Hummingbirds are a diverse and fascinating group of birds found exclusively in the Americas. With over 340 species, hummingbirds display an incredible variety of colors, shapes, sizes, and behaviors. Their unique ability to hover in place and fly backwards sets them apart from all other birds.
Despite their small size, hummingbirds play an important role in plant pollination. Their long bills and tongues allow them to access nectar from flowers not reachable by other pollinators. This mutually beneficial relationship helps maintain biodiversity in ecosystems across the Americas.
While most hummingbird species are thriving, some face significant threats from habitat loss, climate change, and other human activities. This raises an important question – have any hummingbirds gone extinct?
Definition of Extinct Species
According to the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN), a species is considered extinct when there is no reasonable doubt that the last individual of that species has died. This status is only given when extensive surveys have failed to record a single individual across the species’ known range and over a significant time period.
Extinction is an irreversible process – once a species is gone, it is lost forever unless it is revived through cloning or genetic technology. Apart from a loss in biodiversity, extinction can disrupt food chains and ecosystem processes that plants and animals depend on.
Causes of Extinction in Birds
Birds face a variety of anthropogenic threats that can drive population declines and extinctions. Major causes include:
- Habitat loss and degradation – Logging, agriculture, urbanization and other human activities destroy or alter natural bird habitats.
- Invasive species – Introduced animals, plants and diseases outcompete native species.
- Overexploitation – Overhunting and overfishing deplete bird populations.
- Pollution – Pesticides, oil spills and other contaminants poison birds.
- Climate change – Rising temperatures, extreme weather disrupt bird habitats and food sources.
Island species are especially vulnerable to extinction since their small populations and habitats make recovery difficult. Based on the fossil record, human colonization of islands worldwide was associated with a large number of bird extinctions.
Are Any Hummingbird Species Extinct?
Despite facing many pressures, no hummingbird species is considered officially extinct by the IUCN Red List as of 2022. A few species, however, have not been observed in many decades and may potentially be extinct.
Jamaican Woodpecker Hummingbird
This hummingbird was found only on the island of Jamaica in the Caribbean Sea. The last confirmed sighting was in 1880. Extensive searches since then have failed to find any individuals in the wild.
Habitat loss from deforestation and agriculture likely caused this species’ demise. Competition from invasive species was possibly another factor. The IUCN considers this hummingbird as critically endangered, possibly extinct.
San Cristobal Vervain Hummingbird
Endemic to San Cristobal Island in the Solomon Islands archipelago, this hummingbird has not been seen since 1906 despite surveys in 1987 and 1988. Habitat destruction and invasive species have led to its disappearance.
However, given the remote island location, there is still hope that a few individuals may persist undiscovered. The IUCN lists this species as critically endangered, possibly extinct.
Turquoise-throated Puffleg
This species is known from a single specimen collected in Ecuador in the early 1900s. Destruction of its forest habitat likely drove it to extinction but there are unconfirmed reports of sightings in the late 20th century.
Unless it is rediscovered, the Turquoise-throated Puffleg will eventually be declared extinct by the IUCN. Currently it is considered critically endangered, possibly extinct.
| Species | Location | Last Sighting | Extinction Status |
|---|---|---|---|
| Jamaican Woodpecker Hummingbird | Jamaica | 1880 | Critically Endangered, Possibly Extinct |
| San Cristobal Vervain Hummingbird | Solomon Islands | 1906 | Critically Endangered, Possibly Extinct |
| Turquoise-throated Puffleg | Ecuador | Early 1900s | Critically Endangered, Possibly Extinct |
Hummingbird Species Threatened with Extinction
While extinctions so far have been limited, many hummingbird species are at risk and facing population declines from habitat loss, climate change and other threats:
- The Pink-headed Warbler is found only in mangrove forests in Ecuador that are being cleared for shrimp farms.
- The Ecuadorian Hillstar survives on only two mountaintops threatened by residential encroachment.
- The Ruby-throated Hummingbird is declining due to pesticide use and loss of nectar sources along its migratory route.
- Rising temperatures are shifting plant blooming cycles out of sync with migratory species like the Rufous Hummingbird.
As many as 9% of hummingbird species in the Americas are threatened, indicating that more extinctions are possible in the future.
Role of Zoos and Conservation Programs
Zoos, botanical gardens and captive breeding programs help protect some endangered hummingbirds. The Smithsonian Conservation Biology Institute has over 5,000 captive and wild hummingbirds representing 25 Latin American species. Such facilities provide a safety net against extinction.
Various groups like the American Bird Conservancy, Audubon Society and Partners in Flight also work to conserve hummingbird habitats and promote sustainable land use, reduce pesticides, and address climate change impacts. Ecotourism helps generate interest and funding for habitat protection.
While conservation measures can help, it is also critical to control trade in wild-caught hummingbirds. Tens of thousands are trapped for the pet trade or killed for decorative purposes each year.
Discovery of New Hummingbird Species
Despite facing growing threats in a human-dominated world, scientists continue discovering new hummingbird species:
- The Blue-bearded Helmetcrest was identified in Colombia as recently as 2021.
- The Green-fronted Hummingbird was described from the Andes in 2020.
- In 2004, the Colorful Puffleg was determined distinct from similar species in Ecuador.
Remote and inaccessible forests likely harbor additional diversity. As many as 15 new hummingbirds await discovery, especially in the Amazon and Orinoco river basins.
Documenting this diversity is vital for conservation. Undescribed species have no legal protection and can go extinct before science even knows they exist.
De-extinction Possibilities
Advances in genetics, cloning and synthetic biology may allow extinct species to be resurrected through processes called de-extinction or resurrection biology.
In 2021, researchers recovered DNA from museum specimens of the Chilean Woodstar hummingbird extinct since the early 20th century. Preserved DNA could allow captive breeding or cloning to bring this species back.
Similar techniques may work for other extinct hummingbirds like the Turquoise-throated Puffleg. De-extinction raises ecological and ethical concerns but can help undo human-caused extinctions.
Conclusion
While no hummingbird species have gone extinct so far, several are endangered or critically endangered. Habitat loss, invasive species, climate change and exploitation push populations closer to the brink.
A few species like the Jamaican Woodpecker Hummingbird have not been seen for over a century and may potentially be extinct already. Captive breeding, habitat conservation and sustainable practices can help protect species at risk.
Vigilance is needed to prevent future extinctions. Up to 15 new species likely await discovery, illustrating that much hummingbird diversity remains unknown and in need of conservation. With care, we can prevent these unique, captivating birds from disappearing forever.
