Endangered & Unusual Birds: The World's Top 100

Earlier this month, scientists named the 100 most unusual and endangered birds in the world. The species on the list were taken from the world's approximately 10,000 bird species, and ranked by their evolutionarily distinctiveness and conservation status. Here at Birdorable we like to highlight both unusual birds as well as species that need conservation help.

Eleven of the birds on the top 100 list can be found here in our unique cute cartoon style. Birds on the list include the iconic California Condor, struggling back from the brink of extinction thanks to dedicated scientists and conservationists, and the unusual Shoebill, which is also known as Whalehead or Shoe-billed Stork.

The list of endangered and unusual birds also includes species in the parrot family, like the nocturnal and non-flighted Kakapo, endemic to New Zealand, and the Spix's Macaw of Brazil. Other Birdorable birds on the list: Philippine Eagle; Spoon-billed Sandpiper; Northern Bald Ibis; Red-headed Vulture; Secretary Bird; Egyptian Vulture; Kokako.

These birds and all of the others on the list are in conservation trouble, just like the Passenger Pigeon was over 100 years ago. This year marks the 100th anniversary of the final loss of this species. In September 1914, the last Passenger Pigeon died, and the species was lost forever. If you can, please support groups working hard to save species by conserving habitat, enacting regulations that help the environment, and other heroic deeds to help our fellow creatures of Earth. Share your love of birds and the environment so that others may share your passion and work to save those in trouble, too!