Human activities like deforestation and urbanization have long been the primary threat to wildlife. Birds are often among the worst affected, with whole populations being eradicated over a short period. However, humans have been taking measures to protect and revive the avian population worldwide, which has brought back quite a few species from the brink of extinction. The work is far from done, with many amazing birds still being threatened.
List of the Rarest Birds in the World
1. Stresemann’s Bristlefront: With only 1 individual spotted in Brazil in 2018, chances of this species reviving are slim as most of its habitat in the Atlantic forests is already gone.
Distribution
Peru, Bolivia
Population
1 known individual
Conservation Status (IUCN)
Critically Endangered
2. Blue-eyed Ground-Dove: The rarest of all doves, the species was believed to be extinct for about 75 years before 12 individuals were found in Brazil in 2015.
Distribution
Brazil
Population
20-30 individuals
Conservation Status (IUCN)
Critically Endangered
3. New Caledonian Owlet-nightjar: One of the rarest and most mysterious birds, there have been few sightings in recent years. It is difficult to take measures to preserve their population because it is so difficult to find them.
Distribution
New Caledonia
Population
Less than 50 individuals
Conservation Status (IUCN)
Critically Endangered
4. Imperial Amazon: Their population has plummeted since Hurricane Maria hit the Island of Dominica in 2017. Another threat to these birds is the loss of habitat.
Distribution
Island of Dominica
Population
40-50 individuals
Conservation Status (IUCN)
Critically Endangered
5. Cebu Flowerpecker: Once thought to be extinct due to habitat loss, these birds were spotted again in 1992 in a limestone forest in Central Cebu Protected Landscape.
Distribution
Cebu, Philippines
Population
85-105 individuals
Conservation Status (IUCN)
Critically Endangered
6. Madagascar Pochard: A rare diving duck species, it was believed to have gone extinct due to habitat loss and the introduction of large fishes to their habitat range in the 1940s and 50s. Then, researchers found a handful of adults in Madagascar and started working on reviving their population. Twenty-one individuals were reintroduced into the wild in 2018.
Distribution
Madagascar
Population
Around 90 individuals
Conservation Status (IUCN)
Critically Endangered
7. Spix’s Macaw: These large macaws were announced as Extinct in the wild in 2019. Afterwards, they were bred in captivity to save the species from extinction, followed by reintroducing them into the wild in 2022.
Distribution
Brazil
Population
About 100 in captivity
Conservation Status (IUCN)
Extinct in the Wild
8. Hawaiian Crow: Locally known as ʻalalā, this is the only corvid species native to Hawaii. Though declared extinct in the wild, restoration programs are in place to revive these birds so they can be reintroduced into their wild habitat.
Distribution
Hawaii
Population
About 120 in captivity
Conservation Status (IUCN)
Extinct in the Wild
9. Kākāpō: A unique flightless nocturnal parrot, the Kākāpō thrived on the island of New Zealand before the arrival of humans. Being confined to their island, the birds never adapted to the external threat that humans brought with them.
Distribution
New Zealand
Population
Around 250 individuals
Conservation Status (IUCN)
Critically Endangered
10. Rufous-headed Hornbill: These birds nest inside tree cavities, where the female bird stays with her chicks as the hole is sealed with mud and saliva. But they have a slow rate of reproduction, which, in combination with severe loss of habitat and nesting site, is causing their population to decline fast.
Distribution
Southeast Asia
Population
1,000-2,499 individuals
Conservation Status (IUCN)
Critically Endangered
11. South Philippine Dwarf Kingfisher: With no conservation plans for these birds, they are facing severe threats due to habitat loss.
Distribution
Philippines
Population
2,500-9,999 individuals
Conservation Status (IUCN)
Vulnerable
12. New Zealand Rock Wren: Also known as rock wrens, the primary threat to these birds is the introduction of rodents like mice and stoats that feed on bird eggs. A few thousand individuals are still out there with their populations being monitored closely.
