The Marquises Swamphen was a species of swamphen endemic to the Marquesas Islands in the Pacific. Known only from subfossil remains, it was likely flightless or nearly flightless. It went extinct shortly after human settlement, a common fate for vulnerable island species.
Where to spot
Known only from subfossil remains found on several islands within the Marquesas Islands (French Polynesia).
How to spot
This bird is extinct and cannot be observed. Information is based on subfossil evidence.
When to spot
Extinct. It is believed to have gone extinct during the Polynesian settlement of the Marquesas, due to hunting and predation by introduced Pacific rats.
Where to spot
Known only from subfossil remains found on several islands within the Marquesas Islands (French Polynesia).
How to spot
This bird is extinct and cannot be observed. Information is based on subfossil evidence.
When to spot
Extinct. It is believed to have gone extinct during the Polynesian settlement of the Marquesas, due to hunting and predation by introduced Pacific rats.
This swamphen represents yet another example of a unique island bird lineage that evolved flightlessness in isolation, only to be wiped out by introduced predators after human arrival.
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