Micronesian Kingfisher
These birds are extinct in the wild, but at the zoo, new chicks are hatching.
Micronesian kingfisher in Tropical America.
In the 1980s, scientists collected the last 29 Micronesian kingfishers (Todiramphus cinnamominus) living on the Island of Guam to protect them from extinction. The wild bird population dwindled, because non-native brown tree snakes preyed on kingfishers' nests.
Today, there are around 150 birds alive in captivity. The ABQ BioPark is home to two breeding pairs and has successfully hatched and raised chicks. Biologists hope to eventually reintroduce the species to the wild.
How can you help?
- Become a backyard birder and learn about the migratory birds that come through Albuquerque.
- Learn about bird research at the UNM Ornithology Lab.
- Visit the New Mexico Audubon Society, an organization working on bird conservation and education.
Micronesian Kingfisher Videos
Watch a kingfisher feeding on YouTube.