15 new species of birds discovered in the Amazon

This year, scientists working in the Amazon recorded an incredible 15 new species of birds.

Birds are one of the most well-known groups of animals on Earth.  Finding new species of bird is extremely rare.

The new species found in the Brazilian Amazon forest as well as parts of Peru and Bolivia, include the following:  four wood creepers, five antbirds, three tyrants, one puffbird, one gnatcatcher and one crow species.

Unfortunately, four of the new species are believed to be threatened with extinction.

Deforestation in this part of the world eliminates important specialized habitats that many of the newly discovered species depend on.

Scientists have discovered a new species of puffbird in the Brazilian Amazon. This is a collared puffbird (Bucco capensis) in Yasuni National Park in the Ecuadorian Amazon. Photo by: Jeremy Hance.
Scientists have discovered a new species of puffbird in the Brazilian Amazon. This is a collared puffbird (Bucco capensis) in Yasuni National Park in the Ecuadorian Amazon. Photo by: Jeremy Hance.

Mario Cohn-Haft, a researcher at the National Institute for Amazonian Research (INPA) told Capa Aves, “Even [with the Amazon]  having one of the best known groups of birds, discovering new species ‘under our noses’ draws attention to the wealth of the forest.  The Amazon continues to offer surprises, far beyond what we imagined.”

Want to learn more?  Read the full story: Bird extravaganza: scientists discover 15 new species of birds in the Amazon

Article published by




Print