From Kakapos to Condors: 19 Rare Birds on Earth

Across the planet, some birds are so scarce that seeing one in the wild is a once-in-a-lifetime event. Habitat loss, hunting, climate change, and invasive species have pushed many to the brink of extinction, leaving only a few hundred—or even a few dozen—individuals surviving in remote corners of the world. From the flightless kakapo of New Zealand to the elusive Philippine eagle and the vibrant orange-bellied parrot of Australia, these rare birds represent both the fragility and resilience of life on Earth. Keep reading to learn about the 19 rarest birds that are still on the planet today.

This post was updated on October 13, 2025 to clarify Jabiru nesting style and wingspan, California condor numbers, IUCN designation of ivory-billed woodpeckers, IUCN status of emperor penguins, migration of the Egyptian vulture, number of whooping cranes, and Spanish imperial eagle numbers.

1. Jabiru

This large stork is native to wetlands and riparian areas throughout Central and South America. They were considered “near threatened” in the 1980s due to overhunting, but their population has since stabilized. Jabiru birds have distinctive black heads and necks, white feathers on their bodies, and a red pouch at the base of their necks.

Jabirus form lifelong bonds with their mates and seek high places to build their nests. These birds nest singly or in pairs, though they may feed in loose groups. Jabirus prefer to eat fish and will wade into shallow waters to hunt for them. However, they will also eat snakes, insects, and even mice.

2. Imperial Amazon Parrot

There are several different types of Amazon parrots, and the imperial Amazon parrot is among the rarest. The IUCN Red List says that these birds are critically endangered, with only between 40 and 60 individuals remaining.

Imperial Amazon parrots live on the gorgeous and wild Caribbean island of Dominica, where they are the country’s national bird. These parrots can reach lengths of up to 19 in. and have multi-colored feathers that include red, orange, green, and blue. They eat nuts and seeds, which they crack open with their large, hooked bills.

3. California Condor

Boasting a wingspan of up to 9 ft., the California condor is the biggest bird in North America. The California condor’s ancestors have existed in North America for tens of thousands of years. However, as of 2024, there are only about 350–400 wild individuals and 200+ in captivity, making them critically endangered.

These birds mate for life and find nesting spots along cliffsides or inside caves. Their diets consist primarily of carrion, and they will travel in the air for miles in search of animal carcasses. The California Condor population dropped significantly in the 20th century due to the birds ingesting fragments of lead bullets. They are also at risk due to their dwindling habitat, pollution, and viruses. 

4. African Grey Parrot

These birds demonstrate high levels of intelligence and are well-known for their ability to speak. Their high demand in the pet trade is largely responsible for endangering African grey parrots.

In the wild, African Grey Parrots are native to central and western Africa. They build nests inside trees with their life-long mates. These birds are largely herbivorous, with diets that consist mainly of fruits, nuts, and bark.

5. Ivory-Billed Woodpecker

The IUCN lists ivory-billed woodpeckers as Critically Endangered (Possibly Extinct). However, unconfirmed sightings have given researchers hope that these rare birds may still exist in the forests and swamps of the southeastern U.S. and Cuba.

Ivory-billed woodpeckers use their beaks to create holes in tree trunks where they build nests. Deforestation of their native habitats had a severe impact on their population.

6. Yellow-Eyed Penguin

Only found in the coastal regions of New Zealand, Yellow-Eyed Penguins are the rarest species of penguin on the planet. They are considered endangered, with an estimated 3,000 mature individuals.

These birds grow to around 11 to 13 lbs. and reach heights of about 24 in. Adults have distinctive yellow eyeballs as well as yellow feathers on their heads. The Māori people of New Zealand called this bird Hoiho, meaning “noise shouter,” for the volume of its calls.

7. Red-Headed Vulture

These fierce-looking birds are mostly found in India, Nepal, Bangladesh, and other areas of Southeast Asia although their numbers are declining. Despite their appearance, Red-Headed Vultures are not aggressive and will abandon their meal if intimidated by other birds.

In the sky, red-headed vultures have impressive flying abilities. Their mating ritual includes spectacular mid-air displays where two birds will dive, swoop, and twist together. Medications used to treat illnesses in livestock have threatened their population. Red-headed vultures eat mostly carrion, and the medication in livestock carcasses caused widespread poisoning in the birds.

8. Kakapo

The kakapo is another of New Zealand’s rare birds. For millions of years, the kakapo had very few predators. However, that changed as other animals were introduced to the island nation and started hunting kakapos, which greatly reduced their numbers.

These large, flightless birds are also nocturnal, emerging at night to forage for fruits, seeds, and plant shoots. Despite being unable to fly, kakapo can climb trees with their feet and then use their relatively small wings to glide back down to the ground.

9. Philippine Eagle

This bird is native to the Philippines, where it is the country’s national bird. The Philippine eagle is critically endangered, however, and experts estimate that 400–500 individuals remain in total, including juveniles (300 mature adults).

These rare birds are among the world’s largest species of eagles. They can reach heights of 3 feet with wingspans of 6.5 feet. Philippine eagles can be recognized by their distinctive brown and white crest, which circles their heads like a mane. 

10. Emperor Penguin

These birds are native to Antarctica and are the world’s largest species of penguin. Emperor penguins cannot fly but they use their small wings to swim through icy waters. Their well-adapted body shape allows them to easily swim, and they can hold their breath underwater for up to 20 minutes.

To survive the frigid Antarctic conditions, emperor penguins have specialized feathers and a layer of fat to keep them warm. They are also social birds, living together in colonies and huddling for warmth during the coldest months. As of 2023, the IUCN now lists as these penguins as Near Threatened due to climate change.

11. Wandering Albatross

With the largest wingspan of any bird, the wandering albatross can spend hours at a time in flight. On average, they can have 9 ft. wingspans and reach weights of 14 to 26 lbs. 

The wandering albatross is native to the coastal areas of New Zealand, Africa, Australia, and Antarctica. They soar over the ocean waters in search of seafood such as fish, shrimp, and squid. When wandering albatrosses fledge and leave their nests, they can spend a decade at sea before returning to solid ground to breed. 

12. Egyptian Vulture

Although they can be found in areas of Africa, Europe, and Asia, these rare birds are endangered, and their numbers are declining. Egyptian vultures inhabit deserts and fields in southern Europe, northern Africa, and southwestern Asia, where they breed, before traveling to the southern Sahara Desert for the winter months. (Not all individuals migrate; some resident African populations remain year-round.)

Egyptian vultures prefer to stay in proximity to humans so they can supplement their carrion-based diets with refuse from slaughterhouses and fishing ports. These birds will even steal eggs from other birds, opening them with rocks to eat the contents inside. Reduced habitat and contaminated food sources are the main threats that endanger these birds.

13. Orange-Bellied Parrot

With declining numbers and limited native habitat, orange-bellied parrots are critically endangered. Experts estimate there are only 20 to 25 adults of this species left in the wild. 

These birds are only found around the southern coast of Australia, where they prefer to inhabit wetlands and forests. They breed in Tasmania and migrate north to mainland Australia for winter.

14. Harpy Eagle

These fierce-looking birds have a distinctive crown of feathers they raise when they feel threatened. The harpy eagle is one of the world’s largest species of eagles. Their talons can reach lengths of 3 to 4 in., rivaling the size of a grizzly bear’s claws.

Harpy eagles are remarkable hunters and can spot prey on the forest floor from hundreds of feet away. They primarily inhabit tropical rainforests of South and Central America, where they hunt sloths, monkeys, rodents, and other small animals.

15. Kagu

These birds are native to the Pacific island of New Caledonia. Kagu birds inhabit a small part of the island, preferring to live and hunt in rainforests or shrublands. They are considered endangered, with fewer than 1,000 adults estimated to remain in the wild. 

Kagu birds are recognized by their distinctive crest feathers. These birds are flightless carnivores and search the forest floor for worms, insects, and lizards. These rare birds are the only species with nasal corns, which prevent them from inhaling dust and debris as they use their beaks to forage for food. 

16. Great Hornbill

Among the largest of the hornbill species, the great hornbill is found mainly in evergreen forests in Southeast Asia. These birds can weigh over 6 lbs. and can have wingspans of over 5 ft. 

Great hornbills use their loud, frequent calls to attract mates. These birds are recognizable by the unique casque on their bills. This hollow, U-shaped structure may be used to attract mates, or it may amplify the bird’s calls. 

17. Hawaiian Crow

The Hawaiian crow is extinct in the wild, although conservations are working to restore the bird’s habitat and breed them in captivity. Historically, native Hawaiians considered this bird to be the island’s guardian spirit.

Hawaiian crows are highly intelligent, and researchers have discovered that these birds have excellent memories and the ability to use basic tools. These birds are also highly vocal, displaying a wide range of loud and sometimes harsh calls that include howls and screeches.

18. Whooping Crane

Once abundant in North America, the whooping crane is now considered endangered, with around 500 wild individuals and 100+ captive individuals as of 2024. Its habitat includes marshes and wetlands where they create low, mounded nests close to water.

The whooping crane is the tallest North American bird, reaching heights of 5 ft. Their feathers are almost entirely white, except for black feathers at their wingtips and a red patch on the top of their heads. These birds embark on an annual migration that can take them a staggering 2,500 miles from Canada and the northern United States to areas in Texas or Florida.

19. Spanish Imperial Eagle

Native to Spain and parts of Portugal, the imperial eagle is Spain’s national bird. These birds are also vulnerable to extinction, and experts estimate there are about 600 breeding pairs (1,200 mature adults) in the wild as of 2024. Spanish imperial eagles avoid humans and prefer to build nests in tall pine trees.

These birds possess dark brown feathers that may occasionally feature lighter brown or rust-colored accents. They can be recognized by a white band of feathers across their shoulders.