
Fewer than 250 individuals.
Main Threats?
- Predators (feral cats and rats)
- Typhoons
- Deforestation
Many bird species are at high risk of extinction due to human activities, habitat destruction, illegal pet trade, and climate change. Conservation efforts, including breeding programs, habitat protection, and stronger laws, are essential to ensure their survival.
Supporting conservation groups, reducing deforestation, and spreading awareness can help protect these critically endangered birds and prevent them from disappearing forever.
FAQ’s
What is the rarest bird in the world?
The Stresemann’s Bristlefront is considered one of the rarest birds, with only one individual known to exist.
Why are birds becoming endangered?
Birds are endangered due to habitat loss, deforestation, illegal pet trade, climate change, and hunting.
What can be done to save endangered birds?
Conservation efforts like breeding programs, habitat protection, and stricter wildlife protection laws help preserve endangered bird species.
Which parrots are critically endangered?
Parrots like the Imperial Amazon, Yellow-Naped Amazon, and African Grey Parrot are critically endangered due to deforestation and illegal pet trade.
Are vultures endangered?
Yes, several vulture species, including the Indian Vulture, are critically endangered due to poisoning from livestock medications like diclofenac.
What are some critically endangered seabirds?
Seabirds like the New Zealand Storm Petrel and the Seychelles Scops Owl are critically endangered due to habitat loss and invasive predators.
