Dedicated Scientists and Birdwatchers Tracked Down These Five ‘Lost’ Birds

Unveiling the Elusive Birds: Rediscovering Lost Species

In a heartwarming turn of events, the Santa Marta sabrewing, a mysterious and rarely seen bird, made a surprising appearance in Colombia in 2022, bringing renewed hope to conservationists. This remarkable sighting is just one of the many success stories emerging from the Search for Lost Birds initiative, a collaborative effort by conservation organizations worldwide.

Over 120 bird species were once considered lost, not sighted or documented in the wild for over a decade. The Search for Lost Birds project aims to engage the public in documenting and sharing information about these missing species, tapping into the potential of everyday people to contribute valuable data. Despite the looming threat of species extinction, the project has already yielded promising results, with 15 missing species rediscovered since its inception in 2021.

Among the remarkable rediscoveries is the Long-billed bush warbler, which vanished in 1977 only to resurface in 2022, thanks to the dedication of birdwatcher James Eaton. Another extraordinary find was the Black-naped pheasant-pigeon, believed lost since 1896 but captured on camera by an international team guided by Indigenous hunters.

The Santa Marta sabrewing, missing since 2010, was recently spotted in the mountains of Colombia, showcasing its vibrant emerald plumage in a breathtaking display. Similarly, the Dusky tetraka, last seen in 1999, was rediscovered in the rainforests of Madagascar, highlighting the importance of conservation efforts in preserving biodiversity.

Lastly, the Urich’s tyrannulet, a rare flycatcher thought to have disappeared after 2005, was rediscovered in Venezuela in 2021, with ornithologist David Ascanio capturing unprecedented photos and recordings of its call.

These rediscoveries serve as a reminder of the resilience of nature and the importance of conservation efforts in safeguarding our planet’s biodiversity. The Search for Lost Birds project continues to inspire hope and collaboration in the quest to protect and preserve our precious wildlife.