In a remarkable win for wildlife conservation, a bird once declared extinct in the wild is now laying eggs again—proof that even the most endangered species can get a second chance.
The Sihek, also known as the Guam kingfisher, has made headlines after nesting and laying eggs on Palmyra Atoll, a remote island preserve in Hawaii. It’s the first time in nearly four decades that Sihek eggs have been laid in the wild, marking a milestone for a species that vanished from its native island of Guam in the 1980s. The last confirmed sighting was in 1988.
“It’s hard not to feel like a proud parent seeing them out there thriving and making history,” said Charlotte James, a bird keeper at London Zoo who helped raise the birds.
Once Gone, Now Given a Chance
The Sihek was wiped out in the wild by the invasive brown tree snake which was accidentally introduced to Guam in the 1940s. These snakes, likely brought via military cargo during World War II, devastated native wildlife. According to the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS), they’re responsible for the extinction of nine native bird species on the island, there were a total of 13 bird species native to the island.
But biologists didn’t give up. As wild populations declined, conservationists acted quickly, establishing a captive breeding program. According to PEOPLE, 29 Sihek were kept in human care to preserve the species. Today, around 152 Sihek live in 25 zoos worldwide. In September 2024, nine young birds—four females and five males—were released at The Nature Conservancy’s Palmyra Atoll Preserve. This predator-free tropical island offered safety and space to test rewilding efforts while scientists monitored their adjustment to life in nature.
A Promising Beginning
Since the release, eight of the birds have successfully formed pairs and built nests. Now, they’ve gone a step further—laying eggs.
“Many of us spent this Easter weekend out searching high and low for eggs of a different variety — and while they might not be as shiny or brightly colored, these tiny, unassuming-looking eggs are far more exciting and precious than any of their chocolate counterparts,” said John Ewen, Sihek Recovery Team Chair Professor of Zoological Society of London’s (ZSL) Institute of Zoology.
Why It Matters
With more Sihek scheduled for release this summer, conservationists say this success is bigger than just one species. It serves as a powerful example of what’s possible through collaboration, long-term planning, and science-based reintroduction.
“It’s taken years of planning to get to this point, and it’s wonderful seeing their instincts kick in as they catch geckos, spiders, and excavate nests,” said Dr. Caitlin Andrews, bird conservation scientist with The Nature Conservancy and ZSL. “Their strength gives us hope they’ll one day return to Guam.”
The Road Ahead
While the eggs are an exciting step, experts say it’s just the beginning. The Sihek population remains small, and each new life must be protected as the species slowly rebuilds in the wild. Those organizations involved in the reintroduction said it may take a few rounds of eggs for the Sihek to learn how to properly care for their eggs, but they remain hopeful that it will happen.
Still, conservationists are celebrating this victory, no matter how fragile. Every egg laid is a symbol of progress—and a reminder that even the rarest species can soar again when given the chance.
