The world of birds is filled with mystery. Some species vanish for decades, leaving behind only stories and old records. The Search for Lost Birds, launched in 2021, was created to solve that mystery supporting efforts to locate these species and update their conservation status.
In just four years, this global initiative has already led to incredible rediscoveries. From the New Britain Goshawk to the Black-lored Waxbill, species once thought gone have been found again. Yet, over 100 bird species remain lost, and time is running out for some of them.
The upcoming BOW Seminar: Lost & Found – The Race to Rediscover Lost Birds brings together leading experts to share insights, discoveries, and challenges in the search for lost species.
What Is the Search for Lost Birds?
Founded in 2021, the Search for Lost Birds is a global collaboration between conservation organizations. Its goal is to:
- Identify bird species with no recent documented observations
- Organize expeditions to search for them
- Provide updated conservation status through the IUCN Red List
- Raise awareness and funding for global bird conservation
This initiative has already changed how scientists and bird enthusiasts view conservation—proving that patience, fieldwork, and hope can bring species back into the spotlight.
Exciting Rediscoveries Since 2021
In just four years, several species have been found after decades of absence. Some highlights include:
- New Britain Goshawk – A rare raptor from Papua New Guinea, unseen for decades.
- Black-naped Pheasant-pigeon – Rediscovered after more than 100 years, a true conservation triumph.
- White-tailed Tityra – Found again in Central America.
- Black-lored Waxbill – A small, colorful bird that had disappeared from records.
Each rediscovery is not just a checklist update—it’s a sign of resilience and a call to protect fragile habitats.
The Role of Experts in the Search
John C. Mittermeier, PhD
Director of the Search for Lost Birds, American Bird Conservancy. John manages the global lost birds list and has led expeditions in Samoa, Indonesia, Papua New Guinea, Madagascar, and beyond.
Alex Berryman
Senior Red List Officer, BirdLife International & Scientific Associate, Natural History Museum UK. Alex curates the official lost birds list, leads IUCN Red List assessments for Asia, and has published extensively on bird taxonomy and conservation.
Together, they will answer:
- How many lost birds have been rediscovered since 2021?
- Which rediscoveries were the most surprising?
- How many species are now officially extinct?
- What are the chances of finding the remaining lost birds?
Why Does Rediscovering Lost Birds Matter?
- Conservation Action – Rediscoveries highlight ecosystems in need of urgent protection.
- Hope for Biodiversity – They prove extinction isn’t always the end of the story.
- Scientific Knowledge – Finding lost birds provides valuable data on behavior, population, and habitat.
- Public Engagement – Stories of rediscovery inspire people to support conservation.
Every bird rediscovery is a reminder that nature is resilient, but every lost species still missing is a call to act.
FAQs About Lost Birds
Q1: What is a “lost bird”?
A lost bird is a species with no confirmed scientific observation for at least 10 years, though many have been missing for decades.
Q2: How many lost bird species exist today?
Currently, more than 100 species are still classified as “lost” and await rediscovery or confirmation of extinction.
Q3: Which bird rediscovery has been the most surprising?
The Black-naped Pheasant-pigeon, rediscovered after more than a century, is considered one of the most remarkable finds.
Q4: Are some lost birds already extinct?
Yes. While rediscoveries bring hope, some species have been officially declared extinct after exhaustive searches.
Q5: How can I support the Search for Lost Birds?
You can contribute by supporting organizations like the American Bird Conservancy and BirdLife International, spreading awareness, and funding conservation research.
Conclusion
The BOW Seminar: Lost & Found – The Race to Rediscover Lost Birds shines a light on one of the most exciting areas of modern conservation. With over a hundred species still missing, the race continues—not only to rediscover lost birds but also to ensure they survive for future generations.
Bird rediscoveries remind us that nature can surprise us, but they also call for stronger action to protect fragile ecosystems.
In just four years, this global initiative has already led to incredible rediscoveries. From the New Britain Goshawk to the Black-lored Waxbill, species once thought gone have been found again. Yet, over 100 bird species remain lost, and time is running out for some of them.
The upcoming BOW Seminar: Lost & Found – The Race to Rediscover Lost Birds brings together leading experts to share insights, discoveries, and challenges in the search for lost species.
What Is the Search for Lost Birds?
Founded in 2021, the Search for Lost Birds is a global collaboration between conservation organizations. Its goal is to:
- Identify bird species with no recent documented observations
- Organize expeditions to search for them
- Provide updated conservation status through the IUCN Red List
- Raise awareness and funding for global bird conservation
This initiative has already changed how scientists and bird enthusiasts view conservation—proving that patience, fieldwork, and hope can bring species back into the spotlight.
Exciting Rediscoveries Since 2021
In just four years, several species have been found after decades of absence. Some highlights include:
- New Britain Goshawk – A rare raptor from Papua New Guinea, unseen for decades.
- Black-naped Pheasant-pigeon – Rediscovered after more than 100 years, a true conservation triumph.
- White-tailed Tityra – Found again in Central America.
- Black-lored Waxbill – A small, colorful bird that had disappeared from records.
Each rediscovery is not just a checklist update—it’s a sign of resilience and a call to protect fragile habitats.
The Role of Experts in the Search
John C. Mittermeier, PhD
Director of the Search for Lost Birds, American Bird Conservancy. John manages the global lost birds list and has led expeditions in Samoa, Indonesia, Papua New Guinea, Madagascar, and beyond.
Alex Berryman
Senior Red List Officer, BirdLife International & Scientific Associate, Natural History Museum UK. Alex curates the official lost birds list, leads IUCN Red List assessments for Asia, and has published extensively on bird taxonomy and conservation.
Together, they will answer:
- How many lost birds have been rediscovered since 2021?
- Which rediscoveries were the most surprising?
- How many species are now officially extinct?
- What are the chances of finding the remaining lost birds?
Why Does Rediscovering Lost Birds Matter?
- Conservation Action – Rediscoveries highlight ecosystems in need of urgent protection.
- Hope for Biodiversity – They prove extinction isn’t always the end of the story.
- Scientific Knowledge – Finding lost birds provides valuable data on behavior, population, and habitat.
- Public Engagement – Stories of rediscovery inspire people to support conservation.
Every bird rediscovery is a reminder that nature is resilient, but every lost species still missing is a call to act.
FAQs About Lost Birds
Q1: What is a “lost bird”?
A lost bird is a species with no confirmed scientific observation for at least 10 years, though many have been missing for decades.
Q2: How many lost bird species exist today?
Currently, more than 100 species are still classified as “lost” and await rediscovery or confirmation of extinction.
Q3: Which bird rediscovery has been the most surprising?
The Black-naped Pheasant-pigeon, rediscovered after more than a century, is considered one of the most remarkable finds.
Q4: Are some lost birds already extinct?
Yes. While rediscoveries bring hope, some species have been officially declared extinct after exhaustive searches.
Q5: How can I support the Search for Lost Birds?
You can contribute by supporting organizations like the American Bird Conservancy and BirdLife International, spreading awareness, and funding conservation research.
Conclusion
The BOW Seminar: Lost & Found – The Race to Rediscover Lost Birds shines a light on one of the most exciting areas of modern conservation. With over a hundred species still missing, the race continues—not only to rediscover lost birds but also to ensure they survive for future generations.
Bird rediscoveries remind us that nature can surprise us, but they also call for stronger action to protect fragile ecosystems.