Native Forest Birds

A Few Remain

The limestone and ravine forests of Guam have historically supported fourteen species of terrestrial birds. Two of these fourteen birds are endemic to Guam at the species level. Five bird species are endemic at the sub-species level. One of the endemic species is now extinct. Seven have been extirpated from the island.

The loss of these birds is believed to be largely a result of habitat alteration and the effects of the introduced brown tree snake. Three species are still living in the wild. Three species are being held in captive breeding programs on Guam and zoos in the United States mainland. Others are found in the Northern Mariana islands. Learn more about the native birds of Guam in this Guampedia entry.