Do you know 7 world's most endangered bird species?

Birds are one of the most wonderful creatures in the world. The sight of flying birds high in the sky is a peaceful delight for everyone. These creatures play a vital role in maintaining the stunning beauty of nature around us! It's impossible to imagine the world without so many varieties of species all around us. But unfortunately for the last few decades, we have been going through the harsh truth of extinction of various bird species.

However, there are many more species that are on the critical border of extinction. These species are declared Critically Endangered species. Here is a list of those 7 most endangered bird species who require urgent action for their survival on the planet:

Giant ibis

Giant ibis is the National bird of Cambodia, found in Vietnam, southern Laos and Cambodia. It is a lowland bird species, often sighted in wide rivers, pools, ponds swamps, lakes and other water bodies. As the name implies it is the largest surviving ibis species with a height range of 102-106 cm and almost 4.2 kg weight. Due to its rarity and large size, the bird is a sort of attraction for bird watchers and naturalists. It is estimated that there are only 200 mature individuals left all over the world and have been considered Critically Endangered in the Red List by the IUCN. The major causes behind their declining population are drainage of wetlands, deforestation, illegal hunting for eggs and meat and habitat destruction due to the increasing human population. However, several steps have been taken by the conservation groups to save the Giant ibis from extinction. It's important to make locals aware and increase ecotourism for their survival on earth.

California Condor

The largest North American land bird - California Condor is found in northern Baja California in Mexico, mountains of southern and central California, southern Utah and northern Arizona The bird mainly feeds on the carcasses of sheep, dogs, goats, deer, rabbits, lions, whales and salmon. They can even survive for more than a week without eating anything. It has been found that there are 80 individuals in Utah and Arizona, 160 in Southern and Central California and almost 30 in Baja. They are listed as Critically Endangered by the IUCN and the reasons behind their declination are habitat destruction, DDT poisoning, poaching, egg collecting and also the overdue sexual maturity age. The conservation project of the species is considered among the most expensive projects costing around $35 million in the past and about $2.0 million in 2007. There are several myths among the local people regarding the California Condor and it's very important to take action to save the species from the brink of extinction.

Forest owlet

One of the smallest members of the owl family measuring only 23 cm of height and 240 grams of weight- the Forest Owlet is found in the forests of central India. Several times individuals have been spotted in the various parts of Maharashtra, Odisha, Gujarat, Madhya Pradesh and Chhattisgarh. There are several beliefs among the people regarding the creature and they are believed to be a symbol of fear, black magic, wisdom or courage. As the species resides mainly in the cavities of trees like Boswellia serrata, Lannea grandis, Tectona grandis and soymida febrifuga found in the deciduous forests of India, deforestation is the major threat to the species. There are approximately only less than 1,000 individuals left overall and as a result Forest owlet has been declared a Critically Endangered species in 2018 by the IUCN. I don't think it's too much hard to help them survive, just by spreading awareness all around and stopping cutting trees, we would be able to save them from getting disappeared.

Philippine eagle

Native to the forests of the Philippines - The Philippine eagle is the national bird of the Philippines. Other popular names for the bird are the Great Philippine eagle and the Monkey-eating eagle. Yes! the bird feeds on monkeys as well as large snakes, colugos, monitor lizards and heavy birds like hornbills. I think because of their large size they have a nice feast of various heavy- weighed prey.

However, the species is facing a major threat of extinction, nowadays. Habitat loss is considered as one of the major causes for their disappearance, due to the massive amounts of deforestation activities. It is found that there are only 600 individuals left and Birdlife International and IUCN has declared the bird a Critically Endangered species. The bird has also been listed among the Top 15 EDGE species by the Zoological Society of London. Regarding the issue, it is illegal to kill these birds and under the Philippines law, the criminal would be assigned 12 years in jail with high fines!

Fruit Dove

There are almost 50 different species of the Fruit Doves, also named Fruit Pigeons. The various species are found in different regions of Southeast Asia. But all the species are not extant some are considered Critically Endangered while others are almost extinct. The creatures mainly have fruits in their diet including figs, palms and laurels and being frugivorous, they are called Fruit Doves. It has been observed that the birds vary in colour combinations, shapes, size and characteristics found in diverse areas. It is hardly preferred to keep these birds as pets as they are not suited for cage life and are kept in bird rooms or aviaries for private collections. As there is a high need for awareness among the people to save them from extinction due to the threats of wild predators and habitat loss, several steps have been taken by the different conservation groups. Different species are bred in captivity, nowadays, to increase their population on the planet.

Hooded Grebe

This is one of my favourite bird species, don't you think they look amazingly beautiful? The Hooded Grebe is a medium-sized water bird native to the southern parts of Argentina. They look so cute! But these creatures have been observed disappearing slowly being hunted by a semiaquatic species - American Mink. It has been recorded that there are only 771 mature individuals left. Minks are believed to be the major threat to these birds as a single mink can lead to the loss of several grebes. The bird was declared a Critically Endangered species in the year 2012 by the IUCN. As the minks are responsible for their declining population and the grebes have a slower reproduction rate, they are not able to cope with the situation.

Snowy owl

This large, white owl species are found in the Arctic regions of North America and Palearctic known as the Snowy owl. It's quite hard to recognize them amid snow lands as it seems like a pale rock or a snowy lump from some distance. The other names are the white owl, polar owl or Arctic owl. It is one of the most interesting members of the owl family as being the only owl species having large white plumage. Males are completely white whereas females have tiny brown patches on their wings. Interestingly, where the other owl species sleep in the daytime and search for their prey at night, the snowy owls hunt during the day also. Some of the environmental factors (such as global warming) are the major cause behind their declining population with only about 100,000 left overall. The other factors behind their declination are the deaths caused due to power lines, car accidents and illegal hunting for the sale of their eyes and claws. I believe, if strict actions would be taken to save the Snowy owls by spreading awareness among the people for their conservation, then it is possible to save them from the risk of extinction.

Wrap Up

The above-listed bird species are among the rarest and unique birds in the world. Someway or the other, these birds are playing a major role in balancing the ecological system of the planet. It's an urgent need to save them from declination. I believe that by spreading awareness among the people and taking serious actions, we would be able to save them from the risk of extinction.

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