Once-Extinct Bird Lays Eggs in the Wild for the First Time in 40 Years

An endangered bird who recently returned to the wild has laid eggs in nature for the first time in 40 years, marking a major milestone for global conservationists.

In September 2024, nine Sihek birds – also known as Guam kingfishers – were released at the Nature Conservancy’s Palmyra Atoll Preserve in the Pacific Ocean.

The birds, four females and five males, were introduced as part of the Sihek Recovery Program, a global effort to restore the species.

The birds quickly adapted to the predator-free island, building nests and laying eggs—a hopeful sign for a species not seen in the wild since the 1980s.

Birds quickly adapt to new environment

“We’re delighted that all nine of the birds are not only surviving on Palmyra Atoll, they’re already starting on the next stage of their journey,” said Dr. Caitlin Andrews, a bird conservation scientist. “We work to reestablish a thriving and fully self-sustaining Sihek population in the wild.”

Dr. Andrews added, “It’s taken years of planning to get to this point, and it’s wonderful seeing their instincts kick in as they’ve been catching geckos and spiders and excavating nests. Their strength provides hope they will one day be back on Guam.”

The Sihek, named by the CHamoru people of Guam, vanished from its native island after the accidental introduction of the invasive brown treesnake in the 1940s.

The predator wiped out many native species, including the Sihek. The last wild bird was seen in 1988, and the remaining 29 birds were kept under human care.

Tutuhan becomes a symbol of hope and leadership

Among the birds now living on Palmyra is one named Tutuhan, the first hatchling of the program in 2023. She recently became the first to lay eggs in the wild.

“The Guåhan Shiek continue to etch their story upon us, marking milestones with Tutuhan again at the forefront,” said Yolanda Topasña, a Guam Department of Agriculture program coordinator.

“Tutuhan was the first hatchling last year and now is the first to produce eggs. Her name means beginning and she showed signs of strength from the beginning, wanting to feed herself before being old enough to do so.”

For Topasña, the birds represent more than conservation – they carry cultural meaning for the CHamoru people.

“The connection I feel with Tutuhan is a kinship I hope for all to feel,” she said. “I envision our people, the CHamoru, those who dwell in our beloved Guåhan and those scattered across the vast oceans, to feel the same stirring of ancestral pride.”

Future releases planned to support population growth

Plans are underway to release more young Sihek at Palmyra Atoll this summer to support population growth and recovery.

“It has been the honor of my life to work with the Sihek, who embody the spirit of the CHamoru people, with their incredible resilience and adaptability in the face of adversity,” said Kayla Baker, a bird conservationist.

“Seeing the eggs in the nest for the first time left us all with tears in our eyes. Watching these birds show such strong parental instincts gives me great hope that the Sihek will continue to thrive both here on Palmyra Atoll and when they are returned to Guåhan.”