Found only in Thailand, this small bird has not been seen in the wild since the 1970s, making it one of the most enigmatic species in the world. With its glossy black body, white belly, and distinctive white eyes, this bird stands out as a unique and striking member of the swallow family. Its forked tail and streamlined body make it a swift and graceful flyer, perfectly suited for life along rivers and wetlands.

This bird is believed to have inhabited the lowland areas of Thailand, particularly around large rivers with sandy banks. Its behavior is not well-documented, but like other river martins, it likely fed on insects caught in mid-air. Its sharp eyesight and quick, agile flight would have made it a highly effective hunter. The white-eyed river martin is thought to have nested in burrows dug into sandy riverbanks, a behavior that made it vulnerable to habitat disturbances, including flooding, erosion, and human activities.

The species was first discovered in 1968 when a few individuals were observed and captured at a wetland in Thailand. Since then, no confirmed sightings have been made, and it is now feared to be extinct or on the brink of extinction. The main threats to the white-eyed river martin were likely habitat destruction, such as the damming of rivers, agricultural expansion, and changes in water management systems. These factors have drastically reduced the availability of suitable nesting and feeding sites.

Despite its uncertain status, the white-eyed river martin remains a symbol of hope and urgency for conservationists. Efforts to locate the bird in the wild have continued over the decades, fueled by the possibility that it may still survive in some remote or unexplored region. Its plight highlights the broader challenges faced by river-dependent species worldwide, many of which are similarly threatened by human activities and environmental changes.

Distribution

Country

Population est.

Status

Year

Comments

Thailand

<50

Official estimate

CR

2021

Non-Breeding