List of endangered birds facts for kids

Endangered (EN) species are considered to be facing a very high risk of extinction in the wild.

As of December 2019, the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) identified 460 types of birds as endangered. This means about 4% of all bird species studied are in danger. The IUCN looks at whole species, not smaller groups within them.

To be called 'endangered' by the IUCN, a bird species must meet specific rules. These rules show that the species faces a very high chance of disappearing forever. Some birds are even more at risk; they are called 'critically endangered.' These birds are in even greater danger of extinction. You can find a separate list for them. In total, 683 bird species are either endangered or critically endangered.

Also, 53 bird species (less than 1% of those studied) are called 'data deficient.' This means we don't have enough information to know how threatened they are. Often, these birds live in small areas or have small populations. This makes them likely to be in danger, even if we don't have all the facts yet. The IUCN suggests we should still pay close attention to these 'data deficient' birds. They need our help until we can learn more about them.

Below is a list of bird species that the IUCN has identified as endangered. We've used their common names where possible, and links will take you to their scientific names.

Discovering Endangered Penguins

Ocean Wanderers: Endangered Petrels and Albatrosses

These include amazing birds like petrels and albatrosses.

Crane-like Birds in Danger: Gruiformes

These birds are often called "crane-like."

Colorful Parrots Facing Threats

New Zealand Parrots

• Kea

Cockatoos

Psittacids

Storks and Their Relatives: Ciconiiformes

Seabirds in Peril: Suliformes

Pigeons and Doves: Endangered Species

Pelican-like Birds: Pelecaniformes

These birds are often called "pelican-like."

Ground Birds in Danger: Galliformes

Hornbills and Hoopoes: Bucerotiformes

This group includes hornbills, hoopoe, and wood hoopoes.

Birds of Prey: Accipitriformes in Danger

Endangered (EN) species are considered to be facing a very high risk of extinction in the wild.

This group includes most of the daytime birds of prey.

Secretarybirds

• Secretarybird

Accipitridae

Ducks, Geese, and Swans: Anseriformes

These birds are often called "goose-like."

Mysterious Owls Facing Extinction

Shorebirds and Waders: Charadriiformes

Small Songbirds: Endangered Passerines

Pittas

Cotingas

Tyrant Flycatchers

Antbirds

Tapaculos

Ovenbirds

Bushshrikes and Allies

Vangas

Monarchs

Crows, Jays, Magpies, and Allies

Larks

Cisticolas

Marsh-warblers

White-eyes

Laughingthrushes

Old World Flycatchers

Weavers

Finches and Hawaiian Honeycreepers

True Sparrows

Grackles, New World Blackbirds, and New World Orioles

New World Warblers

True Tanagers

Other Passerine Species

Nightjars and Hummingbirds: Caprimulgiformes

There are 23 species in the order Caprimulgiformes assessed as endangered.

Hummingbirds

Nightjars

Swifts

• Mariana swiftlet

Woodpeckers and Toucans: Piciformes

These birds are often called "woodpecker-like."

• Yellow-browed toucanet
• Red-headed flameback
• Yellow-faced flameback
• Lesser crescent-chested puffbird
• White-rumped woodpecker
• Speckle-chested piculet
• Varzea piculet
• Red-necked aracari
• Okinawa woodpecker

More Endangered Bird Species

Learn More About Bird Conservation

• Lists of IUCN Red List endangered species
• List of least concern birds
• List of near threatened birds
• List of vulnerable birds
• List of critically endangered birds
• List of extinct bird species since 1500
• List of data deficient birds