What happens when a lost bird is lost forever?
Nina Foster / 10 Jun 2025
Sadly, not all searches end in rediscovery. When is it time to conclude that a lost bird is gone forever and why is proving extinction so important for conservation?
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Welcome to the Search for Lost Birds
Around the world, there are 121 species of birds have not been documented in the last decade. Can you help us find them?
Latest News
Catch up on the latest news and stories about Lost Birds from around the world
New Lost Bird Grant Opportunity for Young Birders!
Search for Lost Birds / 3 Jun 2025
Are you a young birder interested in leading an expedition to look for one of the species on the Lost Birds list? Check out the new Ornis Birding x Lost Birds Expeditions Grants.
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The Last Unphotographed Birds
John C. Mittermeier, Shaun Peters & Cullen Hanks / 9 May 2025
We now have pictures of almost every bird species on Earth. How many species are still out there that have never been photographed? What are they?
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About the Search for Lost Birds
We strive to understand and promote species of birds that are currently ‘lost’, meaning that at least 10 years have passed since they were last confirmed by photographs, sound recordings, or physical documentation. The Search for Lost Birds is a global partnership between American Bird Conservancy, Re:wild, and BirdLife International.
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