Top 10 Rarest Species of Birds

This critically endangered species is one of the rarest birds in the world, with a global population of less than 300 individuals. The Whooping Crane is a majestic bird with a distinctive whooping call and a striking white plumage. On average, only about 20 Whooping Cranes are born each year, making conservation efforts crucial for their survival. Historically, the species was considered extinct until a small group of individuals were rediscovered in Texas in 1941.

This critically endangered pigeon is endemic to the island nation of Mauritius and has a population of fewer than 50 individuals. The Mauritius Pink Pigeon has striking pink feathers, white wing tips, and a distinctive curved beak. According to conservation estimates, if inbreeding continues unchecked, it's estimated that there are only about 10-15 surviving birds of this species left. Unfortunately, habitat loss and introduced predators have contributed significantly to the decline of this pigeon.

This critically endangered bird is found only in the tropical forests of Myanmar and Thailand, with a population estimated at fewer than 25 individuals. The Spiny Babbler has distinctive spines running along its back, bright orange head feathers, and an acute sense of hearing. Unfortunately, its habitat loss due to logging and agriculture has led to significant declines in the population of this unique bird species.

This critically endangered vulture is found primarily in India and Pakistan, with a population estimated at fewer than 100 individuals. The Slender-billed Vulture is known for its slender build, long wingspan, and distinctive black neck ring. In the wild, these birds prey on dead animals to obtain nutrients; sadly, poisoning from eating carcasses of cattle treated with theicide has contributed significantly to their decline.

This extinct waterfowl species once inhabited Mauritius but is now considered critically endangered due to fewer than 40 individuals remaining in the wild. The Mauritius Sheldgoose had an ivory-black neck feather band, with black breast feathers that often appeared purple. Unfortunately, introduced predators and human activities led to habitat destruction, significantly threatening this bird's survival.

This critically endangered grebe is found only in Madagascar with a population estimated at fewer than 50 individuals. The Alaotra Grebe features distinctive blue-gray plumage with a white throat patch. It was once a common sight in the lake of Alaotra, but due to habitat loss and competition from introduced species, conservation efforts are necessary for survival.

This critically endangered bird is found only in Palau and is estimated at fewer than 250 individuals. The Palau Swiftlet features grayish-brown plumage with white wing tips. Unfortunately, severe deforestation has significantly reduced habitat availability for these birds.

This critically endangered sandpiper is found in Southeast Asia, specifically on the coast of Bangladesh and Myanmar. Its population is estimated at fewer than 100 individuals worldwide. The Spoon-billed Sandpiper features a uniquely spoon-shaped bill that resembles an ice cream scoop.

This highly endangered shorebird migrates from the Arctic to Mexico for breeding, with estimates suggesting only about 30 birds remain in the world. Despite having distinctive patterns on its legs and feet, the Eskimo Curlew appears somewhat similar to other Arctic shorebirds due to limited population.

This critically endangered falcon migrates from China to India each year for breeding but has seen declining numbers over time; estimates put this at fewer than 50 breeding pairs worldwide. The Amur Falcon, which is also known as the Peregrine of Asia, is one of the largest and fastest birds in its range, reaching speeds up to 242 miles per hour.