by Iliad on Tue Aug 19, 2008 2:27 am
[edit] Perissodactyls
* Western Black Rhinoceros (2006, West Africa)
* Quagga (1883, South Africa)
* Tarpan (1919, Eurasia)
* Syrian Wild Ass (1928, Syria)
Now here are the birds gone extinct
Struthioniformes
King Island Emu
King Island Emu
The Ostrich and related ratites.
* King Island Emu, Dromaius ater (King Island, Australia, 1822)
Extinct in the wild c. 1805, the last captive specimen died in 1822 in the Jardin des Plantes.
* Kangaroo Island Emu, Dromaius baudinianus (Kangaroo Island, Australia, 1827)
* West Coast Spotted Kiwi, Apteryx occidentalis (South Island, New Zealand, c. 1900)
A doubtful form known from a single bird; may be a Little Spotted Kiwi subspecies or a hybrid between that species and the Rowi.
[edit] Anseriformes
Labrador Duck
Labrador Duck
Ducks, geese and swans.
* Korean Crested Shelduck, Tadorna cristata (Northeast Asia, late 20th century?)
A relict species from Northeast Asia. Officially critically endangered due to recent unconfirmed reports.
* Amsterdam Island Duck, Anas marecula (Amsterdam Island, South Indian Ocean, c.1800)
* Mariana Mallard, Anas oustaleti (Marianas, West Pacific, 1981)
* Finsch's Duck, Chenonetta finschi from New Zealand possibly survived to 1870
* Pink-headed Duck, Netta caryophyllacea (East India, Bangladesh, North Myanmar, 1945?) ā formerly Rhodonessa
Officially critically endangered; recent surveys have failed to rediscover it.
* Labrador Duck, Camptorhynchus labradorius (Northeast North America, c.1880)
* Auckland Islands Merganser, Mergus australis (Auckland Islands, Southwest Pacific, c.1902)
[edit] Galliformes
New Zealand Quail
New Zealand Quail
Quails and relatives.
* The Pile-builder Megapode, Megapodius molistructor may have survived on New Caledonia to the late 18th century as evidenced by descriptions of the bird named "Tetrao australis" and later "Megapodius andersoni".
* The Viti Levu Scrubfowl, Megapodius amissus of Viti Levu and possibly Kadavu, Fiji, may have survived to the early 19th or even the 20th century as suggested by circumstantial evidence.
* Raoul Island Scrubfowl, Megapodius sp. (Raoul, Kermadec Islands, 1876)
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.
* New Zealand Quail, Coturnix novaezelandiae (New Zealand, 1875)
* Himalayan Quail, Ophrysia superciliosa (North India, late 19th century?)
Officially critically endangered. Not recorded with certainty since 1876, but thorough surveys are still required, and there is 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).
* The Double-banded Argus, Argusianus bipunctatus, was described based on a single aberrant feather piece from an unknown locality found in 1871. This is apparently a rather simple developmental aberration.
[edit] Charadriiformes
Great Auk (Pinguinus impennis), Natural History Museum, London, England
Great Auk (Pinguinus impennis), Natural History Museum, London, England
Shorebirds, gulls and auks.
* Javanese Lapwing, Vanellus macropterus (Java, Indonesia, mid-20th century)
Officially classified as critically endangered, but as this conspicuous bird has not been recorded since 1940, it is almost certainly extinct.
* Tahitian Sandpiper, Prosobonia leucoptera (Tahiti, Society Islands, 19th century)
* White-winged Sandpiper, Prosobonia ellisi (Moorea, Society Islands, 19th century)
Doubtfully distinct from P. leucoptera.
* Eskimo Curlew, Numenius borealis (Northern North America, late 20th century?)
May still exist; officially classified as critically endangered, possibly extinct.
* Slender-billed Curlew, Numenius tenuirostris (Western Siberia, early 2000s?)
May still exist; officially classified as critically endangered. A few birds were recorded in 2004, following several decades of increasing rarity. There was an unconfirmed sighting in Albania in 2007.
* Great Auk, Pinguinus impennis (North Atlantic, early 1850s)
* Canarian Black Oystercatcher, Haematopus meadewaldoi (Eastern Canary Islands, E Atlantic, c. 1940?)
Later sightings of black oystercatchers off Senegal were not likely to be of this sedentary species, but two records from Tenerife - the last in 1981 - may be.
[edit] Gruiformes
Rails and allies.
"Leguat's Giant" or gƩant, a hypothetical giant rail from the Mascarenes described as Leguatia gigantea, is based on his descriptions of flamingos, as Leguat was not familiar with their French name flamand or thought that it referred to other birds (it was in his time sometimes used for spoonbills, for example).
Tahitian Red-billed Rail
Tahitian Red-billed Rail
* Antillean Cave-rail, Nesotrochis debooyi from Puerto Rico and the Virgin Islands possibly survived into the Modern Era.
* Hawkins' Rail, Diaphorapteryx hawkinsi (Chatham Islands, SW Pacific, 19th century)
* Rodrigues Rail, Aphanapteryx leguati (Rodrigues, Mascarenes, mid-18th century)
* Bar-winged Rail, Nesoclopeus poecilopterus (Fiji, Polynesia, c. 1980)
* New Caledonian Rail, Gallirallus lafresnayanus (New Caledonia, Melanesia, c. 1990?)
Officially classified as critically endangered, the last records were in 1984 and it seems that all available habitat is overrun by feral pigs and dogs, which prey on this bird.
* Wake Island Rail, Gallirallus wakensis (Wake Island, Micronesia, 1945)
* Tahiti Rail, Gallirallus pacificus (Tahiti, Society Islands, late 18th ā 19th century)
* Dieffenbach's Rail, Gallirallus dieffenbachii (Chatham Islands, SW Pacific, mid-19th century)
* Sharpe's Rail, Gallirallus sharpei (Indonesia?, 20th century?)
A bird known from a single skin of unknown origin. A research project has been proposed to shed light on its relationships and possible place of origin.
* Vava'u Rail, Gallirallus cf. vekamatolu (Vava'u, Tonga, early 19th century?)
This bird is known only from a drawing by the 1793 Malaspina expedition, apparently depicting a species of Gallirallus. The 'Eua Rail, Gallirallus vekamatolu, is known from prehistoric bones found on 'Eua, but this species is almost certainly not G. vekamatolu, as that bird was flightless and hence is unlikely to have settled 3 distant islands. However, it probably was a close relative.
Hawaiian Rail
Hawaiian Rail
* The Norfolk Island Rail, Gallirallus sp. may be the bird shown on a bad watercolor illustration made around 1800.
* Chatham Rail, Cabalus modestus (Chatham Islands, SW Pacific, c. 1900)
* Red-throated Wood-rail, Aramides gutturalis (Peru, 20th century?)
Usually considered a badly prepared specimen of the Grey-necked Wood Rail, the single known individual of this bird may prove a distinct species though.
*
* Laysan Rail, Porzana palmeri (Laysan Island, Hawaiian Islands, 1944)
* Hawaiian Rail, Porzana sandwichensis (Big Island, Hawaiian Islands, c. 1890)
* Kosrae Island Crake, Porzana monasa (Kosrae, Carolines, c. mid-late 19th century)
* Miller's Crake, Porzana nigra (Tahiti, Society Islands, c. 1800)
Known only from paintings and descriptions; taxonomic status uncertain as the material is often believed to refer to the extant Spotless Crake.
The Laysan Rail was an omnivore
The Laysan Rail was an omnivore
* Lord Howe Swamphen, Porphyrio albus (Lord Howe Island, SW Pacific, early 19th century)
* RĆ©union Swamphen or Oiseau bleu, Porphyrio coerulescens (RĆ©union, Mascarenes, 18th century)
Known only from descriptions. Former existence of a Porphyrio on RĆ©union is fairly certain, but not proven to date.
* Marquesas Swamphen, Porphyrio paepae (Hiva Oa and Tahuata, Marquesas)
May have survived to c. 1900. In the lower right corner of Paul Gauguin's 1902 painting Le Sorcier d'Hiva Oa ou le Marquisien Ć la cape rouge there is a bird which reminds of native descriptions of P. paepae.
* The North Island TakahÄ, Porphyrio mantelli known from subfossil bones found on North Island, New Zealand, may have survived to 1894 or later.
* New Caledonia Swamphen, Porphyrio kukwiedei from New Caledonia, Melanesia, may have survived into historic times. The native name n'dino is thought to refer to this bird.
* Samoan Wood Rail, Gallinula pacifica (Savai'i, Samoa, 1907?)
Probably better placed in the genus Pareudiastes, unconfirmed reports from the late 20th century suggest it still survives in small numbers, and therefore it is officially classified as critically endangered.
Lord Howe Swamphen
Lord Howe Swamphen
* Makira Wood Rail, Gallinula silvestris (Makira, Solomon Islands, mid-20th century?)
Only known from a single specimen, this rail is probably better placed in its own genus, Edithornis. There are some unconfirmed recent records that suggest it still survives, and thus it is officially classified as critically endangered.
* Tristan Moorhen, Gallinula nesiotis (Tristan da Cunha, Atlantic, late 19th century)
* Rallidae gen. et sp. indet.
Unknown rail from Amsterdam Island, one specimen found but not recovered. Extinct by 1800 or may have been straggler of extant species.
* Tahitian "Goose", Rallidae gen. et sp. indet. (Tahiti, late 18th century?)
Early travellers to Tahiti reported a "goose" that was found in the mountains. Altogether, a species of the rail genus Porphyrio seems the most likely choice.
[edit] Podicipediformes
Grebes.
* Colombian Grebe, Podiceps andinus (BogotĆ” area, Colombia, 1977)
* Alaotra Grebe, Tachybaptus rufolavatus (Lake Alaotra, Madagascar, late 1980s?)
Officially critically endangered, possibly extinct, declined through habitat destruction and hybridization with the Little Grebe. Disappeared from only known location in the 1980s.
* AtitlƔn Grebe, Podilymbus gigas (Lake AtitlƔn, Guatemala, 1989)
[edit] Ciconiiformes
Herons and related birds.
The "Painted Vulture" (Sarcorhamphus sacra), a Floridan bird supposedly similar to the King Vulture, seems based on a misidentification of the Crested Caracara. See King Vulture article for discussion.
Sometimes assigned to the genus Nycticorax
*
* Rodrigues Night Heron, Nycticorax megacephalus (Rodrigues, Mascarenes, mid-18th century)
Known only from subfossil bones, but the description of a flightless Ascension bird by F. AndrƩ Thevet cannot be identified with anything other than this species.
* New Zealand Little Bittern, Ixobrychus novaezelandiae (New Zealand, late 19th century)
Long considered to be vagrant individuals of the Australian Little Bittern, bones recovered from Holocene deposits indicate that this was indeed a distinct taxon, but it might not be a separate species.
* RĆ©union Sacred Ibis, Threskiornis solitarius (RĆ©union, Mascarenes, early 18th century)
This species was the basis of the "RĆ©union Solitaire", a supposed relative of the Dodo and the Rodrigues Solitaire. Given the fact that ibis (but no dodo-like) bones were found on RĆ©union and that old descriptions match a flightless Sacred Ibis quite well, the "RĆ©union Solitaire" hypothesis has been refuted.
[edit] Pelecaniformes
Cormorants and related birds.
* Spectacled Cormorant, Phalacrocorax perspicillatus (Komandorski Islands, North Pacific, c. 1850)
[edit] Procellariiformes
Petrels, shearwaters, albatrosses and storm-petrels.
* Jamaica Petrel, Pterodroma caribbaea (Jamaica, West Indies)
Possibly a subspecies of the Black-capped Petrel; unconfirmed reports suggest it might survive. Officially classified as critically endangered, possibly extinct.
* Pterodroma cf. leucoptera (Mangareva, Gambier Islands, 20th century?)
A wing of a carcass similar to Gould's Petrel was recovered on Mangareva in 1922, where it possibly bred. No such birds are known to exist there today.
* Guadalupe Storm-petrel, Oceanodroma macrodacyla (Guadalupe, East Pacific, 1910s)
Officially critically endangered, possibly extinct, but a thorough survey in 2000 concluded the species was certainly extinct.
[edit] Sphenisciformes
Penguins
* The Chatham Islands Penguin, Eudyptes sp. (Chatham Islands, SW Pacific), is only known from subfossil bones, but a bird kept captive at some time between 1867 and 1872 might refer to this taxon.
[edit] Columbiformes
Male Passenger Pigeon
Male Passenger Pigeon
Pigeons, doves and dodos.
* St Helena Dove, Dysmoropelia dekarchiskos, possibly survived into the Modern Era.
* Passenger Pigeon, Ectopistes migratorius (Eastern North America, 1914)
The passenger pigeon was once probably the most common bird in the world, a single flock numbering up to several billion birds. It was hunted close to extinction for food and sport in the late 19th century. The last individual died in the Cincinnati Zoo in 1914.
* The Silvery Pigeon, Columba argentina, has not been reliably observed since 1931 and may be extinct. It is difficult to distinguish from the common Pied Imperial Pigeon, however.
* Bonin Woodpigeon, Columba versicolor (Nakodo-jima and Chichi-jima, Ogasawara Islands, c. 1890)
* Ryukyu Woodpigeon, Columba jouyi (Okinawa and Daito Islands, Northwest Pacific, late 1930s)
Its generic allocation is not fully resolved. There seems to have been at least another species of pigeon on RĆ©union (probably an Alectroenas), but bones have not yet been found. It disappeared at the same time.
Its generic allocation is not fully resolved. A possible subspecies of the Madagascar Turtle Dove, this seems not to be the bird observed by Leguat. Introduced rats might have killed it off in the late 17th century.
Choiseul Crested Pigeon
Choiseul Crested Pigeon
* Liverpool Pigeon, "Caloenas" maculata
Also known as the Spotted Green Pigeon, the only known specimen has been in Liverpool 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 titi, but this has not been verified.
* Sulu Bleeding-heart, Gallicolumba menagei (Tawitawi, Philippines, late 1990s?)
Officially listed as critically endangered. Only known from 2 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 not extinct, this species is very rare, but the ongoing civil war prevents comprehensive surveys.
* Norfolk Island Ground-dove, Gallicolumba norfolciensis (Norfolk Island, Southwest Pacific, c. 1800)
* Tanna Ground-dove, Gallicolumba ferruginea (Tanna, Vanuatu, late 18th-19th century)
Only known from descriptions of 2 now-lost specimens.
* Thick-billed Ground-dove, Gallicolumba salamonis (Makira and Ramos, Solomon Islands, mid-20th century?)
Last recorded in 1927, only 2 specimens exist. Declared extinct in 2005.
* Choiseul Crested Pigeon, Microgoura meeki (Choiseul, Solomon Islands, early 20th century)
* Red-moustached Fruit-dove, Ptilinopus mercierii (Nuku Hiva and Hiva Oa, Marquesas, mid-20th century)
Two subspecies, the little-known P. m. mercierii of Nuku Hiva (extinct mid-late 19th century) and P. m. tristrami of Hiva Oa.
Mauritius Blue Pigeon
Mauritius Blue Pigeon
* Negros Fruit-dove, Ptilinopus arcanus (Negros, Philippines, late 20th century?)
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 critically endangered, it might occur on Panay, but no survey has located it. One possible record in 2002 seems not to have been followed up.
* Mauritius Blue Pigeon, Alectroenas nitidissima (Mauritius, Mascarenes, c. 1830s)
* Farquhar Blue Pigeon, Alectroenas sp. (Farquhar Group, Seychelles, 19th century)
Only known from early reports; possibly a subspecies of the Comoro or Seychelles Blue Pigeon.
* Rodrigues Grey Pigeon, "Alectroenas" rodericana (Rodrigues, Mascarenes, mid-18th century)
A mysterious bird of unknown affinities, known from a few bones and, as it seems, two historical reports.
* For the "RĆ©union Solitaire", see RĆ©union Sacred Ibis.
[edit] Psittaciformes
Parrots.
Mounted specimen of Conuropsis carolinensis, Museum Wiesbaden, Germany
Mounted specimen of Conuropsis carolinensis, Museum Wiesbaden, Germany
* New Caledonian Lorikeet, Charmosyna diadema (New Caledonia, Melanesia, mid-20th century?)
Officially critically endangered, there have been no reliable reports of this bird since the early 20th century. It is, however, small and inconspicuous.
* Norfolk Island KÄkÄ, Nestor productus (Norfolk and Philip Islands, SW Pacific, 1851?)
* Society Parakeet, Cyanoramphus ulietanus (Raiatea, Society Islands, late 18th century)
* Black-fronted Parakeet, Cyanoramphus zealandicus (Tahiti, Society Islands, c. 1850)
* Paradise Parrot, Psephotus pulcherrimus (Rockhampton area, Australia, late 1920s)
* The Night Parrot, Pezoporus occidentalis, officially critically endangered, is a mysterious species which is possibly close to extinction. It was only reliably recorded twice in the late 20th century, the last time in 1991. More probably, it still persists in small numbers as an immature bird was found dead in Diamantina National Park in late 2006.
* The Oceanic Eclectus Parrot, Eclectus infectus, known from subfossil bones found on Tonga, Vanuatu, and possibly Fiji, may have survived until the 18th century: a bird which seems to be a male Eclectus parrot was drawn in a report on the Tongan island of VavaŹ»u by the Malaspina expedition. Also a 19th century Tongan name Ź»ÄŹ»Ä ("parrot") for "a beautiful bird found only at Ź»Eua" is attested (see here under "Kaka"). This seems to refer either E. infectus which in Tonga is only known from VavaŹ»u and Ź»Eua, or the extirpated population of the Collared Lory which also occurred there. It is possible but unlikely that the species survived on Ź»Eua until the 19th century.
Seychelles Parakeet
Seychelles Parakeet
* Seychelles Parakeet, Psittacula wardi (Seychelles, W Indian Ocean, 1883)
* Newton's Parakeet, Psittacula exsul (Rodrigues, Mascarenes, c. 1875)
* Mascarene Parrot, Mascarinus mascarinus (RĆ©union and possibly Mauritius, Mascarenes, 1834?)
Last known individual was a captive bird which was alive before 1834.
May have survived to the late 18th century. A smaller related form described as Mauritius Grey Parrot (Lophopsittacus bensoni) may be the female of L. mauritianus.
* Rodrigues Parrot, Necropsittacus rodericanus (Rodrigues, Mascarenes, late 18th century)
The species N. francicus is fictional, N. borbonicus most likely so.
* Glaucous Macaw, Anodorhynchus glaucus (N Argentina, early 20th century)
Officially critically endangered due to persistent rumours of wild birds, but probably extinct.
* Cuban Red Macaw, Ara tricolor (Cuba, West Indies, late 19th century)
A number of related 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.
Norfolk Island KÄkÄ
Norfolk Island KÄkÄ
* Carolina Parakeet, Conuropsis carolinensis (SE North America, c. 1930?)
Although the date of the last captive bird's death in the Cincinnati Zoo, 1918, is generally given as extinction date, there are convincing reports of some wild populations persisting until later. Two subspecies, C. c. carolinensis (east and south of the Appalachian range ā extinct 1918 or c. 1930) and C. c. ludovicianus (Louisiana Parakeet, west of the Appalachian range ā extinct early 1910s).
* Guadeloupe Parakeet, Aratinga labati (Guadeloupe, West Indies, late 18th century)
Only known from descriptions, the former existence of this bird is likely for biogeographic reasons and because details as described cannot be referred to known species.
* SinĆŗ Parakeet, Pyrrhura subandina (Colombia, mid-20th century?)
Recently recognized as a distinct species, this bird has a very restricted distribution and was last reliably recorded in 1940. It was not found during searches in 2004 and 2006 and seems to be extinct; relocation efforts continue but are hampered by the threat of armed conflict.
* Martinique Amazon, Amazona martinica (Martinique, West Indies, mid-18th century)
* Guadeloupe Amazon, Amazona violacea (Guadeloupe, West Indies, mid-18th century)
The extinct amazon parrots were originally described after travelers' descriptions. Both are now considered valid extinct species closely related to the Imperial Amazon.
[edit] Cuculiformes
Cuckoos.
* Delalande's Coua, Coua delalandei (Madagascar, late 19th century?)
* St Helena Cuckoo, Nannococcyx psix (St Helena, Atlantic, 18th century)
[edit] Falconiformes
Birds of prey.
* Cuban Kite, Chondrohierax wilsonii (Cuba, West Indies, early 2000s?)
Often considered a subspecies of the Hook-billed Kite, it is at least critically endangered. While a small remnant probably survives in eastern Cuba, it has not been seen for some years; recent efforts to find the birds have hitherto drawn a blank but continue.
* The Bermuda Hawk, Bermuteo avivorus, known from Late Quaternary bones from Bermuda (W Atlantic), might have survived to the early 17th century[citation needed]
* Guadalupe Caracara, Polyborus lutosus (Guadelupe, E Pacific, 1900 or 1903)
[edit] Strigiformes
Laughing Owl
Laughing Owl
Typical owls and barn-owls.
* RĆ©union Owl, Mascarenotus grucheti (RĆ©union, Mascarenes, late 17th century?)
* Mauritius Owl, Mascarenotus sauzieri (Mauritus, Mascarenes, c. 1850)
* Rodrigues Owl, Mascarenotus murivorus (Rodrigues, Mascarenes, mid-18th century)
The preceding two species were variously placed in Bubo, Athene, "Scops" (=Otus), Strix, and Tyto before their true affinity was realized.
* New Caledonian Boobook, Ninox cf. novaeseelandiae (New Caledonia, Melanesia)
Known only from prehistoric bones, but might still survive.
* Laughing Owl, Sceloglaux albifacies (New Zealand, 1914?)
Two subspecies, S. a. albifacies (South Island and Stewart Island, extinct 1914?) and S. a. rufifacies (North Island, extinct c. 1870s?) ā circumstantial evidence suggests small remnants survived until the early/mid-20th century.
* The Puerto Rican Barn-owl, Tyto cavatica, known from prehistoric remains found in caves of Puerto Rico, West Indies, may still have existed in 1912 given reports of the presence of cave-roosting owls.
* The Bahaman Barn-owl, Tyto pollens, known from prehistoric remains found on Andros (Bahamas), may have survived to the 16th century as indicated by the "Chickcharnie" legend.
* Siau Scops-owl Otus siaoensis (20th century?)
Only known from the holotype collected in 1866. Endemic to the small volcanic island of Siau north of Sulawesi in Indonesia. Might still survive as there are ongoing rumours of scops-owls at Siau.
[edit] Caprimulgiformes
Caprimulgidae - Nightjars and nighthawks.
Reclusive ground-nesting birds that sally out at night to hunt for large insects and similar prey. They are easily located by the males' song, but this is not given all year. Habitat destruction represents currently the biggest threat, while island populations are threatened by introduced mammalian predators, notably dogs, cats, pigs and mongoose.
* Jamaican Pauraque, Siphonorhis americana (Jamaica, West Indies, late 19th century?)
Reports of unidentifiable nightjars from the 1980s in habitat appropriate for S. americana suggest that this cryptic species may still exist. Research into this possibility is currently underway; pending further information, it is classified as critically endangered, possibly extinct.
* Cuban Pauraque, Siphonorhis daiquiri (Cuba, West Indies, prehistoric?)
Described from subfossil bones in 1985. There are persistent rumors that this bird, which was never seen alive by scientists, may still survive. Compare Puerto Rican Nightjar and preceding.
Vaurie's Nightjar (Caprimulgus centralasicus) is only known from a single 1929 specimen from Xinjiang, China. It has never been found again, but the validity of this supposed species is seriously disputed. It was never refuted to be an immature female desert European Nightjar.
The Nechisar Nightjar (Caprimulgus solala) is known only from a single preserved wing of a bird roadkilled on the Nechisar plains in Ethiopia in 1990. Unlikely to be extinct, no dedicated effort has been made to relocate it.
[edit] Apodiformes
Swifts and hummingbirds.
* Coppery Thorntail, Discosura letitiae (Bolivia?)
Known only from 3 trade specimens of unknown origin. Might still exist.
* Brace's Emerald, Chlorostilbon bracei (New Providence, Bahamas, late 19th century)
* Gould's Emerald, Chlorostilbon elegans (Jamaica or northern Bahamas, West Indies, late 19th century)
* Alfaro's Hummingbird, Amazilia alfaroana (Costa Rica, c.1900)
Sometimes separated in Saucerottia and/or considered a subspecies of the Indigo-capped Hummingbird (as A./S. cyanifrons alfaroana), this bird is known only from a late 19th century specimen and has never been seen since.
* Bogota Sunangel, Heliangelus zusii (Colombia?)
A mysterious bird known only from a single specimen of unknown origin. Might be a hybrid (although the specimen is very distinct) or might still exist.
* Turquoise-throated Puffleg, Eriocnemis godini (Ecuador, 20th century?)
Officially classified as critically endangered, possibly extinct. Known only from 6 pre-1900 specimens, the habitat at the only known site where it occurred has been destroyed. However, the bird's distribution remains unresolved.
[edit] Coraciiformes
Kingfishers and related birds.
* Ryūkyū Kingfisher, Todiramphus (cinnamominus) miyakoensis (Miyako-jima, Ryukyu Islands, late 19th century)
This was probably a subspecies of the Micronesian Kingfisher Todiramphus cinnamominus. Only seen once by scientists, in 1887; the specimen taken is somewhat damaged, making identification by other than molecular analysis difficult.
[edit] Piciformes
Woodpeckers and related birds.
* Imperial Woodpecker, Campephilus imperialis (Mexico, late 20th century)
This 60-centimeter-long woodpecker is officially listed as critically endangered, possibly extinct. Occasional unconfirmed reports come up, the most recent in late 2005.
* There is much uncertainty on whether the North American Ivory-billed Woodpecker (Campephilus principalis principalis) was indeed rediscovered in the White River National Wildlife Refuge of Arkansas in 2004. The Cuban Ivory-billed Woodpecker (Campephilus principalis bairdii) was last seen in 1987 and is generally considered extinct, but there are a few patches of habitat not yet surveyed.
[edit] Passeriformes
Perching birds.
The famous Stephens Island Wren, victim of feral cats
The famous Stephens Island Wren, victim of feral cats
Acanthisittidae ā New Zealand "wrens"
* Stephens Island Wren, Xenicus lyalli (New Zealand, 1895?)
The species famously (but erroneously) claimed to have been made extinct by a single cat named "Tibbles".
* Bush Wren, Xenicus longipes (New Zealand, 1972)
3 subspecies: X. l. stokesi (North Island, extinct 1955); X. l. longipes (South Island, extinct 1968(; X. l. variabilis (Stewart Island, extinct 1972).
Formicariidae ā antpittas and antthrushes
* TƔchira Antpitta, Grallaria chthonia (Venezuela, late 20th century?)
Officially Critically Endangered, this species has not been recorded since 1956 and although some habitat still exists, it was not found in dedicated searches in the 1990s.
Meliphagidae ā honeyeaters and Australian chats
* Kioea, Chaetoptila angustipluma (Big Island, Hawaiian Islands, 1860s)
* HawaiŹ»i Ź»ÅŹ»Å, Moho nobilis (Big Island, Hawaiian Islands, 1930s)
* OŹ»ahu Ź»ÅŹ»Å, Moho apicalis (OŹ»ahu, Hawaiian Islands, mid-19th century)
* MolokaŹ»i Ź»ÅŹ»Å, Moho bishopi (MolokaŹ»i and probably Maui, Hawaiian Islands, c. 1910 or 1980s)
* KauaŹ»i Ź»ÅŹ»Å, Moho braccatus (KauaŹ»i, Hawaiian Islands, 1987)
* Chatham Island Bellbird, Anthornis melanocephala (Chatham Islands, Southwest Pacific, c. 1910)
Unconfirmed records exist from the early-mid 1950s
HawaiŹ»i Ź»ÅŹ»Å
HawaiŹ»i Ź»ÅŹ»Å
Acanthizidae ā scrubwrens, thornbills, and gerygones
* Lord Howe Gerygone, Gerygone insularis (Lord Howe Island, Southwest Pacific, c. 1930)
Pachycephalidae ā whistlers, shrike-thrushes, pitohuis and allies
* Mangarevan Whistler, ?Pachycephala gambierana (Mangareva, Gambier Islands, late 19th century?)
A mysterious bird of which no specimen exists today. It was initially described as a shrike, then classified as an Eopsalteria "robin", and may actually be an Acrocephalus warbler.
Dicruridae ā monarch flycatchers and allies
* Maupiti Monarch, Pomarea pomarea (Maupiti, Society Islands, mid-19th century)
* Eiao Monarch, Pomarea fluxa (Eiao, Marquesas, late 1970s)
Previously considered a subspecies of the Iphis Monarch, this is an early offspring of the Marquesan stock.
* Nuku Hiva Monarch, Pomarea nukuhivae (Nuku Hiva, Marquesas, mid-late 20th century)
Previously considered a subspecies of the Marquesas Monarch, this is another early offspring of the Marquesan stock.
* Ua Pou Monarch, Pomarea mira (Ua Pou, Marquesas, c. 1986)
Previously considered another subspecies of the Marquesas Monarch, this was a distinct species most closely related to that bird and the Fatuhiva Monarch.
* Guam Flycatcher, Myiagra freycineti (Guam, Marianas, 1983)
Corvidae ā crows, ravens, magpies and jays
* Banggai Crow, Corvus unicolor (Banggai or Peleng Island, Indonesia, 20th century?)
Officially critically endangered, it is known only from two specimens taken on an unspecified island at some date in the late 19th century, probably in 1884 or 1885. Possible sightings in 1981 and 1991, but no unequivocal recent records and amount of habitat destruction suggest this species is extinct.
Vangidae ā vangas
* Short-toed Nuthatch Vanga, Hypositta perdita (Madagascar, mid-20th century?)
An enigmatic bird known only from 2 recently fledged juveniles collected in 1931, it was not found during a thorough search in 1996.
ā Turnagridae ā piopios
* North Island Piopio, Turnagra tanagra (North Island, New Zealand, c. 1970?)
Not reliably recorded since about 1900.
* South Island Piopio, Turnagra capensis (South Island, New Zealand, 1960s?)
Two subspecies, T. c. minor from Stephens Island (extinct c. 1897) and the nominate T. c. capensis from the South Island mainland (last specimen taken in 1902, last unconfirmed record in 1963)
Male (front) and female (back) Huia
Male (front) and female (back) Huia
Callaeidae ā New Zealand wattlebirds
* Huia, Heteralocha acutirostris (North Island, New Zealand, early 20th century)
Hirundinidae ā swallows and martins
* White-eyed River Martin, Pseudochelidon sirintarae (Thailand, late 1980s?)
Officially 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 repors suggest it may occur in Cambodia.
* Red Sea Swallow, Petrochelidon perdita (Red Sea area, late 20th century?)
Known from a single specimen, this enigmatic swallow probably still exists, but the lack of recent records is puzzling. It is alternatively placed in the genus Hirundo.
Megaluridae ā megalurid warblers or grass warblers
* Chatham Islands Fernbird, Bowdleria rufescens (Chatham Islands, New Zealand, c. 1900)
Often placed in genus Megalurus, but this is based on an incomplete review of the evidence.
Cisticolidae ā cisticolas and allies
* Tana River Cisticola, Cisticola restrictus (Kenya, 1970s?)
A mysterious bird, found in the Tana River basin in small numbers at various dates, but not since 1972. Probably invalid, based on aberrant or hybrid specimens. An unconfirmed sighting was apparently made in 2007 in the Tana River Delta.
Zosteropidae ā white-eyes. Probably belong into Timaliidae.
* Lord Howe White-eye, Zosterops strenuus (Lord Howe Island, Southwest Pacific, c. 1918)
Timaliidae ā Old World babblers
* Black-browed Babbler, Malacocincla perspicillata (Borneo?, Indonesia, 20th century?)
Known from a single mid-19th century specimen, this bird may be extinct or could still exist. If the specimen label, usually considered erroneous in claiming "Java" as the bird's origin, is correct, it may have gone extinct earlier.
Sylvioidea incertae sedis
* Aldabra Brush-warbler, Nesillas aldabrana (Aldabra, Indian Ocean, c. 1984)
Acrocephalidae ā Marsh- and tree-warblers
* Moorea Reed-warbler, Acrocephalus longirostris - (Moorea, 1980s?) (split from Acrocephalus caffer in 2008)[1]
Last reliable sighting was in 1981. Survey in 1986/1987 remained unsuccessful. A photograph of a warbler from Moorea in 1998 or 1999 taken by Philippe Bacchet remains uncertain.
Muscicapidae ā Old World flycatchers and chats
* Rueck's Blue Flycatcher, Cyornis ruckii (Malaysia or Indochina, 20th century?)
An enigmatic bird known from 2 or 4 possibly migrant specimens, last recorded in 1918. Might exist in NE Indochina and might be a subspecies of the Hainan Blue Flycatcher.
Turdidae ā thrushes and allies
* Grand Cayman Thrush, Turdus ravidus (Grand Cayman, West Indies, late 1940s)
* Bonin Thrush, Zoothera terrestris (Chichi-jima, Ogasawara Islands, c. 1830s)
* Ź»Ämaui, Myadestes woahensis (OŹ»ahu, Hawaiian Islands, mid-19th century)
* KÄmaŹ»o, Myadestes myadestinus (KauaŹ»i, Hawaiian Islands, 1990s)
* OlomaŹ»o, Myadestes lanaiensis (Hawaiian Islands, 1980s?)
Officially critically endangered, possibly extinct because a possible location on MolokaŹ»i remains unsurveyed. Two subspecies are known from LanaŹ»i (M. l. lanaiensis, extinct early 1930s), MolokaŹ»i (M. l. rutha, extinct 1980s?) and a possible third subspecies from Maui (extinct before late 19th century).
Sturnidae ā starlings
Bourbon Crested Starling
Bourbon Crested Starling
* Kosrae Island Starling, Aplonis corvina (Kosrae, Carolines, mid-19th century)
* Mysterious Starling, Aplonis mavornata (Mauke, Cook Islands, mid-19th century)
* Tasman Starling, Aplonis fusca (Norfolk Island and Lord Howe Island, Southwest Pacific, c. 1923)
Two subspecies, A. f. fusca ā Norfolk Island Starling (extinct c. 1923); A. fusca hulliana ā Lord Howe Starling (extinct c. 1919).
* Pohnpei Starling, Aplonis pelzelni (Pohnpei, Micronesia, c. 2000)
Only one reliable record since 1956, in 1995, leaves the species' survival seriously in doubt.
* Bay Starling, Aplonis? ulietensis (Raiatea, Society Islands, between 1774 and 1850)
Usually called "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 starling Aplonis diluvialis on neighboring Huahine, it seems likely that this bird also belonged to this genus.
* Bourbon Crested Starling, Fregilupus varius (RĆ©union, Mascarenes, 1850s)
* Rodrigues Starling, Necropsar rodericanus (Rodrigues, Mascarenes, late 18th century?)
The bird variously described as Testudophaga bicolor, Necropsar leguati or Orphanopsar leguati which was considered to be identical with N. rodericanus (which is only known from fossils) was finally resolved to be based on a misidentified partially albinistic specimen of the Martinique Trembler (Cinclocerthia gutturalis)
Mimidae ā mockingbirds and thrashers
* Cozumel Thrasher, Toxostoma guttatum (Cozumel, Caribbean, early 2000s?)
The most recent possible extinction on this list. It is still unknown whether the tiny population rediscovered in 2004 survived Hurricanes Emily and Wilma in 2005. Unconfirmed records in April 2006 and October and December 2007.
Bachman's Warbler
Bachman's Warbler
Estrildidae ā estrildid finches (waxbills, munias, etc)
* Black-lored Waxbill, Estrilda nigriloris (D.R. Congo, Africa, late 20th century?)
An enigmatic waxbill not seen since 1950; because part of its habitat is in Upemba National Park it may survive.
Icteridae ā grackles
* Slender-billed Grackle, Quiscalus palustris (Mexico, 1910)
Parulidae ā New World warblers
* Bachman's Warbler, Vermivora bachmanii (Southern USA, c. 1990?)
Officially critically endangered, possibly extinct
* Semper's Warbler, Leucopeza semperi (Saint Lucia, Caribbean, 1970s)
Ploceidae ā Weavers
* Foudia delloni, new name for the RĆ©union Fody (Cheke & Hume 2008), known from travel reports by Gabriel Dellon in 1668 and Dubois (1674), Foudia bruante (S. MĆ¼ller 1776) might be a colour morph of the Madagascar Weaver (Cheke & Hume 2008)[2]
Fringillidae ā true finches and Hawaiian honeycreepers
* Tawny-headed Mountain Finch, Leucosticte sillemi (Xinjiang, mid- or late 20th century?)
An enigmatic bird known from just 2 specimens collected in 1929. As no threats are known, probably still extant, but the lack of recent records is puzzling.
* Bonin Grosbeak, Chaunoproctus ferreorostris (Chichi-jima, Ogasawara Islands, 1830s)
* Ź»ÅŹ»Å«, Psittirostra psittacea (Hawaiian Islands, c. 2000?)
Officially classified as critically endangered, possibly extinct, this was once the most widespread species of Hawaiian honeycreeper. It has not been reliably recorded since 1987 or 1989.
* LanaŹ»i Hookbill, Dysmorodrepanis munroi (LanaŹ»i, Hawaiian Islands, 1918)
HawaiŹ»i Mamo
HawaiŹ»i Mamo
* Pila's Palila, Loxioides kikuichi (KauaŹ»i, Hawaiian Islands), possibly survived to the early 18th century.
* Lesser Koa Finch, Rhodacanthus flaviceps (Big Island, Hawaiian Islands, 1891)
* Greater Koa Finch, Rhodacanthus palmeri (Big Island, Hawaiian Islands, 1896)
* Kona Grosbeak, Psittirostra kona (Big Island, Hawaiian Islands, 1894)
* Greater Ź»Amakihi, Hemignathus sagittirostris (Big Island, Hawaiian Islands, 1901)
* NukupuŹ»u, Hemignathus lucidus (Hawaiian Islands, c. 2000?)
The subspecies from OŹ»ahu (H. l. lucidus) has been extinct since the late 19th century, that of KauaŹ»i (H. l. hanapepe) most probably since the late 1990s and that of Maui (H. l. affinis) has not been reliably seen since 1995. It is currently classified as critically endangered, possibly extinct.
* HawaiŹ»i Ź»Akialoa or Lesser Ź»Akialoa, Hemignathus obscurus (Big Island, Hawaiian Islands, 1940)
Sometimes placed in genus Akialoa (as A. obscura).
* Greater Ź»Akialoa, Hemignathus ellisianus (KauaŹ»i, OŹ»ahu, LanaŹ»i and prehistorically probably Maui and MolokaŹ»i, Hawaiian Islands, 1969)
Sometimes placed in genus Akialoa (as A. ellisiana). Often split into Maui Nui Ź»Akialoa, H. lanaiensis or A. lanaiensis (LanaŹ»i and prehistorically probably Maui and MolokaŹ»i, Hawaiian Islands, extinct 1892), OŹ»ahu Ź»Akialoa, H. ellisianus or A. ellisiana (OŹ»ahu, Hawaiian Islands, extinct 1940) and KauaŹ»i Ź»Akialoa, H. stejnegeri or A. stejnegeri (KauaŹ»i, Hawaiian Islands, extinct 1969).
* Kakawahie, Paroreomyza flammea (MolokaŹ»i, Hawaiian Islands, 1963)
* OŹ»ahu Ź»Alauahio, Paroreomyza maculata (OŹ»ahu, Hawaiian Islands, early 1990s?)
Officially classified as critically endangered, possibly extinct. Last reliable record was in 1985, with an unconfirmed sighting in 1990.
Molokai Creeper
Molokai Creeper
* Ź»Ula-Ź»ai-hawane, Ciridops anna (Big Island, Hawaiian Islands, 1892 or 1937)
* Black Mamo, Drepanis funerea (MolokaŹ»i, Hawaiian Islands, 1907)
* HawaiŹ»i Mamo, Drepanis pacifica (Big Island, Hawaiian Islands, 1898)
* PoŹ»o-uli, Melamprosops phaeosoma (Maui, Hawaiian Islands, 2004?)
The most recent unequivocal extinction on this list. What was most likely the last known bird died in captivity on 28 November 2004.
Emberizidae ā buntings and American sparrow
* Hooded Seedeater, Sporophila melanops (Brazil, 20th century?)
Officially classified as critically endangered, possibly extinct. It is known only from a single male collected in 1823, and has variously been considered an aberrant Yellow-bellied Seedeater or a hybrid.
* Antioquia Brush-finch Atlapetes blancae (Antioquia, Colombia?)
mysterious bird formerly misidentified as Slaty Brush-finch described in 2007 on basis of three 20th century museum specimens.
[edit] (Probably) Extinct subspecies of birds
Extinction of subspecies is a subject very dependent on guesswork. National and international conservation projects and research publications such as redlists usually focus on species as a whole. Reliable information on the status of threatened subspecies usually has to be assembled piecemeal from published observations such as regional checklists. Therefore, the following listing contains a high proportion of taxa that may just as well still exist, but are listed here due to any combination of absence of recent records, a known threat such as habitat destruction, and an observed decline.
[edit] Struthioniformes
The Ostrich and related ratites.
* Arabian Ostrich, Struthio camelus syriacus (Arabia, 1966) ā Ostrich subspecies
* Tasmanian Emu, Dromaius novaehollandiae diemenensis (Tasmania, mid-19th century) ā Emu subspecies
* North Island Little Spotted Kiwi, Apteryx owenii iredalei (North Island, New Zealand, late 19th century) ā Little Spotted Kiwi subspecies
[edit] Tinamiformes
Tinamous
* Huila Black Tinamou, Tinamus osgoodi hershkovitzi (Colombia, 1980s?)
A Black Tinamou subspecies or possibly a distinct species; not seen since 1976 but might persist in Cueva de los GuƔcharos National Park.
* Magdalena Tinamou, Crypturellus (erythropus) saltuarius (Colombia, late 20th century?)
Variously considered a Red-legged Tinamou subspecies or a distinct species, this bird is only known from the 1943 type specimen. Recent research suggest it is still extant.
[edit] Anseriformes
Ducks, geese and swans.
* Bering Cackling Goose, Branta hutchinsii asiatica (Komandorski and Kuril Islands, N Pacific, c. 1914 or 1929)
A subspecies of the Cackling Goose (formerly "Lesser Canada Goose") which is doubtfully distinct from the Aleutian one.
* Coues' Gadwall or Washington Island Gadwall, Anas strepera couesi (Teraina, Kiribati, late 19th century)
'tears'
jay_a2j
Brava sir, bravo! 
