In the world there are more than 10,000 different species of birds, distributed in a great variety of habitats and practically at all latitudes. In this way, both in terrestrial, freshwater and marine ecosystems, these relatives of crocodiles are present. For its part, Mexico is included in one of the most diverse countries on the entire planet, presenting a high proportion of biodiversity, including birds. Thus, this region is home to more than 1,100 species of these animals, which represents about 11% of the world total. In addition, this nation has a high endemism of birds, which gives it fourth place in this regard. However, just as this country has a great we alth of birdlife, it does not escape presenting environmental problems related to this aspect, so that much of its biodiversity is currently threatened.
In this article on our site we want to specifically present the situation of birds in danger of extinction in Mexico, of which 655 species are in some risk category.
Short-crested Coquette (Lophornis brachylophus)
It is an endemic species of Mexico and Its current status is critical,which has been established for at least two decades. The studies carried out had estimated that the population did not exceed 1,000 mature individuals and that it was declining. This species inhabits plantations, humid lowlands, and subtropical montane forests.
The main cause of the danger faced by the short-crested coquette, also known as the Atoyac coquette, is the destruction of its habitat.
Guadalupe Petrel (Hydrobates macrodactylus)
This species has not been seen for years, however, exhaustive studies are lacking to establish its extinction, which is why it is categorized as critically endangered (possibly extinct) It is estimated that the population decreased drastically due to being preyed upon by feral cats, who overhunted these birds, in addition to destruction of nesting habitatby goats also had an influence. Terrestrial (such as soft soil forests) and marine ecosystems were the spaces for their development.
Galapagos Petrel (Pterodroma phaeopygia)
The population in Mexico has been estimated between 6,000 and 15,000 individuals, however, it is a species present in other countries that have better population numbers. It is an endangered bird in Mexico because it is cataloged as critical state
Inhabits terrestrial and coastal ecosystems. The causes of their decline are related to the introduction of predators into their habitats and the destruction of nesting spacesfor agricultural use.
Townsend's Shearwater (Puffinus auricularis)
This species has been completely displaced from the Mexican islands that were home to it, now being restricted to a small area. Populations are low not only in Mexico, but in other countries where it is present. The destruction of habitat and the effects of climate change are the main factors of alteration. It is cataloged in critical danger
Boreal Curlew (Numenius borealis)
Hunting and habitat destruction rapidly decreased the population of this bird, which is found in critically endangered (possibly extinct), since several decades have passed without being seen and estimates do not consider that there are more than 50 individuals today. It is a bird that also belongs to other countries, in which the situation is just as critical.
California Condor (Gymnogyps californianus)
This is another of the birds in danger of extinction in Mexico that is in the category of critical danger, despite the efforts that have been made in the reintroduction of the species in natural habitats. Currently, more than 200 wild individuals are estimated, with the consideration of increasing. They mainly inhabit forests, savannahs and thickets.
Among the causes that have impacted the species is poisoning due to the consumption of animals contaminated with lead, habitat destruction y captive capture.
Socorro Island Mockingbird (Mimus graysoni)
It is an endemic species of Mexico and, although the population is stable (190-280), it is classified as critical danger by the low number. The main habitat of the Isla Socorro centzontle or Socorro mockingbird is the forest, the main causes of its decline being grazing by sheep, the growth of swarms of locusts and predation by wild cats.
Pavón hornudo or horned guan (Oreophasis derbianus)
The population of this species is currently characterized by being declining and fragmented. Their state category is endangered, numbering only about 2,000 individuals. The logging, destruction of forests, hunting and capture are among the causes that have led the Great Horned Curassow to be among the endangered birds of Mexico.
Miahuatleco Hummingbird (Eupherusa cyanophrys)
Your state category is endangered, with a declining population estimated at between 1,000 and 3,000 individuals. It is an endemic species of Mexico that inhabits humid and montane forests. The destruction of habitat for agricultural purposes as well as the capture for captivity of these birds are the main causes that keep this species at risk.
Black Moth (Laterallus jamaicensis)
It is a non-endemic species (with several subspecies) and its population is estimated at 100,000 individuals, although these data are not fully confirmed. The rise in sea level and the use of land for agricultural purposes are the reasons for including it within the category of birds in danger of extinction in Mexico. The population has decreased by up to 90% in coastal areas of the country, which means a very high and accelerated percentage. The ecosystems they inhabit are marine, wetlands, peat bogs and swamps.
Other endangered birds in Mexico
Below, we mention other birds with their respective classification according to the category of the current state of risk:
- Whooping Crane (Grus americana) – Endangered
- Gray Petrel (Hydrobates homochroa) – Endangered
- Xanthus or Guadalupe's Murrelet (Synthliboramphus hypoleucus) – Endangered
- Lilac-crowned Parrot (Amazona finschi) – Endangered
- Worthen's Sparrow (Spizella wortheni) – Endangered
- Mountain Sparrow (Xenospiza baileyi) – Endangered
- Tricolor Thrush (Agelaius tricolor) – Endangered
- Baja Californian Mask (Geothlypis beldingi) – Vulnerable
- Pajuil (Penelopina nigra) – Vulnerable
- Hocopheasant (Crax rubra) – Vulnerable
As we have been able to notice, habitat destruction is a common trait in Mexico's endangered bird species, an aspect that is not only present in this country, but in other countries of the world. In this sense, it is essential to stop the environmental transformations that we are generating in an accelerated manner and that put the planet's biodiversity at risk.
Discover the most endangered animals in Mexico, as well as this other article in which we explain how to help animals in danger of extinction.
