The latest news on birds from Australia is that the ivory billed woodpecker and 22 other bird species have all been confirmed or considered as extinct.
This is really bad news for the millions of birds who use the forest of Australia for shelter, food, and nesting. A recent study by the CSU-La Australia stated in a release; “We call this the largest bird drop in history, more than three times worse than the birthing of the dinosaurs some 65 million years ago.” These birds were a part of a massive avian decline that occurred when the dinosaurs became extinct.
With so many species are going extinct, it is important to make sure we do everything we can to save these little guys before they go. It is amazing that so many people have a misconception of what is causing the extinction crisis. Some people believe it is global warming, when in fact it is a combination of factors. Here are some of the latest news on birds of prey that has caused the extinction of an estimated 22 species:
– The Australian Woodpecker: This medium sized woodpecker was the most recent addition to Australia’s threatened species list. They are nocturnal hunters and primarily feed on the ground. They have also been recorded at taking down large birds, such as wombats and emus. They also have a strong predatory instinct, especially of small animals. The latest signs suggest that their population is slowing due to a lack of females.
– The Bled Pinky: The beautiful little songbird known as the bled pinky was the last known species to be seen by scientists with the exception of two species. These two birds were brought from Europe and are now extinct. Their loss is due to a massive outbreak of something called feather washing. It is believed that this disease will wipe out one of every seven bird species in the area over the next decade. It is a disease which kills off both mature and eggs alike.
– The Ivory Billed Woodpecker: The ivory billed woodpecker was the second bird to become extinct on Australian soil. They were first documented about thirty years ago in the coastal city of Armidale. Unfortunately for the species, they were soon trapped and later killed for the meat. Their leather is highly sought after in countries like Vietnam and Thailand. Their carcass is often found with many prized trophies. Unfortunately for the world, these birds were never able to reproduce.
– The ivory billed woodpecker and its close relative, the black-necked woodpecker, share many of the same threats in the region. The two birds have very similar diets, feeding on small seeds and worms. They both also eat vegetation and bark, including infested trees and the evergreen shrub Black Eyed Susans. Unlike other types of woodpeckers, the ivory billed woodpecker will not spray its feathers or droppings. This trait makes them more difficult to detect.
– The Golden Woodpecker: The golden woodpecker was also believed to be extinct over twenty years ago. However, in 1993, the bird was seen by experts on a bird tour in Malaysia. The experts soon realized that the bird was a member of a rare species called the Caracal Keratinook. This species is only found in the rainforests of Brazil and Peru.
These birds have all suffered from the same fate: loss of habitat and prey. Many species of these woodpeckers have already become extinct. But, the future for this species looks bright since it is still present in the Amazons of the Amazon River Basin. In fact, it is said to be one of the most vocal birds in the jungle. Its song has been known to create a gale-force wind in the area.
Provided by Antonio Westley
Disclaimer: This article is meant to be seen as an overview of this subject and not a reflection of viewpoints or opinions as nothing is definitive. So, make sure to do your research and feel free to use this information at your own discretion.
