White-eyed River Martin – Please don’t be extinct!

Conservation status: CRITICALLY ENDANGERED
Common name:  white-eyed river martin
Scientific name: Pseudochelidon sirintarae
Type: bird
Diet: n/a
Length: 18 cm
Weight: n/a

Nok Ta Phong – its name in Thai means “bird with enlarged eyes” and has indeed a beautiful pair of eyes. This species is also one of two endemic birds to Thailand, but unfortunately could be extinct (but surely hope not!) as no one has seen it since 1980 (its discovery was in 1968). The martin’s apparent demise may have been hastened by trapping, loss of habitat, and the construction of dams.

References:

1. https://orientalbirdclub.org/white-eyed-river-martin/
2. http://thaibirding.com/news/werm_article.htm
3. https://www.iucnredlist.org/species/22712042/94316531