New Zealand quail, Coturnix novaezelandiae (New Zealand, 1875).It is not clear whether the birds represent a distinct taxon or derive from a prehistoric introduction by Polynesian seafarers. (Raoul, Kermadec Islands, 1876)Ī megapode is said to have inhabited Raoul Island until the population was wiped out in a volcanic eruption. Raoul Island scrubfowl, Megapodius sp.May have survived to the early 19th or even the 20th century, as suggested by circumstantial evidence. Viti Levu scrubfowl, Megapodius amissus ( Viti Levu and possibly Kadavu, Fiji).May have survived to the late 18th century, as evidenced by descriptions of the bird named 'Tetrao australis' and later 'Megapodius andersoni'. Pile-builder megapode, Megapodius molistructor (New Caledonia).See also Bokaak 'bustard' under Gruiformes below Mariana mallard, Anas oustaleti (Marianas, West Pacific, 1981).Mascarene teal, Anas theodori (Mauritius and Réunion, Mascarenes, late 1690s).May be synonymous with the Amsterdam wigeon or a distinct species or subspecies. Paul Island, South Indian Ocean, c. 1800) Amsterdam wigeon, Mareca marecula (Amsterdam Island, South Indian Ocean, c. 1800).The taxonomic status of this extinct form cannot be resolved until more material is found, however. innotata (Réunion, Mascarenes, c. 1690s)Ī bone of a pochard found on Réunion seems to resolve the reports of canards other than the Mascarene teal having occurred on the island. Officially classified as critically endangered recent surveys have failed to rediscover it, though sightings continue to be recorded. Pink-headed duck, Rhodonessa caryophyllacea (East India, Bangladesh, North Myannar, 1945?) – a reclassification into the genus Netta is recommended, but not generally accepted by all authorities.Finsch's duck, Chenonetta finschi (New Zealand, 15th – 17th century).New Zealand merganser, Mergus australis (New Zealand and the Auckland Islands, Southwest Pacific, c. 1902).Labrador duck, Camptorhynchus labradorius (northeastern North America, c. 1878).Mauritius sheldgoose, Alopochen mauritianus (Mauritius, Mascarenes, c. 1695).Réunion sheldgoose, Alopochen kervazoi (Réunion, Mascarenes, c. 1690s).Officially critically endangered due to unconfirmed reports made between 19. Crested shelduck, Tadorna cristata (Northeast Asia, late 20th century?)Ī relict species from Northeast Asia.Lesser elephant bird, Mullerornis modestus (Madagascar, 17th century?).Hildebrandt's elephant bird, Aepyornis hildebrandti (Madagascar, 17th century?).Giant elephant bird, Aepyornis maximus (Madagascar, 17th century?).West Coast spotted kiwi, Apteryx occidentalis (South Island, New Zealand, c. 1900)Ī doubtfully distinct species known from a single specimen may be a subspecies of the little spotted kiwi ( Apteryx owenii) or a hybrid between that species and the Okarito kiwi ( Apteryx rowi).Broad-billed moa, Euryapteryx curtus (North and South Island, New Zealand, late 15th century?).South Island giant moa, Dinornis robustus (South Island, New Zealand, late 15th century?).Upland moa, Megalapteryx didinus (South Island, New Zealand, late 15th century?).The famous 'Edwards' Dodo', painted by Roelant Savery in 1626 Extinct bird species Paleognathes Dinornithiformes Extinction dates in the literature are usually the dates of the last verified record (credible observation or specimen taken) for many Pacific birds that became extinct shortly after European contact, however, this leaves an uncertainty period of over 100 years, because the islands on which they lived were only rarely visited by scientists. 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). The extinction dates given below are usually approximations of the actual date of extinction. Even more rails became extinct before they could be described by scientists these taxa are listed in List of Late Quaternary prehistoric bird species. The disproportionate number of rails in this list reflects the tendency of that family to lose the ability to fly when geographically isolated. Island species in general, and flightless island species in particular, are most at risk. Ĭurrently there are approximately 10,000 living species of birds, with over 1,480 at risk of extinction and 223 critically endangered. Other areas, such as Guam, have also been hit hard Guam has lost over 60% of its native bird taxa in the last 30 years, many of them due to the introduced brown tree snake ( Boiga irregularis). The situation is exemplified by Hawaii, where 30% of all known recently extinct bird taxa originally lived. Upper estimate additionally includes DD.Ībout 129 species of birds have become extinct since 1500, and the rate of extinction seems to be increasing.

Predatory birds list