About 129 species of birds have become extinct since 1500,[1] and the rate of extinction seems to be increasing.[2] The situation is exemplified by Hawaii, where 30% of all known recently extinct bird taxa originally lived. 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).[3]
Currently there are approximately 10,000 living species of birds, with over 1,480 at risk of extinction and 223 critically endangered.[4]
Island species in general, and flightless island species in particular, are most at risk. The disproportionate number of rails in this 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 List of Late Quaternary prehistoric bird species.
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 exampleits 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); 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.
The moa of New Zealand
A 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).
The elephant birds of Madagascar
A relict species from Northeast Asia. Officially critically endangered due to unconfirmed reports made between 1985 and 1991.
Possibly survived to 1870.
Officially classified as critically endangered; recent surveys have failed to rediscover it, though sightings continue to be recorded.
A bone of a pochard found on Réunion seems to resolve the reports of canards other than the Mascarene teal having occurred on the island. The taxonomic status of this extinct form cannot be resolved until more material is found, however.
Only known by a painting from 1793. May be synonymous with the Amsterdam wigeon or a distinct species or subspecies.
Quails and relatives
See also Bokaak "bustard" under Gruiformes below
May have survived to the late 18th century, as evidenced by descriptions of the bird named "Tetrao australis" and later "Megapodius andersoni".
May have survived to the early 19th or even the 20th century, as suggested by circumstantial evidence.
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.
Officially critically endangered. Not recorded with certainty since 1876, but thorough surveys are still required, and there was 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).
Later sightings of black oystercatchers off of Senegal were not likely to be of this sedentary species, but two records from Tenerifethe last one in 1981may be.
Officially classified as critically endangered, but as this conspicuous bird has not been recorded since 1940, it is almost certainly extinct.
May still be extant; officially classified as critically endangered, possibly extinct.
May still exist; officially classified as critically endangered. A few birds were recorded in 2004 following several decades of increasing rarity. There was also an unconfirmed sighting in Albania in 2007. A survey to find out whether this bird still exists is currently being undertaken by the Royal Society for the Protection of Birds (BirdLife in the UK).
Doubtfully distinct from P. leucoptera.
Rails and allies - probably paraphyletic
Known by pre-Columbian bones from Puerto Rico and the United States Virgin Islands. Stories of an easy-to-catch bird named the carrao heard by Alexander Wetmore in 1912 on Puerto Rico may refer to this bird.
This bird was previously known only from a drawing from the 1793 Malaspina expedition, apparently depicting a species of Gallirallus. Subfossil remains belonging to this species were found in 2020.[6]
Known from prehistoric bones found on ʻEua. It was probably a close relative of the Vava'u rail.
May be the bird shown on a bad watercolor illustration made about 1800.
Officially classified as critically endangered, the last records were in 1984 and it seems as if all of the available habitat has now been overrun by feral pigs and feral dogs, which preyed on this bird.
Known only from paintings and descriptions; its taxonomic status is uncertain, as the material is often believed to refer to the extant spotless crake (Zapornia tabuensis).
Known only from descriptions. The former existence of a Porphyrio on Réunion is fairly certain, but it has not been proven to date.
May have survived to c. 1900. In the lower right hand corner of Paul Gauguin's 1902 painting Le Sorcier d'Hiva Oa ou le Marquisien à la cape rouge, there is a bird which resembles native descriptions of P. paepae.
Known from subfossil bones found in New Zealand's North Island; may have survived to 1894 or later.
May have survived into historic times. The native name n'dino is thought to refer to this bird.
Probably better placed in the genus Pareudiastes. Unconfirmed reports from the late 20th century suggest it still exists 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. Unconfirmed recent records suggest it still exists and therefore it is officially classified as critically endangered.
Only known from a type specimen, but scientist speculate that it originated form Indonesia. Could possibly be a colour morph of the buff-banded rail.
A distinct species of rail inhabited Fernando de Noronha Island, but it has not been formally described yet. It probably still existed at the time of the first Western contact.
Early travelers to Tahiti reported a "goose" that was found in the mountains. Altogether, a species of rail in the genus Porphyrio seems to be the most likely possibility.
An unidentified terrestrial bird is mentioned in an early report from Bokaak in the Marshall Islands. It was described as a "bustard" and may have actually been a rail or a megapode. In the former case, it may have been a vagrant of a still-existing species; in any case, no bird that could be described as "bustard-like" is found on Bokaak today.[7]
Unknown rail from Amsterdam Island; one specimen was found, but it was not recovered. Extinct by 1800, it may have been a vagrant of a still-existing species.
Officially declared extinct in 2010, 25 years after the last official sighting. Its extinction was due to habitat destruction and hybridisation with the little grebe (Tachybaptus ruficollis). Disappeared from its only known location in 1985.
Petrels, storm petrels, shearwaters and albatrosses
Described from subfossil bones.
Possibly a subspecies of the black-capped petrel (Pterodroma hasitata); unconfirmed reports suggest it may still exist. Officially classified as critically endangered, possibly extinct.
A wing of a petrel carcass that was similar in appearance to Gould's petrel (Pterodroma leucoptera) was recovered on Mangareva in 1922, where it possibly bred. No such birds are known to exist there today.
Officially classified as critically endangered, possibly extinct, but a thorough survey in 2000 concluded this species was certainly extinct.
Penguins
Only known from subfossil bones, but a bird kept in captivity sometime between 1867 and 1872 may refer to this species.
Boobies and related birds
Pelicans and related birds
This species was the basis for the "Réunion solitaire" or "white dodo" ("Raphus solitarius"), 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.
Long considered to be vagrant individuals of the Australian little bittern (Ixobrychus dubius); bones recovered from Holocene deposits indicate that this was indeed a distinct taxon, but it may not be a distinct species.
Sometimes assigned to the genus Nycticorax.
Known only from subfossil bones, but the description of a flightless Ascension Island bird by André Thévet cannot be identified with anything other than this species.
Pigeons, doves and dodos
For the "Réunion solitaire", see Réunion ibis.
Known only from Late Pleistocene bones, but may have persisted until the 16th century.
The passenger pigeon was once among the most abundant wild bird species in the world, with a single flock numbering up to 2.2 billion birds. It was hunted close to extinction for food and sport in the late 19th century. The last individual, a mateless female named Martha after Martha Washington, died in the Cincinnati Zoo in 1914.
Formerly in Streptopelia. Possibly a subspecies of the Malagasy turtle dove (Nesoenas picturatus), this seems to be the bird observed by Leguat. Introduced rats may have caused it to become extinct in the late 17th century.
Also known as the Liverpool pigeon, the only known specimen has been in Liverpool's World 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 the titi, but this has not yet been verified.
Officially classified as critically endangered. Only known from two 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 it is not extinct, this species is certainly very rare, but the ongoing civil war prevents comprehensive surveys.
Only known from descriptions of two now-lost specimens.
Last recorded in 1927, only two specimens exist. Declared extinct in 2005.
Two subspecies, the little-known nominate subspecies P. m. mercierii of Nuku Hiva (extinct mid- to late 19th century) and P. m. tristrami of Hiva Oa (1922).
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 classified as critically endangered, it may still exist on Panay, but no survey has located it. One possible record in 2002 does not seem to have been repeated since then.
Only known from early reports; possibly a subspecies of either the Comoros blue pigeon (Alectroenas sganzini) or the Seychelles blue pigeon (Alectroenas pulcherrimus).
Called Didus ineptus by Linnaeus. A metre-high flightless bird found on Mauritius. Its forest habitat was destroyed when Dutch settlers moved to the island and the dodo's nests and eggs were destroyed by the pigs, cats and monkeys that the Dutch brought with them. The last specimen was killed in 1681, only 80 years after the arrival of the new predators.
Strigidae - true owls
Officially classified as critically endangered, but it may still exist. A 2018 BirdLife study citing extinction patterns recommended reclassifying this species as possibly extinct.
The preceding three species were variously placed in the genera Bubo, Athene, "Scops" (=Otus), Strix and Tyto and even in their own genus, Mascarenotus, before their true affinity was realized.
Only known from the holotype collected in 1866. It may still exist, as there are ongoing rumors of scops owls at Siau.
Known only from prehistoric bones, but it may still exist.
Two subspecies: the nominate subspecies N. a. albifacies (South Island and Stewart Island, extinct 1914?) and N. a. rufifacies (North Island, extinct c. 1870s?); circumstantial evidence suggests that small remnants survived until the early or mid-20th century.
Tytonidae - barn owls
Known from prehistoric bones found in caves on Puerto Rico; it may have still existed up to 1912, given reports of the presence of cave-roosting owls. Likely a subspecies of, or synonymous with, the still-existing ashy-faced owl (Tyto glaucops).
Caprimulgidae - nightjars and nighthawks
Reports of unidentifiable nightjars from the 1980s in habitat appropriate for this cryptic species suggest that it may still exist. Research into this possibility is currently underway; pending further information, it is officially classified as critically endangered, possibly extinct.
Described from subfossil bones in 1985. There are persistent rumors that this bird, which was never seen alive by scientists, may still exist. Compare the Puerto Rican nightjar (Antrostomus noctitherus) and the preceding species.
Only known from a single specimen from Xinjiang, China taken in 1929. It has never been seen or found again, but the validity of this supposed species is seriously disputed. It was, however, never refuted to be an immature desert-dwelling female European nightjar (Caprimulgus europaeus).
This species was sighted only once in 1939; due to its cryptic habits, it may still be extant, but this is now considered to be unlikely.
Swifts and hummingbirds
Known only from three trade specimens of unknown origin. It may still exist.
Officially classified as critically endangered, possibly extinct. Known only from six pre-1900 specimens, the habitat at the only known site where it occurred has been destroyed. However, the bird's distribution remains unresolved.
Kingfishers and related birds
This species became extinct in the wild in 1986 when 29 birds were taken for a captive breeding programme, which is still ongoing. Its decline was caused by predation by introduced brown tree snakes.
Woodpeckers and related birds
Known only from fossil bones found in Bermuda and dated to the Late Pleistocene and the Holocene; however, a 17th-century report written by explorer Captain John Smith may refer to this species.
This 60-centimetre-long woodpecker is officially classified as critically endangered, possibly extinct. Occasional unconfirmed reports come up; the most recent was in late 2005.
The nominate subspecies, the American ivory-billed woodpecker (C. p. principalis), is officially classified as critically endangered and considered possibly extinct by some authorities.
The Cuban ivory-billed woodpecker (C. p. bairdii) is generally considered to be extinct, but a few patches of unsurveyed potential habitat remain.
This bird has a very restricted distribution and was last reliably recorded in 1949. It was not found during searches in 2004 and 2006 and seems to be extinct; efforts to find it again continue, but are hampered by the threat of armed conflict.
Last recorded in 1890 and not found by surveys in 1894.
Officially classified as critically endangered, there have been no reports of this species since the mid-20th century. It is, however, small and inconspicuous and is likely to have been overlooked.
Formerly known as the Mauritius grey parrot (Lophopsittacus bensoni). Known from a 1602 sketch by Captain Willem van Westzanen and by subfossil bones described by David Thomas Holyoak in 1973. It may have survived into the mid-18th century.
The last known individual was a captive bird which was alive before 1834.
It may have survived into the late 18th century.
The species N. francicus is fictional, N. borbonicus is most likely so.
Officially classified as critically endangered due to persistent rumors of wild birds, but probably extinct.
A number of related macaw 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.
Although the date of the last captive bird's death in the Cincinnati Zoo, 1918, is generally given as this species' date of extinction, there are convincing reports of some wild populations persisting until later. Two subspecies, C. c. carolinensis (Carolina parakeet, east and south of the Appalachian Mountainsextinct either 1918 or c. 1930) and C. c. ludovicianus (Louisiana parakeet, west of the Appalachian Mountainsextinct c. 1912).
Only known from descriptions; the former existence of this bird is likely both for biogeographic reasons and because details about it as described cannot be referred to any known species.
These two extinct amazons were originally described from travelers' descriptions. Their existence is still controversial.
Tyrannidaetyrant flycatchers
Described as extremely rare by David W. Steadman in the 1980s and not found despite a six-month survey in 1998. Furnariidaeovenbirds
AcanthisittidaeNew Zealand "wrens"
A flightless species that was famously (but erroneously) claimed to have become extinct due to predation by a single lighthouse keeper's cat named "Tibbles".
Three subspecies, X. l. stokesi (North Island, extinct 1955); the nominate subspecies X. l. longipes (South Island, extinct 1968) and X. l. variabilis (Stewart Island, extinct 1972).
MohoidaeHawaiian honeyeaters. Family established in 2008, previously in Meliphagidae.
Meliphagidaehoneyeaters and Australian chats
Sometimes regarded as a subspecies of the New Zealand bellbird (Anthornis melanera). Unconfirmed records exist from the early to mid-1950s.
Acanthizidaescrubwrens, thornbills, and gerygones
Pachycephalidaewhistlers, shrike-thrushes, pitohuis and allies
Tentatively placed here. A mysterious bird of which no specimens exist today. It was initially described as a shrike, then classified as an Eopsalteria "robin" and may actually be an Acrocephalus warbler.
Dicruridaemonarch flycatchers and allies
Previously considered a subspecies of the Iphis monarch (Pomarea iphis), this is an early offspring of the Marquesan stock.
Previously considered a subspecies of the Marquesas monarch (Pomarea mendozae), this is another early offspring of the Marquesan stock.
Also previously considered a subspecies of the Marquesas monarch, this was a distinct species most closely related to that bird and the Fatuhiva monarch (Pomarea whitneyi).
Possibly a subspecies of the oceanic flycatcher (Myiagra oceanica).
OriolidaeOld World orioles and allies
Not reliably recorded since about 1900.
Two subspecies, T. c. minor from Stephens Island (extinct c. 1897) and the nominate subspecies T. c. capensis from the South Island mainland (last specimen taken in 1902, last unconfirmed record in 1963)
Corvidaecrows, ravens, jays and magpies
This species is extinct in the wild, not fully extinct.
CallaeidaeNew Zealand wattlebirds
This species is usually considered to be extinct, as it has not been reliably recorded since 1967. However, recent reports from Fiordland suggest that it may still exist.
Hirundinidaeswallows and martins
Officially classified as 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 reports suggest that it may still exist in Cambodia.
Known from a single specimen found in 1984; this enigmatic swallow may still exist, but the lack of recent records is puzzling. It is also alternatively placed in the genus Hirundo.
Acrocephalidaeacrocephalid warblers or marsh warblers, tree warblers and reed warblers
Previously considered a subspecies of the nightingale reed warbler.
Also previously considered a subspecies of the nightingale reed warbler.
Known only from two specimens found on Mangareva Island.
Two subspecies, A. m. garretti from Huahine and A. m. musae from Raiatea. Previously considered a subspecies of the Tahiti reed warbler (Acrocephalus caffer).
The last reliable sighting of this bird was in 1981. A survey in 1986 / 1987 was unsuccessful in finding it. A photograph of a warbler from Moorea in 1998 or 1999 taken by Philippe Bacchet remains uncertain, as do reports from 2003 and 2010. Also previously considered a subspecies of the Tahiti reed warbler.
MuscicapidaeOld World flycatchers and chats
An enigmatic species known only from two or four possibly migrant specimens, last recorded in 1918. It may still exist in northeastern Indochina. Possibly a subspecies of the Hainan blue flycatcher (Cyornis hainanus).
Megaluridaemegalurid warblers or grass warblers
Often placed in the genus Megalurus, but this is based on an incomplete review of the evidence.
Cisticolidaecisticolas and allies
A mysterious species found in the Tana River Basin in small numbers at various dates but not seen since 1972. It is probably invalid; if so, it may be based on aberrant or hybrid specimens. An unconfirmed sighting was apparently reported in 2007 at the Tana River Delta.
Zosteropidaewhite-eyes. Probably belong in Timaliidae.
Pycnonotidaebulbuls
Known only from subfossil bones.
Known only from subfossil bones. Provisionally assigned to Timaliidae, but its placement in this family is highly doubtful.
Sturnidaestarlings
Two subspecies, the nominate subspecies A. f. fuscaNorfolk starling (extinct c. 1923) and A. fusca hullianaLord Howe starling (extinct c. 1919).
Only one reliable record since 1956, in 1995, leaves the species' survival seriously in doubt.
Formerly called the bay thrush (Turdus ulietensis); a 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 Huahine starling (Aplonis diluvialis) on neighboring Huahine, it seems likely that this bird also belonged to this genus.
Tentatively assigned to Sturnidae.
Tentatively assigned to Sturnidae. The bird that was variously described as Necropsar leguati or Orphanopsar leguati and was considered to be identical with N. rodericanus (which itself is known only from subfossil bones) was found to be based on a misidentified albino specimen of the grey trembler (Cinclocerthia gutturalis).
Turdidaethrushes and allies
Officially classified as critically endangered because a possible location on Molokaʻi remains unsurveyed. Three subspecies are known from Oahu (M. l. woahensis, extinct 1850s), Lanaʻi (the nominate subspecies M. l. lanaiensis, extinct early 1930s) and Molokaʻi (M. l. rutha, extinct 1980s?) and there may be a possible fourth subspecies from Maui (extinct before the late 19th century).
Mimidaemockingbirds and thrashers
It is still unknown whether the tiny population rediscovered in 2004 survived Hurricanes Emily and Wilma in 2005. There have also been unconfirmed records in April 2006 and October and December 2007.
Estrildidaeestrildid finches (waxbills, munias, etc.)
An enigmatic species not seen since 1950; because part of its habitat is in Upemba National Park, it may still exist.
IcteridaeNew World blackbirds and allies
ParulidaeNew World warblers
Officially classified as critically endangered.
Officially classified as critically endangered. Suitable habitat remains and there have been unconfirmed records within the last 10 years.
Ploceidaeweavers
Formerly Foudia bruante; the latter scientific name may actually be a color morph of the red fody (Foudia madagascariensis).
Fringillidaetrue finches and Hawaiian honeycreepers
Officially classified as critically endangered, this was once the most widespread species of all of the Hawaiian honeycreepers. It has not been reliably recorded since either 1987 or 1989.
Officially classified as critically endangered. The last reliable record of this bird was in 1985, with an unconfirmed sighting in 1990.
Emberizidaebuntings and New World sparrows
Officially classified as critically endangered. It is known only from a single male collected in 1823 and has variously been considered either an aberrant specimen of the yellow-bellied seedeater (Sporophila nigricollis) or a hybrid.
Known from subfossil bones and possibly from a travel report by William Strachey in 1610.
The extinction of subspecies is a subject very dependent on guesswork. National and international conservation projects and research publications such as red lists usually focus on species as a whole. Reliable information on the status of vulnerable, endangered or critically endangered subspecies usually has to be assembled piecemeal from published observations, such as regional checklists. Therefore, the following listing contains a high proportion of bird taxa that may still exist, but are listed here due to any one of, or any combination of, these three factors: absence of recent records, a known threat such as habitat destruction, or an observed decline.
Ratites and related birds
The last record of this subspecies of the common ostrich was a bird found dead in Jordan in 1966.
A doubtfully distinct subspecies of the little spotted kiwi.
An island dwarf subspecies of the emu; extinct in the wild c. 1805, the last captive specimen died in 1822 in the Jardin des Plantes.
Another island dwarf subspecies of the emu; extinct since c. 1827.
Yet another island dwarf subspecies of the emu; the last wild bird was collected in 1845, but it may have survived in captivity until 1884. It may be invalid.
A formerly recognised subspecies of the cackling goose (formerly called the Bering Canada goose (Branta canadensis asiatica)) which was not distinct from the similar-looking and still-existing Aleutian cackling goose (B. h. leucopareia) and is now considered to be invalid.
A doubtfully distinct subspecies of the Sunda teal which disappeared due to predation on ducklings by introduced Mozambique tilapia (Oreochromis mossambicus).
A subspecies of the yellow-billed pintail that has not been recorded since the 1950s.
A subspecies of the cinnamon teal known only from a restricted area in the Cordillera Occidental of Colombia, with a couple of records from Ecuador. It was discovered in 1946 and thought to have become extinct by 1956.
This island subspecies of the gadwall was discovered and named in 1874 after two birds were shot and has not been recorded since, with none found by a 1924 expedition from Honolulu's Bishop Museum.
Quails and relatives
A doubtfully distinct subspecies of the black francolin.
Another doubtfully distinct subspecies of the black francolin.
A subspecies of the greater prairie-chicken or possibly a distinct species.
A subspecies of the sharp-tailed grouse last recorded in Colfax County in 1952.
A subspecies of the helmeted guineafowl. Reportedly still kept in captivity in Morocco in the late 1990s. Possibly extinct in the wild by 1950; three records from the 1970s may refer to feral-domestic hybrids.
Scolopacidaesandpipers
The doubtfully distinct nominate subspecies of the Tuamotu sandpiper; sometimes considered a distinct species, but known only from a painting.
Turnicidaebuttonquails
Another subspecies of the common buttonquail; it has not been recorded since the 1950s, but there have been few surveys and it may still exist.
A subspecies of the painted buttonquail that has been variously considered anything from a hybrid between introduced species to a distinct species. Plentiful subfossil bones indicate that it was indeed a good endemic form. The last specimen was taken in 1912 and surveys since then have failed to record it.
Rails and alliesprobably paraphyletic
A subspecies of the yellow rail that has not been recorded since 1964 and has lost much of its wetland habitat since then.
A subspecies of the buff-banded rail.
Reports of the former occurrence of the species on Raoul seem to be plausible enough, but they may refer to vagrant individuals of another subspecies of the buff-banded rail.
A subspecies of the Bogota rail which is known from a single specimen collected in the 1880s. It may still exist.
A subspecies of Lewin's rail not recorded since 1932 despite multiple surveys in the late 20th century.
A subspecies of the white-throated rail.
The nominate subspecies of the uniform crake declined rapidly and became extinct following the introduction of the small Indian mongoose (Urva auropunctata) to Jamaica in 1872.
A doubtfully distinct subspecies of the bare-eyed rail known from a single specimen, c. mid-19th century, either from the Solomon Islands or New Ireland. The taxon may still exist.
A subspecies of Baillon's crake known from a single 1912 specimen and not found since; it may be extinct, but the species is hard to find.
A subspecies of the Arabian bustard. Last observed in 1993 at Lac Merzouga / Lac Tamezguidat.
A subspecies of the sarus crane which is not always accepted as valid by all authorities, possibly because the existing specimens have not been thoroughly studied since it was first described.
Herons and related birdspossibly paraphyletic
A subspecies of the nankeen night heron.
Pigeons, doves and dodos
A subspecies of the common wood pigeon.
This subspecies of the metallic pigeon was last recorded in 1853 and almost certainly became extinct by 1869.
This subspecies of the metallic pigeon is only known from a footnote in John Latham's General History of Birds and seems to have become extinct some time before 1800; possibly, however, the location is erroneous and the footnote really refers to the still-existing population on Fiji.
A subspecies of the pink pigeon, formerly in Streptopelia. There seems to have been at least another species of pigeon on Réunion (probably a blue pigeon species), but bones have not yet been found. It became extinct at the same time as this subspecies did.
This subspecies of the Malagasy turtle dove survived until at least 1974, after which it was hybridised out of existence through crossbreeding with the introduced nominate subspecies (N. p. picturatus).
A subspecies of the Luzon bleeding-heart known from a single specimen collected in 1971. There have been recent reports of this bird and, as much of its forest habitat still remains, it is likely that it may still exist.
A subspecies of the Mindanao bleeding-heart last reported in 1925 and, given the massive habitat destruction, is likely extinct.
A subspecies of the white-breasted ground dove or possibly a distinct species. Known from only four specimens; there are no recent records and the natives report that it has disappeared.
This subspecies of the Polynesian ground dove, often referred to as P. e. pectoralis, became extinct at an undetermined date, but it may still exist on some unsurveyed atolls. The identity of the northern Tuamotu population, which may also possibly still exist, is undetermined to date.
A subspecies of the crimson-crowned fruit dove of doubtful validity known from a single specimen collected in 1859; it is not certain whether or not this bird actually did occur on Ebon. All that can be said is that this subspecies is no longer found anywhere.
A subspecies of the lilac-crowned fruit dove known only from the description of a now-lost specimen. The prehistorically extinct population on Mangaia likely belongs to another distinct subspecies also.
A subspecies of the spotted imperial pigeon not recorded since the 1950s.
A subspecies of the kererū or New Zealand pigeon not recorded since 1900. Similar birds were reported from Lord Howe Island; these seem to represent another extinct subspecies, but are undescribed to date.
Another undescribed subspecies of the kererū or New Zealand pigeon or possibly a distinct species; known from bones and a brief report.[11]
A subspecies of the crested coua, known only from a single specimen taken in 1950. It may be a hybrid but if it is not, it is probably extinct.
A subspecies of the Malagasy coucal last recorded in 1906. It is sometimes considered synonymous with the Aldabra subspecies (C. t. insularis) which has since recolonized Assumption Island.
A weakly differentiated and probably invalid subspecies of the groove-billed ani.
A subspecies of the rufous-vented ground cuckoo.
True owls and barn owls
Strigidaetrue owls
A subspecies of the reddish scops owl only known from a single questionable specimen. It may be invalid.
A subspecies of the Puerto Rican owl of somewhat doubtful validity, which occurred on several of the Virgin Islands. The last reliable records were in 1860; there were a number of unconfirmed reports during the 20th century, but it was not found in thorough surveys in 1995.
A subspecies of the elf owl officially classified as critically endangered. The last specimen was taken in 1932, but there was apparently still a large population in 1958; it was not found in subsequent searches and it appears to have become extinct.
A subspecies of the burrowing owl, last collected in 1890 and extinct by 1903.
Another subspecies of the burrowing owl, extinct by 1890.
A subspecies of the Australian boobook last recorded in the 1950s.
Individuals of the nominate subspecies of the Australian boobook were introduced in a last-ditch effort to save the local owl population. There now exists a hybrid population of a few dozen birds; the last certainly distinct individual of N. n. undulata, a female named Miamiti, died in 1996, though individuals descended from her remain.
Tytonidaebarn owls
Doubtfully distinct from the nominate subspecies of the Australian masked owl, but differed behaviorally.
A subspecies of the Moluccan masked owl last recorded in 1921; the identity of a similar bird found on Seram remains to be determined. It may still exist, as an owl matching this bird's description was encountered in August 2006.
A subspecies of the Sulawesi masked owl or a distinct species. It may possibly still exist, but the only known specimen was taken in 1938 and there have been no further records since then.
A subspecies of the Oriental bay owl or a possibly distinct species. Its taxonomy is doubtful, but the only known specimen was lost in a 1945 bombing raid, so its validity cannot be verified; no population exists on Samar today.
Swifts and hummingbirds
This subspecies of the indigo-capped hummingbird is only known from a specimen collected in Costa Rica in 1895. It is likely to have become extinct since then.
A subspecies of the Juan Fernández firecrown last recorded in 1908.
The nominate subspecies of Whitehead's swiftlet is only known from four specimens collected at Mount Data in 1895. Because of the lack of further records and massive habitat destruction, it is usually considered extinct. Given the size of the island, though, it may still exist.
Kingfishers and related birds
This subspecies of the Sulawesi dwarf kingfisher was last seen in 1997 but not during a thorough survey one year later; it is either close to extinction or already extinct. Sometimes it is said to occur on the Talaud Islands also, but this is erroneous.
A subspecies of the little kingfisher.
There exist reports of locals that kingfishersprobably a subspecies of the chattering kingfisher (Todiramphus tutus) which is found on neighboring islands, but possibly vagrants from therewere found until around 1979 and there is a last record from 1984. Presently, no kingfishers are known to exist on Rarotonga.
Previously considered as a distinct species, then reclassified as a subspecies of the Guam kingfisher. Only seen once by scientists in 1887; the specimen taken is somewhat damaged, making identification by anything other than molecular analysis difficult. It is now thought likely that the specimen came from Guam, where the aforementioned species was distributed, rather than Miyako, which would make this subspecies invalid (it was declared invalid by the International Ornithological Congress in 2022).
This subspecies of the Madagascar pygmy kingfisher is only known from one specimen taken in 1974 in an area where most of its habitat had already been destroyed. However, there have been records of the species (or an uncertain subspecies) from near the type locality, suggesting it is likely that it may still exist.
A subspecies of the Visayan hornbill of somewhat uncertain taxonomic status (it was possibly a distinct species or possibly a color morph); the last confirmed report was in 1971 and it became extinct shortly thereafter.
Woodpeckers and related birds
A subspecies of the West Indian woodpecker of somewhat uncertain validity.
The nominate subspecies of the buff-rumped woodpecker became rare during the 19th century due to habitat destruction. The last confirmed record was in 1880, and it is now considered to be at least very rare.
A subspecies of the northern flicker (formerly considered to be a subspecies of the red-shafted flicker, as C. cafer rufipileus), it was last recorded in 1906 and not found again in both 1911 and 1922. It may be invalid. Recently, vagrant birds of a mainland red-shafted northern flicker subspecies (which one is unknown) have begun recolonizing the island as the habitat improved after the extirpation of feral goats.
The nominate subspecies of the white-mantled barbet has been considered extinct, but has been recorded recently.
Another subspecies of the white-mantled barbet, also considered extinct by some sources, but confirmed extant by researchers in Colombia.
A subspecies of the brown jacamar, or possibly a hybrid, a color morph or a distinct species. It may still exist, as it is only known from a remote and seldom-visited area.
A subspecies of the white-bellied woodpecker only known by three specimens collected before 1900.
Considered either a subspecies of the red kite, a distinct species, or a hybrid between the red and black kite (Milvus migrans), the validity of this taxon has recently been questioned on the basis of molecular analysis; however, hybridization and a confusing molecular phylogeny of red kite populations, coupled with the distinct phenotype of the Cape Verde birds, suggest that the taxonomic status of this form is far from resolved.
The nominate subspecies of the Nicobar sparrowhawka species which is itself currently classified as vulnerableis possibly extinct. It was last reliably recorded in 1901 and, despite searches, has not been sighted after an unconfirmed record in 1977; however, the species is known for being very shy and a population may persist unrecorded.
A subspecies of the peregrine falcon from the Ogasawara Islands. No sightings have been reported since 1945. A survey in 1982 failed to record it. Only known from Iwo Jima and Torishima.
The nominate subspecies of the red-and-blue lory was hybridised out of existence through crossbreeding with escaped captive individuals of its other still-existing subspecies, Challenger's red-and-blue lory (E. h. challengeri), with the last certainly distinct individuals disappearing in the 1990s or even much earlier than that.
Known only from a painting and descriptions; the nominate subspecies of the echo parakeet, with the other one being the still-existing Mauritius parakeet (P. e. echo).
A subspecies of the Philippine hanging parrot or colasisi; it is either very rare or already extinct.
A weakly differentiated subspecies of the Hispaniolan parakeet.
A subspecies of the brown-throated parakeet known from only two specimens collected in 1949 which are of unclear taxonomic and conservation status.
A weakly differentiated subspecies of the Puerto Rican amazon, which is itself highly endangered.
Pittidaepittas
A subspecies of the black-faced pitta. Once common on Bougainville; not recorded since 1938, but it is likely to have been overlooked.
Another subspecies of the black-faced pitta. Not found during recent searches; doubtful records from nearby islands, but it is also likely to have been overlooked.
Tyrannidaetyrant flycatchers
A subspecies of the bearded tachuri or possibly a distinct species that has not been recorded for some time and is now extinct.
A subspecies of Euler's flycatcher formerly known as Empidonax euleri johnstoni. It has not been recorded since the 1950s.
Furnariidaeovenbirds
A subspecies of the scale-throated earthcreeper; it is known only from two specimens taken in the early 1950s at Puno, Peru and has not been seen or found since. It may still exist, as there is no obvious reason why it should have become extinct.
A subspecies of the stripe-crowned spinetail known only from a few specimens and not recorded since the 1950s; it may be endangered or possibly extinct.
Formicariidaeantpittas and antthrushes
A subspecies of the giant antpitta (or possibly of the great antpitta, in which case it would be G. excelsa lehmanni) apparently not recorded since the 1940s. It may still exist in Puracé National Natural Park, where there is plentiful habitat remaining.
A subspecies of the brown-banded antpitta recently described from a specimen collected in 1878. It has not been recorded since, despite surveys at a number of likely locations.
MaluridaeAustralasian "wrens"
The nominate subspecies of the thick-billed grasswren. The last record was a clutch of eggs taken in 1936.
Another subspecies of the thick-billed grasswren last recorded in 1886.
A subspecies of the western grasswren last collected in 1910 and extinct since then.
Pardalotidaepardalotes, scrubwrens, thornbills and gerygones
A subspecies of the rufous bristlebird not recorded since 1940 despite a number of surveys since then, beginning in the 1970s.
A subspecies of the brown thornbill which has only been recorded about 10 times since its discovery and is considered extinct by some authorities. The latest record comes from 2002, suggesting a population is likely to still exist, but it is very rare.
PetroicidaeAustralasian "robins"
A subspecies of the hooded robin last observed in 1992 and not found in exhaustive searches later in the 1990s.
Cinclosomatidaewhipbirds and allies
A subspecies of the spotted quail-thrush last recorded in 1983 and not found in a survey the following year.
Artamidaewoodswallows, currawongs and allies
This subspecies of the pied currawong has been hybridised out of existence by crossbreeding with other subspecies, which probably came into contact with it following habitat destruction in the 1830s. The last certainly distinct individuals were recorded in 1927.
Monarchidaemonarch flycatchers
A subspecies of the celestial monarch; not uncommon on Negros in 1959, but not recorded since then. A single Sibuyan specimen from an unspecified locality taken in the 19th century is the only record for this island.
The nominate subspecies of the Marquesas monarch which was very rare by 1974 and not found during multiple surveys in the 1990s.
Rhipiduridaefantails
A subspecies of the New Zealand fantail that was considered virtually extinct in 1924 and not found by surveys four years later.
A subspecies of the rufous fantail; a conspicuous bird which has not been recorded since 1984.
Campephagidaecuckooshrikes and trillers
A subspecies of the bar-bellied cuckooshrike not recorded since its collection in 1906.
A subspecies of the common cicadabird known from a single specimen collected in 1931; quite possibly just a vagrant individual.
A subspecies of the blackish cuckooshrike; it may still exist, as this bird is rather unmistakable, and a 1999 record is therefore likely to be valid, though surveys since then have failed to record it.
Another subspecies of the blackish cuckooshrike; described from specimens collected in 1971, but apparently not seen since then. As few ornithologists have visited Marinduque and forest remains on the island, it is likely that it may still exist.
The nominate subspecies of the long-tailed triller or possibly a distinct species.
OriolidaeOld World orioles and allies
A subspecies of the dark-throated oriole not confirmed since 1906, though there were unconfirmed reports c. 2001, suggesting a possibility that it may still exist.
Corvidaecrows, ravens, jays and magpies
A distinct local white-with-black-markings and light brown-billed color morph of the North Atlantic raven, a subspecies of the common raven, found only on the Faroe Islands and not seen since 1902. Birds currently living on the Faroe Islands and on Iceland (the only other area in this subspecies' range) are all-black and black-billed; this still-existing color morph is named Corvus corax varius morpha typicus.
Regulidaekinglets
A subspecies of the ruby-crowned kinglet that has not been recorded since 1953.
Hirundinidaeswallows and martins
The nominate subspecies of the golden swallow; endemic to Jamaica. The last major roost site was destroyed in 1987 and the last confirmed sighting was in 1989. It may still exist in the Cockpit Country.
Phylloscopidaephylloscopid warblers or leaf warblers
A subspecies of the Canary Islands chiffchaff; it was probably extinct by 1986.
Cettiidaecettiid warblers or typical bush warblers
A subspecies of the Timor stubtail that has been considered extinct, but was recorded as common on Babar in 2009 and 2011.
The West African subspecies of Turner's eremomela has not been recorded since the end of the 1970s, but there is unsurveyed habitat in its range where it is likely that it may still exist. Its placement in Cettiidae requires confirmation.
Acrocephalidaeacrocephalid warblers or marsh warblers, tree warblers and reed warblers
Oral tradition and some early reports mention a bird called the annañ which inhabited some of the Marshall Islands. The best match is the Nauru reed warbler; the annañ might have been an undescribed subspecies of that species or a distinct but related species of reed warbler.
The nominate subspecies of the millerbird.
Pycnonotidaebulbuls
A subspecies of the blue-wattled bulbul known only from a single specimen taken in 1937; however, this entire "species" may be a hybrid.
Cisticolidaecisticolas and allies
The nominate subspecies of the white-winged apalis remains known only from the Tana River, a centre of endemism. It was last recorded in 1961.
Sylviidaesylviid ("true") warblers and parrotbills
A subspecies of the long-legged thicketbird; it was found only once, but there was an unconfirmed sighting in 1990, suggesting that it may still exist. Its placement in Sylviidae is doubtful.
A doubtfully distinct subspecies of the Sardinian warbler. It has not been recorded since 1939.
Zosteropidaewhite-eyes. Probably belong in Timaliidae.
The nominate subspecies of the bridled white-eye or possibly a monotypic species. It was last recorded in 1983.
The nominate subspecies of the Bonin white-eye (formerly known as the "Bonin honeyeater") not recorded since its last specimen was collected in 1930.
TimaliidaeOld World babblers
An enigmatic subspecies of Horsfield's babbler known from a single specimen. It has not been seen since the 1940s at the latest.
The nominate subspecies of Jerdon's babbler was last confirmed in 1941, but as there has been little fieldwork in its range and a possible sighting occurred in 1994, it is considered likely that it may still exist.
A subspecies of the white-browed crombec or possibly a distinct species. Restricted to the Lendu Plateau, it is probably rare, though unsurveyed forest remains where it is likely that it may still exist.
A subspecies of the bearded reedling which was once considered to be extinct due to the drainage of Lake Amik, but still exists in the area.
Troglodytidaewrens
A subspecies of the rock wren which became extinct c. 9:00 AM, August 1, 1952, when its island habitat was destroyed by a massive volcanic eruption.
A subspecies of Bewick's wren. An extinction date of "1903" seems to be in error;[12] the last unquestionable record dates from 1897 and a thorough search in 1901 failed to record it.
Another subspecies of Bewick's wren last recorded in 1941.
A disputed subspecies of the Eurasian wren; it is known from a single specimen that may have been a vagrant individual and, therefore, it is possibly invalid.
Found in 1914, 1969 and the 1970s; now very rare or already extinct. Its taxonomy is unresolved. A part of the house wren complex; other scientific names for it include T. musculus guadeloupensis and T. guadeloupensis.
Last found in 1886. Its taxonomy is also unresolved. Another part of the house wren complex; other scientific names for it include T. musculus martinicensis and T. martinicensis.
Paridaetits, chickadees and titmice
A subspecies of the varied tit last recorded in 1938 and not found in subsequent surveys in 1984 and 1986.
A subspecies of the coal tit only known by the type specimen from 1870.
Cinclidaedippers
A formerly recognised subspecies of the white-throated dipper that is now considered invalid. It became extinct in 1945.
MuscicapidaeOld World flycatchers and chats
A subspecies of the Sula jungle flycatcher that is known from a single specimen. It may be invalid.
A subspecies of the Canary Islands stonechat.
Turdidaethrushes and allies
The nominate subspecies of the island thrush last seen in 1975.
Another subspecies of the island thrush last collected in 1911 or 1912 and not found anymore in 1939.
Yet another subspecies of the island thrush last recorded in 1913 and extinct by 1928.
Yet another subspecies of the island thrush. Birds surviving on Tanna, New Hebrides, are presently considered to be the same subspecies; however, given the fact that this species readily differentiates into subspecies and that the distance between Tanna and Lifou is considerable, the Tanna birds may belong to a different subspecies, in which case the Lifou thrush would be considered extinct.
A subspecies of the forest thrush. It has been thought to be extinct, but it was recorded at Des Chassin in 2007.
The nominate subspecies of the red-and-black thrush; little is known about it.
A subspecies of the black-eared ground thrush or possibly a distinct species; known only from two specimens, both from 1966. It is likely that it still exists in suitable habitat, but it could already be extinct.
A subspecies of the russet-tailed thrush known from a single specimen found in 1924. It could have been wiped out by introduced feral cats, but the island is poorly known and so it should not be presumed extinct yet.
A subspecies of the Cuban solitaire. The last confirmed records were in the 1930s, with unconfirmed reports in the early 1970s.
Mimidaemockingbirds and thrashers
A subspecies of the scaly-breasted thrasher last recorded in 1987. Most of its range has been searched since then, with no records known.
Estrildidaeestrildid finches (waxbills, munias, etc.)
The nominate subspecies of the star finch last recorded in 1995 and not found during later searches in the 1990s. It is not known to survive in captivity.
Fringillidaetrue finches and Hawaiian honeycreepers
A subspecies of the house finch.
The nominate subspecies of the Maui ʻalauahio (or, more properly, the Maui Nui ʻalauahio), it was last recorded in 1937 and was certainly extinct by 1960.
IcteridaeNew World blackbirds and allies
A subspecies of the Jamaican oriole last recorded in 1967.
ParulidaeNew World warblers
The nominate subspecies of the Bahama yellowthroat; it is either extinct or almost extinct.
Thraupidaetanagers
A subspecies of the western chat-tanager last recorded in 1977 and probably extinct.
The nominate subspecies of the eastern chat-tanager; the last (unconfirmed?) record was in 1982 and concerted efforts to record it ever since have failed.
The (possibly invalid) nominate subspecies of the large ground finch collected by Charles Darwin in 1835; he gave no precise location for it. A similar bird was found in 1957, but no others have been seen since then.
A subspecies of the Puerto Rican bullfinch.
Emberizoideabuntings and New World sparrows
A subspecies of the rufous-crowned sparrow once common but not recorded during surveys in the 1970s or since then.
A subspecies of the song sparrow last seen in 1967; it became extinct due to a severe wildfire in 1959 and subsequent predation by feral cats. Officially declared extinct by the United States Fish and Wildlife Service in 1983.
A subspecies of the seaside sparrow last recorded in the wild in 1987.
A subspecies of the spotted towhee.