Top 15 Most Endangered Birds on the IUCN Red List 2025

Introduction

The Red List of the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) is the most global entrance to the conservation condition of all species. Hundreds of species of birds are evaluated annually, and the fact that most of them are endangered by habitat destruction, global warming, and human factors is related to the topic.

This article will look at the 15 most endangered birds listed under IUCN red list in 2025, their habitat, threats and conservation. The objective of this guide is to increase awareness about these awesome creatures and outline the need to protect them immediately.

1. Kakapo (Strigops habroptilus)

Status: Critically Endangered

Kakapo is a flightless parakeet in New Zealand and today the rarest birds worldwide are now suspected. Numbers have been dwindled down to fewer than 250 and conservationists are in high gears trying to resucitate this earthbound nocturnal bird.

Threats: The predation of invasive species (rats, cats, and stoats), low genetic richness, and slowness in breeding.

Conservation Measures: Intensive breeding schemes, predator-islands and artificial insemination.

2. Philippine Eagle (Pithecophaga jefferyi)

Status: Critically Endangered

Another largest and most mighty eagle in the world is also the Philippine Eagle also dubbed as the King of Birds. Deforestation and hunting have took its toll and its population numbers have been reduced drastically.

Threat: Lumbering, mining and clearing of farms that destroy their habitat.

Conservation: Protective and education efforts aimed at the preservation of the habitat and local people and captive breeding of threatened species.

3. California Condor (Gymnogyps californianus)

Level: Critically Endangered

North America has the largest soaring bird , the California that was on the brink of extinction in the 1980s. It is critically endangered but its population has gradually gone up due to the captive breeding of this species.

Dangers: Ammunition poisonings (lead), habitat and power line collisions.

Protection: Captive breeding, the prohibition of lead bullets, and the restoration of habitat.

4. Spix’s Macaw (Cyanopsitta spixii)

Status: Critically Endangered (Now Possibly Extinct in nature)

Not made famous by the film Rio, the Spix Parrot, also known as the Spix Macaw is a blue parrot endemic to Brazil. The last wild member was last seen in 2000 but through captive breeding, they are hopeful of reintroducing the animal species.

Threats: Habitat loss and illegal pet trade.

Conservation Measures: Reintroduction – Brazil, and breeding programs worldwide.

5. Javan Hawk-Eagle (Nisaetus bartelsi)

Status: Endangered

The impressive bird is the national bird of Indonesia but is very threatened by deforestation. The rest of the population survive in the wild in less than 600 people.

Threats: Palm oil plantation and illegal logging.

Protected forest reserves and anti-poaching laws.

6. Forest Owlet (Heteroglaux blewitti)

Rank: Critically Endangered

The Forest Owlet was long believed extinct, but was rediscovered in central India in 1997. It is still one of the rarest owls, especially considering that a little more than 250 people are still living.

Threats: Agriculture and logging- Honeybees lose their habitats.

Conservation Efforts: Awareness programs and Preservation of Habitats.

7. Great Indian Bustard (Ardeotis nigriceps)

Rating: Critically Endangered

The mamee tur also known as a large ground-dwelling bird is on the precipice of extinction as only less than 150 birds are left in India and Pakistan.

Threats: Destruction of habitat, hunting, and power line collision.

Preservation Rate: Preserved sanctuaries and captive breeding).

8. Northern Bald Ibis (Geronticus eremita)

Status: Endangered

The bald headed, curved beaked bird was once very common in Europe, North Africa and the Middle East. Small populations are the only ones left.

Threats: Habitat destruction, hunting, and Pesticides.

Conservation Measures: Europe Conservation: Reintroduction plans Europe Reintroductions. Protected Sites: Morocco.

9. Spoon-Billed Sandpiper (Calidris pygmaea)

Status Critically Endangered

This little wading bird having a unique spoon shaped bill is on the precipice of a malignant decrease because of its breeding and wintering places being destroyed.

Threats: Developments, pollution and hunting along the coast.

Through the protection of wetlands, which include cooperation with other countries on habitat conservation.

10. Madagascar Pochard (Aythya innotata)

Status Critically Endangered

The Madagascar Pochard is one of the most endangered ducks in the world that was proved extinct in 2006 only to be rediscovered way back in 2006. There are less than 50 left free in the wild.

Wetland degradation and invasive species are threats.

Altogether conservation: Habitat restoration and breeding in confinement.

11. Hawaiian Crow (Corvus hawaiiensis)

Status: Widespread extinct in the Wild

Another type of smart birds is the Alal aso referred to as this bird was pronounced as wild extinct in the year 2002. Captive breeding programs are meant to restore it back to its natural forests.

Habitat loss, disease and predation by Invasive species are threats.

Conservation: Reintroduction and predator control.

12. Bengal Florican (Houbaropsis bengalensis)

Status: Critically Endangered

This is an uncommon bustard, which can be found in India and Cambodia grasslands. It has less than 1,000 remaining individuals and it is very endangered by the development of agriculture.

Threats: Swapping over of grasslands to come up with farmlands.

Conservation: Grassland conservation, and locally-controlled conservation.

13. Red-headed Vulture (Sarcogyps calvus)

Rank: Critically Endangered

This scavenger has experienced population reduction of 90 percent because of being poisoned by veterinary drugs in dead livestock.

Diclofenac poisoning and habitat loss are some of the threats.

Conservation Efforts: Ban on veterinary drugs that harm and vulture safe areas.

14. Christmas Island Frigatebird (Fregata andrewsi)

Category: Critically Endangered

This is a Christmas Island endemic seabird that is threatened by invasive species and by habitat loss.

Threats: Yellow crazy ants, deforestation and cyclones.

Conservation Actions: Control of invasive species and protection of habitat.

15. Blue-throated Macaw (Ara glaucogularis)

Event Type: Critically Endangered

Even though there are less than 400 left in Bolivia this colourful macaw is one of the most sought after in the illegal pet trade.

Threats: Habitat loss and trapping to pet trade.

Protection Measures: Community conservation / anti-poaching legislation.

Conclusion

With 2025 being used as a benchmark year by the IUCN Red list, there is a desperate need to conserve such birds through intensive international efforts. Whether it is deforestation or wildlife trade, man kind is the greatest enemy to their existence.

We can help in ensuring these wonderful birds will never be lost altogether by supporting their conservation programs, curbing deforestation and sensitizing people on the need to conserve them. Each of the species is necessary in our ecosystem hence the loss of the species would not be reversed.

How to Yourself Help:

• Invest in wildlife protection agencies.
• To curb climate change, reduce your carbon footprint.
• Do not buy goods that are involved in deforestation (e.g. unsustainable palm oil).
• Educate people on an endangered species.

Let’s work together to protect these incredible birds before it’s too late!