Five long-missing bird species were rediscovered in 2025 by citizen birders, reducing the Lost Birds List from 163 species in 2022 to 120. The list tracks birds not recorded for at least a decade and helps identify species at risk.
All rediscoveries occurred in Southeast Asia and the Pacific, with some species unseen for up to 20 years. A possible sighting of Jerdon’s courser in India is still unconfirmed. Many findings come from public platforms like eBird and iNaturalist, allowing faster detection than traditional methods.
Meanwhile, one species was declared extinct in 2025, and another was reclassified, helping focus conservation efforts.
Six island species were added to the list in 2026, reflecting their high vulnerability. Overall, the list has shrunk by about 25% in five years, raising hope that more lost birds can be found.
