Top 10 Rarest Bird Species in the World

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1. Red-crowned Crane

2. New Zealand Night Parrot

5. Palila Bird

6. Scale-feathered Bird

7. Quail-billed Heron

8. Christmas Island Frigatebird

9. Honduran Emerald Flycatcher

10. Indian Paradise Flycatcher

1. Red-crowned Crane

Red-crowned Crane, also known as the Sarus Crane, is a subspecies of the Sarus Crane species. This rare bird is found in southern Vietnam, listed in the Red Data Book of Vietnam and the IUCN Red List.

Among flying birds, the Red-crowned Crane holds the record for the highest flying altitude. They have an omnivorous diet, consuming various raw foods commonly found in marshes and shallow waters such as roots, tubers, insects, crustaceans, and small mammals. Adult Red-crowned Cranes typically stand 150–180 cm tall; have a wingspan of 220–250 cm, and weigh on average 8–10 kg, making them the largest species in the crane family.

In recent years, Red-crowned Cranes have returned to the vast Dong Thap Muoi region in Vietnam due to the restoration of the wetland habitat, helping their feeding grounds to recover. Approximately 20 individuals are spotted in this area annually.

Red-crowned Crane

2. New Zealand Night Parrot

New Zealand Night Parrot, also known as kakapo or owl parrot, is a bird species in the Strigopidae family. It is a flightless parrot endemic to New Zealand.

This species is currently extremely rare and critically endangered. As of February 2012, only 126 individuals of this bird species are known to exist. Firstly, because they only inhabit the ancient forests of New Zealand, and secondly, due to their dwindling numbers (it can be said that the number of kakapo individuals currently counted is on the fingers of one hand), this species is very rarely known.

Currently, the large islands of Fiordland, Resolution, and Secretary are the focus of large-scale ecological restoration efforts to prepare for sustaining ecosystems with suitable habitats for Kakapo offspring.

New Zealand Night Parrot

Wild Pigmy Heron is a species of heron belonging to the Heron family. The adult bird has a forehead, crown, and facial disk that are reddish-brown, slightly tinged with purple. The area around the eyes is a ripe plum color, with a white collar and dark brownish-purple and black feather tips.

The rest of the plumage is generally brown with scattered small black spots. The tail is reddish-brown with horizontal black stripes. Its eyes are deep brown, the bill is yellowish-brown, and the legs are brown or yellowish-brown. This bird species is listed in the Red Data Book of Vietnam, with very high aesthetic and scientific value, serving as a precious genetic resource, with a rare and elusive population.

Wild Pigmy Heron

Wild Boar Heron

A photo of two orange-bellied parrots has been chosen as the symbol for the list of migratory bird species that are in extremely critical condition. These small parrots only inhabit the southwest of Tasmania and migrate to southeastern Australia during the winter.

Orange-bellied Parrot

5. Palila Bird

The population of palila birds in Hawaii is predicted to decline by 97% over the next 14 years. Habitat loss, predation by feral cats, and drought have all contributed to the ongoing decline of this Hawaiian bird species.

Palila Bird

6. Scale-feathered Bird

Currently, this bird species is only left with 2,500 individuals in Russia and China. Hence, they are extremely rare as they are facing a very high risk of extinction due to habitat loss and illegal hunting.

Scale-feathered Bird

7. Quail-billed Heron

The Asian quail-billed heron once thrived in Russia, Japan, and China, but its population has dwindled to about 250 individuals in China. The decline is due to illegal hunting and severe habitat destruction.

Quail-billed Heron

8. Christmas Island Frigatebird

This image captures the sight of the Christmas Island Frigatebird soaring over the Indian Ocean. The bird species found on the territory of Christmas Island is gradually disappearing due to habitat loss, phosphate mining, ocean pollution, and overfishing.

Christmas Island Frigatebird

Illustrative Image

9. Honduran Emerald Flycatcher

An image of the flycatcher bird taken in Honduras. The population of this species is also declining sharply due to habitat loss.

Honduran Emerald Flycatcher

10. Indian Paradise Flycatcher

This magnificent and majestic bird is also on the list needing protection. Hunting has placed it on the red list.

Indian Paradise Flycatcher

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Frequently Asked Questions

What is the conservation status of the Red-crowned Crane in Vietnam?

The Red-crowned Crane is classified as a rare bird and is listed in the Red Data Book of Vietnam as well as the IUCN Red List, highlighting its endangered status.

How many New Zealand Night Parrots are known to exist today?

As of February 2012, there are only 126 New Zealand Night Parrots, also known as kakapo, left, making them critically endangered and extremely rare in their natural habitat.

What are the main threats to the population of Palila birds in Hawaii?

The Palila bird population is predicted to decline significantly due to habitat loss, predation from feral cats, and drought, all contributing to its critical endangerment.

What are the primary reasons for the decline of the Quail-billed Heron population?

The Quail-billed Heron, once widespread in Russia, Japan, and China, has seen its numbers drop to around 250 due to illegal hunting and severe habitat destruction.

How does habitat loss affect the Christmas Island Frigatebird?

Habitat loss, along with phosphate mining, ocean pollution, and overfishing, has led to a gradual decline in the population of the Christmas Island Frigatebird, threatening its survival.