micronesian kingfisher

Description:

The Micronesian kingfisher population was decimated in Guam after the arrival of the brown tree snake. These birds are now extinct in the wild. The 29 remaining birds (between1984 and 1986) were distributed to several institutions to save this species.

Habitat:

The micronesian kingfisher is now a part of a captive breeding program. The captive population in 2004 consists of about 65 birds. The long-term goal of the captive breeding program is to have 100 to 200 birds in captivity in 25 separate zoological institutions. This kingfisher lives at the National Zoo in Washington, DC.