
Not Quite Lost Birds
John C. Mittermeier / 16 Jul 2026
Unpublished records can sometimes reveal that a lost bird was never actually lost at all. Here are five species that have been removed from the lost birds list thanks to newly-shared data.
Around the world, more than 100 species of birds have not been documented in the last decade. Can you help find them?

Catch up on the latest news and stories about Lost Birds from around the world

Unpublished records can sometimes reveal that a lost bird was never actually lost at all. Here are five species that have been removed from the lost birds list thanks to newly-shared data.

New Britain Sparrowhawk, White-naped Lory, and New Ireland Friarbird photographed by a team of young birders with first-ever sound recordings of the lory and friarbird.

A new study in the Bulletin of the African Bird Club provides insights into the conservation status of a once lost species.
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.