Three More Birds Join the Critically Endangered List

With 12% of the total bird species listed as critically endangered, it’s no surprise that this year three more joined the list.

Ethiopian Sidamo Lark

The Ethiopian Sidamo Lark could potentially become the first African bird to be declared extinct with the Savanna getting thronged with more bushes. Then there are the medium tree finch from Ecuador’s Galapagos Islands and the gorgeted puffleg from the Columbian Islands. All these birds have been categorized as critically endangered in the Red List formulated by the International Union for Conservation of Nature.

Galapagos Tree Finch

What’s funny (in a wrong way) is that the puffleg has only been recently discovered (in 2005), but as a consequence of coca farming in the Columbian mountains, it’s now on the verge of extinction.

Colombian Gorgeted Puffleg

Call it a relief, but there are some bird species where things improved. The Chatham petrel from New Zealand, the Mauritius fody and the Brazilian Lear’s macaw (increased four times in number), all moved from the critically endangered to the endangered bracket. Which is great!

[via dailymail] (Images courtesy of birdlife, stirwise, birdlife)

If you're new here and you like our articles, how about subscribing free for our updates via RSS feed.

Related posts:

1. Atlantic Giant Bluefin Tuna a Critically Endangered SpeciesFor a sushi fan like me, that would do anything for a bite of tuna, be it rolls (sashimi or whatever comes out from the...


2. US May Take Humpback Whale Off Endangered Species ListNew data shows that humpback whale populations have been growing steadily over recent decades, and as a result, the U.S. government may take the humpback...


3. Are any of the 12 Chinese New Year/Zodiac Animals on the endangered species list?Greenpacks is not the only folk that love animals.  The Chinese do, too. And since I (Bill) have an interest in China, I thought I’d...