10 Endangered Big Birds That Need To Be Saved

In the big beautiful wild, you can find countless endangered big birds that are impressive and chirpy. These sizeable creatures, some of which can be really big, have been flying around our planet for thousands of years. However, the sad reality is that many of these birds are now almost gone forever. It’s due to habitat loss, illegal hunting, climate change, and other human-related threats.

Below we will explore the fascinating lives of 10 endangered big birds. We will also look into their unique features, where they live, and how people are trying to save them.

1. Shoebill: First Of Endangered Big Birds

The shoebill is a bird that stands tall, both in size and in mystery. With its unusual appearance, it indeed is a massive bird that looks like it came from prehistoric times. Often referred to as the “swamp king,” it’s found in the vast swampy areas of Africa. Height of this rare bird is around 4.4 to 5.6 feet and it can weigh between 9 to 14 pounds. Its massive, shoe-shaped bill is not just for show; it’s a great tool for catching fish, frogs, and reptiles.

Despite its scary appearance, the destruction of their homes and illegal hunting have led to making Shoebill an endangered species. Thus, conservationists (people who work to save animals) are working hard to protect its wetland homes and raise awareness about its importance in nature.

Lifespan	Habitat	Diet	Size	Weight	Population Status
35-50 years	Sub-Saharan Africa	Fish, Frogs, Reptiles	4.4-5.7 feet	9-15 pounds	Vulnerable

The shoebill’s machine gun like sound is undoubtedly a scary call. They make a loud rattling sound with their beaks and it without a doubt sounds like a machine gun. They make that call when they greet each other or when they are at their nests!

2. Kakapo: A Parrot Like No Other

Meet the kakapo, a large parrot native to New Zealand. Weighing in at 4 to 9 pounds, this flightless mossy green parrot carries a unique charm. Not only does it have an owl like face, it also doesn’t sleep at night like many owls; thus being nicknamed as “night parrot”. Kakapos mostly feast on fruits and seeds, thus helping keep the forest healthy by dispersing those seeds.

The Kakapo is a large parrot native to New Zealand. It is flightless but an excellent climber. Kakapos are endangered due to not having many babies and being hunted by animals people brought to their home. Conservationists are working hard to protect the Kakapo and give it a fighting chance.

Lifespan	Habitat	Diet	Size	Weight	Population Status
60+ years	New Zealand	Fruits, Seeds, Plants	23-25 inches	2-9 pounds	Endangered

While their relatively short wingspan and fattish body has made them flightless, Kakapo climbing skill is a sight to witness.

Talking of parrots, don’t forget to check out our fun bird story of parrot and an eagle. The little kids love our short stories.

3. Philippine Eagle: The King of the Treetops

The Philippine eagle is a magnificent bird. It’s a national symbol of the Philippines, and it rules the treetops with its 7-foot wingspan. They call it the “Monkey-Eating Eagle” because it preys on monkeys and other mammals. It’s a fearsome predator in its forest home.

Unfortunately, habitat loss and hunting have pushed these magnificent birds close to extinction. Efforts are thus being made to protect their homes, get people who live nearby to help, and stop illegal hunting to help them survive.

Lifespan	Habitat	Diet	Size	Weight	Population Status
30 to 40 years	Philippines	Monkeys, Flying Lemurs, Birds	2.8-3.3 feet	10-18 pounds	Critically Endangered

With eyes as big as a human’s, the Philippine eagle indeed has amazing eyesight which allows it to spot its prey from great distances while soaring high above the forests.

4. Javan Hawk-Eagle: Endangered Big Birds From The Forest

The Javan hawk-eagle is undoubtedly a guardian of the Indonesian rainforests. With a wingspan of around 1.9 to 2.2 feet, witnessing this bird of prey is amazing. The bird loves to feed on small mammals and birds. Moreover, the bird helps keep its home natural environment balanced and healthy.

However, like many other endangered animals, destruction of their habitat has also endangered lives of Javan hawk-eagles. To make amends actions are being taken establish protected areas and fix their damaged homes, in a bid to give this majestic bird a chance to survive.

Lifespan	Habitat	Diet	Size	Weight	Population Status
20-30 years	Indonesia	Birds, Small Mammals	24-27 inches	2-3.5 pounds	Endangered

Javan hawk-eagles are quiet hunters. They surprise their prey with a sudden dive from above, much like an expert ninja of the forest.

5. Forest Owlet: The Elusive Bird That Is Big

The forest owlet is a small owl native to India. Like several others in our list of endangered big birds, this one too is a mystery of its own. With its size ranging from 9.8 to 10.6 inches and weighing only around 4.9 to 5.6 ounces, it’s one of the smallest in our list of birds that are big and endangered. Moreover, this little wonder survives on a diet of small mammals and birds. Furthermore, its rarity makes it a prized find for birdwatchers.

The forest owlet’s decreasing numbers and habitat loss have brought this mystery creature to brink of extinction. Therefore, efforts are being made to protect their habitats.

Lifespan	Habitat	Diet	Size	Weight	Population Status
12-15 years	India	Insects, Small Rodents	9-10 inches	6-9 ounces	Endangered

Distinctive hooting calls by the Forest owlet sound like a human whistling. It undoubtedly adds an air of mystery to its hidden presence.

6. Andean Condor: The Mountain Majesty

Thriving in the high Andes mountains of South America, the Andean condor is not only a bird that is big in size but is also important to local people and their traditions. With a wingspan of 10.5 feet and weighing up to 33 pounds, it’s undoubtedly one of the largest flying birds in the world. The Andean condor loves eating decaying flesh of dead animals and thus it joins the nature’s cleanup crew; playing an important role in nature.

Good humans rehabilitated & released an Andean condor, & it turned around before flying to show & maybe to thank. Majestic Earthling remembers the feeling of freedom's beautiful touch on its wings.

📽️Huarpe People pic.twitter.com/pm34RuXqWc

— Hakan Kapucu (@1hakankapucu) August 21, 2023

While conservation efforts have helped stop numbers of this massive bird from dropping, the Andean condor is still near threatened. Moreover, existing threats such as habitat loss and poisoning from the meat of dead livestock continue to hurt its survival chances.

Lifespan	Habitat	Diet	Size	Weight	Population Status
Up to 75 years	South America	Dead Animals	47-53 inches	20-33 pounds	Near Threatened

Andean condors are skilled gliders and can soar to incredible heights without much work. Instead of continuously flapping their wings they use air currents to effortlessly fly around the Andes.

7. California Condor: Endangered Big Birds Of The Coast

Meet the California condor. It’s indeed a close relative of the Andean condor and lives in the western coast of the United States. While similar in size to its Andean counterpart with a wingspan of 9.5 feet, its distinctive bald head helps in identifying the magnificent bird.

Habitat loss, lead poisoning, and low birth rates have almost made the bird extinct. However strong efforts to save them have helped in reviving its numbers though it still remains at high risk of extinction. Efforts include captive breeding and protecting their homes to save their future.

Lifespan	Habitat	Diet	Size	Weight	Population Status
Up to 60 years	North America	Carrion, Marine Mammal Carcasses	43-55 inches	18-31 pounds	Critically Endangered

California condors are often seen touching beaks with each other as a way of ‘socializing’. It’s indeed a unique way of strengthening bonds, thus making them social creatures of the wild.

8. Lear’s Macaw: Brazil’s Big Blue Gem

Meet Lear’s macaw. A vibrant blue jewel roaming the skies of Brazil. With its brilliant deep blue plumage and striking appearance, these endangered big birds have attracted eyeballs: sometimes the wrong ones. Thus unfortunately but unsurprisingly it has become highly sought after in the illegal pet trade. Weighing around 30 to 37 ounces, it has become one of the rarest parrot species in the world.

▶️ Endangered ◀️
Lear's macaw (Anodorhynchus leari)🐦🦜🕊️🎵❤️ pic.twitter.com/9c5AuCDl71

— World birds (@worldbirds32) July 10, 2023

Conservation efforts are underway to protect its dwindling population and habitats. Moreover, group projects such as habitat restoration, anti-poaching measures, and involving the local people are being done to ensure the survival of this iconic species.

Lifespan	Habitat	Diet	Size	Weight	Population Status
Up to 40 years	Brazil	Fruits, Nuts	28 inches	30-35 ounces	Endangered

Lear’s macaws are known for their playful nature; their rolling on their backs while playing feels like acrobats in the skies.

9. Northern Bald Ibis: A Bird of Tales and Travels

A symbol of ancient Egypt, the northern bald ibis is a long distance traveler. It can go thousands of miles while travelling across continents. With a distinctive bald head, these endangered big birds stand at around 2.2 to 3.3 feet tall. Being critically endangered, it was once even believed to be extinct, however rediscovered in the Moroccan desert. It uses its long, curved bill to find and feast on insects, mollusks, and small reptiles.

Destruction of their habitat and continued hunting have pushed it to the critically endangered status. Thus, conservationists are working with local communities to protect its breeding sites from human actions.

Lifespan	Habitat	Diet	Size	Weight	Population Status
Up to 20 years	Eurasia, North Africa	Insects, Reptiles	24-31 inches	2-4 pounds	Endangered

These ibises are true globe-trotters. With a path they travel every year spanning over 1,000 miles, they indeed have quite an impressive travel itinerary!

10. Southern Ground Hornbill: Africa’s Majestic Bird

Meet the Southern Ground Hornbill, a majestic bird reigning on African grasslands. Carrying a distinct black plumage and bright red neck, this bird king undoubtedly commands attention. Weighing up to 9 pounds, it stands as one of the largest terrestrial birds on the continent.

Southern Ground Hornbill strolling along. pic.twitter.com/bjururBMVD

— DMƒ Stop (@dmfstop) August 22, 2023

While having an impressive presence; like other endangered big birds in our list, this one too is fighting for its survival. Habitat loss and hunting has hurt its numbers significantly. To counter that actions are being taken to protect this royal bird. The focus is on habitat preservation, education of locals, and anti-hunting campaigns. By protecting the Southern Ground Hornbill, we preserve not only an amazing species but also the wild spirit of Africa.

Lifespan	Habitat	Diet	Size	Weight	Population Status
Up to 40 years	Sub-Saharan Africa	Small Animals, Insects	38-47 inches	5-9 pounds	Vulnerable

Not only its size but also how their families work together have made the Southern Ground Hornbill popular. These birds live in close family groups where older siblings are responsible for caring and protecting the younger ones. They thus show an amazing teamwork that birds don’t usually have.

Conservation: Protecting Endangered Big Birds

The survival of these big and endangered birds undoubtedly depends on collective efforts. Actions being to protect their habitats, stop illegal selling, and raise awareness about their importance in maintaining natural balance are crucial. Groups like BirdLife International, World Wildlife Fund (WWF), and local conservation groups are playing an important role in protecting these amazing birds. Therefore, by supporting and contributing to these efforts, we can ensure that these birds continue to grace the skies for generations to come.

In Conclusion

Chirpy is all about being lively. So, as we explore the beauty and grandeur of these chirpy endangered big birds, we’re reminded of our responsibility to protect and save their existence. Their stories serve as a proof of how fragile nature is and how our actions affect animals. By valuing and respecting these majestic species, we can contribute to a brighter and more peaceful future for both them and us.