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If you were to calculate current extinction rates for birds, species found on islands would be winning the race to oblivion hands down. Island populations are susceptible to diseases, exotic species, and the loss of habitat, and, once gone, there's no chance of rescue from a neighboring population. The Bahamian Nuthatch enjoyed island life for thousands of years, but this curious songbird now sits on the verge of extinction a mere 65 miles off the coast of Florida. Jim Cox recently visited the Bahamas in hopes of collecting DNA samples and learning more about this bird before it is gone. Cox has studied the closely related Brown-headed Nuthatch at Tall Timbers Research Station for nearly a decade and will describe the haunts and habits of the Bahamian Nuthatch and future prospects for this critically endangered bird.
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