The Bird Tree

Root section

Kakapo (Strigops habroptila) This odd‐looking parrot, a native of New Zealand, is a nocturnal bird quite limited in number. Though it is the only parrot unable to fly, it nonetheless manages to build its nest very high up in trees, by climbing them using its sharp claws.

Kaempfer’s Woodpecker (Celeus obrieni) Despite its lovely bristly tuft and colourful plumage, this Brazilian bird was discovered only in 2006, for it is quite a rare species. If watching it in its habitat may prove a challenge for this very reason, there is a consolation in the form of a stamp bearing its likeness launched by Brazil’s postal service i n 2008.

Emperor Spotted Newt (Neurergus kaiseri) A protected species in Iran, the Emperor Spotted Newt is nevertheless an endangered species. The main threat to its survival is man, who hunts it illegally for trade. Its population is highly fragmented and d istributed over less than 10 km2.

Lehmann’s Poison Frog (Oophaga lehmanni) This amphibian from Colombia is so beautiful that one may well be tempted to cradle it in one’s palm. Be forewarned: it feeds, among other things, on venomous insects whose poison is eventually secreted onto the surface of the frog’s skin, where it serves as a defence mechanism.

Cuban Crocodile (Crocodylus rhombifer) This very big crocodile can reach as musch 3.5 metres in length. Its numbers have unfortunately dwindled by more than 80% over the past three generations, in large part due to poaching and to the degradation of its habitat. Aside from Cuba, it can be found on several other Caribbean islands.

Fijian Crested Iguana (Brachylophus vitiensis) Its colours are as gorgeous as observing them is rare, for this iguana’s habitat consists of but one tiny island of the Fiji archipelago, the island of Yaduataba. Some specimens are nonetheless on display in a number of Australi an zoos, notably in Perth and in Melbourne.

Indochinese Box Turtle (Cuora galbinifrons) Why the funny name? This native of China, Laos and Vietnam has a dome‐shaped shell so spacious it can withdraw and disappear completely into its carapace, as though it were enclosed in a box.

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07 Hyacinth Macaw (Anodorhynchus hyacinthinus) The tallest of all parrots, it lives in South America, chiefly in Bolivia, Brazil and Paraguay. It is intensely hunted for its plumage, in which there is a large illegal trade. The loss of its habitat is another factor contributing to the endangerment of the species.

10 Red‐breasted Goose (Branta ruficollis) It is considered one of the most beautiful geese on Earth, and deservingly so. It can be found, notably, in the Balkans, in Ukraine, along the Black Sea coastline, and in a number of former Soviet republics. Climate change is its greatest threat.

18 Egyptian Vulture (Neophron percnopterus) This vulture with the unusual head plumage is a migratory bird that makes its home in southern Europe, Africa and Central Asia. Smaller than other vultures, it is endangered chiefly by chemicals ingested by and present in its prey. ‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐ BRANCH 2

29 Puerto Rican Parrot (Amazona vittata) A truly rare bird! It is estimated there are fewer than 300 on the planet. Its numbers in the Amazon have shrunk due to the disappearance of its habitat. Indeed, the only location left for it to nest in is a very small area on the island of Puerto Rico.

30 Ivory‐billed Woodpecker (Campephilus principalis) Though the world’s second‐largest woodpecker, it is nonetheless a rare one. So rare the exact number extant is unknown; the last count dates back to 1987. It used to make its home in the southern United States and in Cuba.

49 Pink‐headed Duck (Rhodonessa caryophyllacea) This odd‐looking duck has virtually disappeared from the face of the Earth. In fact, the last sighting was in 1949. It is speculated that perhaps a few still exist in the far reaches of Bhutan. A postage stamp issued in India in 1994 bears its image.

52 Grey‐breasted Parakeet (Pyrrhura griseipectus) Weighing in at a mere 100 grams, this small parrot from northeast Brazil nonetheless has a life span of 25 years. Despite the bird’s hardiness, its population has significantly dropped due to deforestation and to its capture for aviaries.

56 Javan Hawk‐Eagle (Nisaetus bartelsi) This bird does not exactly possess what one might call a friendly face! Still, this did not prevent its being chosen Indonesia’s emblematic bird. It also seems to have inspired the nation’s coat of arms, wherein appears the mythical Garuda, or divine eagle. ‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐ BRANCH 3

22 Congo Bay‐Owl (Phodilus prigoginei) A pretty, small owl that lives for the most part in the Congo, though some sightings have been reported in Burundi and Rwanda as well. Rarely seen, it is among the bird species endangered by deforestation and agriculture.

24 Gurney’s Pitta (Pitta gurneyi) The most colourful of birds, and one of the rarest: living in Thailand and Myanmar, there are today only a few hundred left.

27 Red‐headed Woodpecker (Melanerpes erythrocephalus) This very attractive redhead lives in Québec and Ontario, and in southern Saskatchewan and Manitoba. It nests in dead trees and the loss of its habitat is making it increasingly rare.

32 Trinidad Piping‐Guan (Pipile pipile) This bird lives exclusively in Trinidad and Tobago and belongs to the gallinacean order, which includes, among others, turkeys, chickens and guinea fowl. The destruction of its habitat and intensive illegal hunting have contributed to its rarity.

46 Orange‐bellied Parrot (Neophema chrysogaster) This bird summers exclusively in Tasmania and migrates to Australia for the winter. It is estimated there are only some 300 left on Earth, half of them in captivity. ‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐

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9 Madagascar Pond‐Heron (Ardeola idae) This elegant heron with a bright blue beak lives in Africa. Small in size, it does not exceed 48 cm in length. Its declining population is partially the result of its eggs being prized and of the introduction into the ecosystem of fish that compete for the same food.

13 Ouvea Parakeet (Eunymphicus uvaeensis) The bright colours of this New Caledonia native make it highly sought for aviaries. Intensive illegal hunting, coupled with numerous predators and the loss of habitat, has brought about a substantial drop in numbers.

25 Hooded Grebe (Podiceps gallardoi) The Hooded Grebe is found mostly in Patagonia, but also in Argentina and parts of Chile. It is threatened by climate change and by its principal predator, the Dominican Seagull. The grebe family is closely related to that of our loons.

26 Ridgway’s Hawk (Buteo ridgwayi) This buzzard can measure up to 45 cm and is found only in the Dominican Republic; it appears to have completely disappeared from neighbouring Haiti. It can be found in a popular adventure tourism destination, Los Haitises National Park. Human activity, chiefly hunting and agriculture, represents the main threatto its survival.

33 Rufous‐headed Hornbill (Aceros waldeni) Measuring up to 60 cm, this hornbill from the Philippines is simply breathtaking to behold. Sadly, this same beauty makes it intensely hunted. Other major threats include deforestation and the destruction of its nests.

48 Waved Albatross (Phoebastria irrorata) Rather finicky, this large albatross nests strictly on Española Island, in the Galapagos archipelago. Thankfully, the island forms part of a national park that affords it protected status. And yet, intense illegal hunting for its feathers still threatens it. ‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐ BRANCH 5

2 Great Green Macaw (Ara ambiguus) This beautiful parrot can reach 90 cm in length and lives in Honduras, Panama, Ecuador, and Costa Rica, where a zoo has introduced a breeding initiative aimed at saving the species from extinction. It is illegally hunted for its meat and feathers.

11 Oriental Stork (Ciconia boyciana) A very big bird indeed, with a wingspan reaching up to 2.2 metres, this stork lives in China, Taiwan, Hong Kong, Korea and Japan. Its main threats are overfishing, the drying out of marshes to make way for agriculture, the building of dams, and deforestation.

42 Indigo‐winged Parrot (Hapalopsittaca fuertesi) Its highly limited habitat extends along the western coast of Colombia’s Central Andes. At present, there are no more than 250 of them, making conservation initiatives all the more important. Deforestation is the main culprit in the species’ decline.

51 Tuamotu Kingfisher (Todiramphus gambieri) This small, colourful bird lives in French Polynesia and makes its home in dead coconut trees. Its habitat has shrunk as a result of human activity. Competition for food with other species, and predators feeding on its young, among them the domestic cat, constitute its main threats.

53 Red‐fronted Macaw (Ara rubrogenys) Its red front and lovely green colour make it a favourite among collectors and caged‐bird enthusiasts. It is also the object of an intensive hunt because it is a nuisance to farmers. It lives by and large in the foothills of Bolivia’s southern Andes.

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6 Narcondam Hornbill (Aceros narcondami) Experts believe there are at most 350 of these large birds living off the coast of Thailand, on the small island of Narcondam, while fewer than that number have actually been inventoried. The bird is very sensitive to changes to its habitat and is equally threatened by pets on the island, which are its predators.

20 White‐headed duck (Oxyura leucocephala) This duck is found mostly in southern Europe as well as in Kazakhstan, Russia and Mongolia. It is threatened by pollution, fishing nets in which it is inadvertently caught, hunting, the loss of habitat, hybridization, and competition for food from other ducks.

31 California Condor (Gymnogyps californianus) Great efforts have been expended to save the species, which today boasts but a few hundred specimens. The chief causes of its decline, begun several decades ago, are agriculture and poisoning resulting from the lead used in hunting ammunition, as this scavenger feeds off abandoned carcasses.

39 Negros Bleeding‐heart (Gallicolumba keayi) An exotic cousin of the dove, the Bleeding‐heart lives on Negros Island and also on Panay Island, both part of the Visayas in the Philippines. Its decline is largely attributable to deforestation. There are fewer than 300 left today.

44 Newton’s Fiscal (Lanius newtoni) Its plumage is reminiscent of the chickadee’s, but this bird is much bigger, easily attaining 20 cm in size. It is found exclusively on the island of São Tomé. Deforestation driven by agriculture (cocoa and coffee crops) represents its main threat.

47 Flores Hawk‐Eagle (Nisaetus floris) Fortunately, this elegant predator from Indonesia is protected, notably in Rinjani National Park, on the island of Lombok. Still, this has not thwarted its decline, whose root cause is a degradation of habitat. For birdwatchers who fail to observe it in nature, the bird’s likeness appears on a postage stamp issued by Indonesia in 2012. ‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐ BRANCH 7

08 Sun Parakeet (Aratinga solstitialis) Measuring roughly 30 cm, this splendid bird is one of the most prized for aviaries. In the wild, it is found chiefly in Brazil and Guyana. The species is threatened by intensive capture and the progressive shrinkage of its habitat brought on by deforestation.

45 White‐collared Kite (Leptodon forbesi) It is estimated there are only 21 couples of this large bird left. Measuring up to 50 cm, it needs very big trees in order to build its nests. However, its natural habitat off Brazil’s Atlantic coast has almost none left as a result of accelerated deforestation.

54 Swift Parrot (Lathamus discolor) Like the koala, the Swift Parrot loves the eucalyptus forests of its native Tasmania. Slim and slender, it feeds on pollen and the nectar of eucalyptus flowers. These sources of food, however, like its habitat, are becoming increasingly rare as a result of residential construction, agriculture and human activity.

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12 Red‐and‐blue Lory (Eos histrio) It indeed looks like a harlequin. This beautiful, colourful bird, now found only on some Indonesian islands, is threatened by the loss of its habitat, intensive capture by caged‐bird enthusiasts, disease and insecticides.

17 Scaly‐sided Merganser (Mergus squamatus) A magnificent water bird, with a long, bristled crest and lateral plumage that looks like scales. Oddly enough, the male has a black‐coloured head while the female’s head, crestless, is maroon. They are found in Asia, with a few in Russia, and they have completely disappeared from Vietnam.

21 Green Peafowl (Pavo muticus) This peacock bears a striking resemblance to the Indian Peafowl, also reputed for its great beauty. Not surprising that it is the object of intensive illegal hunting for its feathers, and also for its meat and eggs. It lives for the most part in Asia and has disappeared from India, Bangladesh and Malaysia.

55 Bali Myna (Leucopsar rothschildi) A truly graceful creature, it seems to be wearing a mask! This Indonesian myna is highly prized by enthusiasts of caged birds and there is, accordingly, intensive hunting of the species. This illegal activity is undeterred by the protected status afforded by the bird’s confinement inside West Bali National Park.

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14 Red‐crowned Crane (Grus japonensis) Contrary to what its Latin name might suggest, this graceful bird with a patch of red bare skin on its crown is not found exclusively in Japan. It winters in China and Korea and also makes its home in Manchuria, in Siberia and on the northern Japanese island of Hokkaido.

15 Golden Parakeet (Guaruba guarouba) This elegant parrot lives near Brazil’s Amazon Basin and can reach 34 cm in length. Its flamboyant appearance makes it particularly vulnerable and it is the object of intensive hunting for its plumage. The destruction of its habitat and deforestation are also threats to its survival.

19 Sokoke Scops‐Owl (Otus ireneae) This small, reddish owl is as cute as can be and measures only 15 cm. It lives in Kenya’s Sokoke Forest, where illegal cutting of the tree it nests in, the muhuhu (African mahogany), has progressively destroyed its habitat and contributed to its endangerment.

34 Blue‐throated Macaw (Ara glaucogularis) This big, lovely bird can grow to 85 cm in length and 80 years of age. It is highly prized by caged‐bird enthusiasts. Though exports of the bird from Bolivia, its home, were made illegal in 1984, illegal capture continues to wreak its ravages.

40 Northern Bald Ibis (Geronticus eremita) The Northern Bald Ibis lives in the Middle East and in Morocco. It is fairly unprepossessing, though its plumage does feature attractive metallic reflections. It is believed there are fewer than 500 of them on the planet. The precise reason for its decline is unknown; hunting and loss of habitat may be the culprits. ‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐ BRANCH 10

01 Yellow‐headed Parrot (Amazona oratrix) Judging by its tropical colours, it comes as no surprise that this bird is an inhabitant of Mexico, Belize, Honduras and Guatemala. The loss of its habitat, the hunt it is the object of because it is deemed a nuisance to farmers, and its capture for caging have all contributed to its decline.

04 Horned Guan (Oreophasis derbianus) What a head on this bird’s shoulders! This bird bearing a slight resemblance to a turkey lives in Mexico and Guatemala. The intensive hunt it is the object of has made its numbers dwindle; estimates peg its remaining numbers at 2,500. Deforestation is also a threat.

35 Yellow‐crested Cockatoo (Cacatua sulphurea) Its pretty yellow tuft has six feathers it can straighten for mating purposes. A native of Timor and Indonesia, often hunted because it is a pest to trees and crops, this bird is also threatened by insecticides used in agriculture and by illegal capture. ‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐ BRANCH 11 03 Gunnison Sage‐Grouse (Centrocercus minimus) No, this is not a turkey, but rather an elegant, distant relative. It lives in the United States, primarily in Utah, Colorado, Arizona and New Mexico. Urbanization, overhead power lines and loss of habitat have all contributed to its decline.

05 Blue‐headed Quail‐Dove (Starnoenas cyanocephala) This lovely dove lives exclusively in certain isolated pockets of Cuba. The intensive hunt for it, coupled with the violent hurricanes that sweep across its habitat on a regular basis, has made its population drop below 2,000.

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16 Greater Adjutant (Leptoptilos dubius) With its long beak and impressive crop, this immense bird—it can measure as much as 1.5 metres—is most unusual indeed! It lives in India, Bangladesh and some Asian countries. It is threatened by deforestation and disease, the latter affecting the newborn particularly hard. There are only some 1,000 left.

23 Black‐fronted Piping‐Guan (Pipile jacutinga) This cousin of the partridge lives on the east coast of Brazil, Uruguay and Argentina, and has practically vanished from the rest of South America. Its survival is threatened by intensive hunting.

38 Negros Bleeding‐heart (Gallicolumba keayi) This lovely bird from the Philippines is from the same family as the pigeon, though its population is considerably smaller. In fact, there are fewer than 250 left in the world. The destruction of the forests in Panay and in Negros that are its habitat is the root cause.

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37 Purple‐winged Ground‐Dove (Claravis godefrida) This bird has lovely dark blue‐grey plumage and bears a slight resemblance to a pigeon. It feeds on bamboo flowers; like many South American species, its numbers have greatly diminished due to the degradation of its habitat wrought by deforestation.

43 Forest Owlet (Heteroglaux blewitti) It is thought there are fewer than 250 specimens left of this native of India, and they are widely scattered throughout the country. Its habitat is constantly threatened, and this has led to the bird’s precarious existence. It is also intensely hunted for its feathers.

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28 Piping Plover (Charadrius melodus) This small bird lives in the Îles de la Madeleine, but is otherwise threatened throughout continental Canada. It nests on the island’s sand beaches, a very ecologically fragile habitat. Though industrial activity and urbanization have accelerated its decline, numerous initiatives have sought to boost its population.

41 Long‐billed Vulture (Gyps indicus) The Indian Vulture lives in southeast Pakistan and south of the Ganges peninsula in India. It feeds on animal carcasses, and in the course of doing so, ingests highly toxic residues of medication used for livestock, particularly the drug diclofenac. This has had a major deleterious effect on its population.