The sobering news came out from BirdLife International a couple of weeks ago that there are now 1,227 bird species across the globe that are classified as Globally Threatened.

Below is an excerpt from the first paragraph of the BirdLife International press release. You can read the entire release at: http://www.birdlife.org/news/news/2009/05/red_list.html

BirdLife International announces more Critically Endangered birds than ever before

14-05-2009

BirdLife International's latest evaluation of the world's birds has revealed that more species than ever are threatened with extinction. A staggering 1,227 species (12%) are now classified as Globally Threatened but the good news is that when conservation action is put in place, species can be saved.

"In global terms, things continue to get worse - but there are some real conservation success stories this year to give us hope and point the way forward", said Dr Leon Bennun, BirdLife's Director of Science and Policy.