What Are Georgia's Extinct Birds?

The New Georgia Encyclopedia explains that Georgia's diverse habitats and terrain allow for up to 110 species to breed and nest in the south of the state and up to 130 in the north. However, among the extinct species are passenger pigeons (Ectopistes migratorius), Carolina parakeets (Conuropsis carolinensis), ivory-billed woodpeckers (Campephilus principalis) and Bachman's warblers (Vermivora bachmanii).

  1. Carolina Parakeet

    • The Carolina parakeet (Conuropsis carolinensis carolinensis) became endangered in the 1800s and extinct in 1920. It was the only parrot native to continental North America and was mostly green, yellow and orange. The bird's habitats consisted of forests and forest edges and it ate seeds and fruits, including apples and corn. However, its eating habits were viewed as a threat to produce and farmland, and it was hunted by farmers. The bird was also sought after for its bright feathers.

    Passenger Pigeon

    • The passenger pigeon (Ectopistes migratorius) became extinct in 1914, though it was once considered one of the most numerous birds in the world. The bird migrated in the spring and fall, looking for suitable environments in which to nest. The passenger pigeon had a small head and neck, a long tail and pointed wings. Its powerful breast muscles enabled it to fly for long periods and its colors were blue-gray, black, pink, green and purple.

    Ivory-Billed Woodpecker

    • The ivory-billed woodpecker (Campephilus principalis) is the largest woodpecker to ever inhabit the United States and one of the largest worldwide. While it is officially regarded as extinct, there have been reports of sightings as recent as 2004. This woodpecker began declining in the 1800s, and its colors were white and red. In addition to Georgia, the bird occupied other southeastern states, having been seen as far north as Illinois. Its natural habitat was mainly hardwood forests, and it ate insects, seeds and fruit.

    Bachman's Warbler

    • The Bachman's warbler (Vermivora bachmanii) was a rare songbird native to the United States. Before its population diminished, it lived mostly in low, forested areas which featured pools of still water. Its numbers declined rapidly in the late 1800s, primarily because of the destruction of its natural habitat. The last confirmed sighting of the warbler was in 1988. It was one of the smallest warblers in existence, and its colors were green and yellow. It nested primarily in the spring, between March and June.