Newly Released Guam Kingfishers Produce Eggs in the Wild for the First Time in 40 Years!!
The Nine Birds released last fall (including three that hatched at the Aviary) continue to thrive in their new home on Palmyra Atoll
The National Aviary is thrilled to share 2025’s first exciting update on the Guam Kingfisher story that stole international headlines last year. As a reminder, nine Extinct-in-the-Wild Guam Kingfishers, known locally as sihek (including three that hatched at the National Aviary by Senior Aviculturist Brianna Crane), were the first of their kind to be released into the wild in four decades! We are happy to announce that our partners on the ground in Palmyra Atoll have shared reports of laid eggs – marking the first time the species have bred in the wild since their extinction from their native island of Guam in the 1980s.
This historic achievement is the work of the Sihek Recovery Program, a global collaboration of conservationists, including the National Aviary, that is dedicated to rewilding these magnificent, colorful birds. The celebratory arrival of these eggs marks how the birds have flourished since their arrival at The Nature Conservancy’s (TNC’s) Palmyra Preserve in the Pacific atoll, located about 1,000 miles south of Honolulu, Hawaii.
After their remarkable release last autumn, the four female and five male birds quickly explored their new home, learning how to forage and hunt new prey within the tropical forest. Four pairs have since established territories, built nests, and laid eggs.
“Getting to see birds that I helped to hatch and raise, be thriving in the wild is so extraordinary”, says Brianna Crane, National Aviary Senior Aviculturist. “Someday soon, these mighty little birds may end up growing the first truly wild population of sihek in 40 years.”
“We’re delighted that all nine of the birds are not only surviving on Palmyra Atoll, they’re already starting the next stage of their journey as we work to reestablish a thriving sihek population in the wild,” says Dr. Caitlin Andrews, Bird Conservation Scientist with TNC and ZSL (Zoological Society of London). “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 that they will one day be back on Guam.”
With the mated pairs less than a year old and experiencing their first time incubating and caring for eggs on their own, it’s likely it will take a few more rounds of egg-laying for the birds to hone their skills and for chicks to hatch. Nonetheless, these eggs demonstrate both the tremendous resilience of these remarkable birds and the power of conservation to create a second chance for species on the brink of extinction.
Sihek, as the birds are known by the indigenous CHamoru* people of Guam, also known as Guahan, were decimated when the brown tree snake was accidentally introduced to the islands in the 1940s. As the population crashed, Guam biologists brought 29 sihek under human care, starting a conservation breeding program in Association of Zoos and Aquariums (AZA)-accredited zoos across the United States (US).
Palmyra Atoll was selected as the home for the first wild sihek because it is predator-free and fully protected. TNC’s Palmyra Preserve is encompassed by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service’s Palmyra Atoll National Wildlife Refuge (out to 12 nautical miles) and by the Pacific Islands Heritage Marine National Monument (out to 50 nautical miles), one of the largest swaths of ocean and islands protected in the world. Protected regions like Palmyra Atoll are essential to protecting biodiversity as wildlife globally continues to face threats such as habitat loss and climate change.
Several of the nine birds released at Palmyra Atoll last fall were named in an online voting process. Since then, the team has become deeply connected with each individual bird.
“The Guahan Sihek continue to etch their story upon us, marking milestones with Tutuhan again at the forefront! 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,” says Yolonda Topasna, Guam Department of Agriculture Division of Aquatic and Wildlife Resources (DAWR) Program Coordinator. “Tutuhan challenged another female for Hinanao’s partnership and won! Now our pair take turns watching over their precious eggs,” she says.
“The connection I feel with Tutuhan is a kinship I hope for all to feel. I envision our people, the CHamoru, those who dwell in our beloved Guahan and those scattered across the vast oceans, to feel the same stirring of ancestral pride,” shares Topasna. “A dear friend in Washington, but whose roots run deep on Guahan, shared a memory, a vision of sihek soaring freely over their lancho (farm) in Dededo, in the mid-1970s. My friends’ father warned the family to leave sihek alone and they respected and obeyed. These are the stories that bind us, the whispers of our past that illuminate our present. These conversations are what will bring us all together to celebrate the lives of the sihek thriving on Palmyra Atoll and in turn, will help us all take pride in our culture and heritage.”
Plans are underway for there to be additional sihek released at Palmyra Atoll this summer, and the National Aviary’s own Senior Aviculturist, Brianna Crane, will play an even larger role this year in ensuring the overall success of this year’s release program.
“It’s truly an honor to take on a greater role with the Sihek Recovery Program this year,” says Brianna. “Taking the next grouping of sihek juveniles into the wild, preparing them for release, is just not something I could have ever imagined last year, when my own flights for this program took me to Sedgewick to deliver the chicks and leave them in capable hands for the next phase of their journey.”
Egg-laying season is underway at the National Aviary and other participating AZA-accredited institutions across the US. As they grow to maturity, many of these chicks will also journey to Palmyra, with the ultimate goal of establishing ten breeding pairs there. The wild sihek at Palmyra Atoll will pave the way for a growing, wild sihek population for the first time in decades.
The National Aviary remains grateful to the following fellow Sihek Recovery Program partners and institutions who either contributed eggs to be hatched or staff to assist with their care: Brookfield Zoo Chicago, Cincinnati Zoo & Botanical Garden, Disney’s Animal Kingdom, National Aviary, Sedgwick County Zoo, Smithsonian’s National Zoo and Conservation Biology Institute, Tracy Aviary, ZSL’s London, and Whipsnade Zoos.
*CHamoru is spelled with a capital H.
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Sihek Recovery Program
The Sihek Recovery Program is a global collaborative of conservationists dedicated to recovering one of Guam’s most iconic native species, the sihek (Guam kingfisher, Todiramphus cinnamominus). The Sihek Recovery Program acknowledges the hard work of many partners, including the Guam Department of Agriculture, the Association of Zoos & Aquariums, The Nature Conservancy, US Fish & Wildlife Service, and ZSL.
Sihek biological notes
Project biologists were prepared to provide supplemental food, nesting materials and other assistance to help the nine young sihek get established. But the sihek found plenty of food to eat as well as places to nest. To create a nest, most often in dead coconut trees, the birds hit the tree with their beaks repeatedly to form an opening, making as many as 20 cavities before selecting one to nest in. Sihek typically lay a clutch of two eggs, although clutches of one to three eggs have been observed. The average incubation period for sihek eggs to hatch is approximately 21 to 23 days. While the lifespan of sihek in the wild is unknown, they have been observed to live between 15 and 20 years in captive care.
Partner Boiler Plate Descriptions
Guam Department of Agriculture (DOAg)
The Guam Department of Agriculture’s Division of Aquatic and Wildlife Resources is dedicated to the conservation, protection and management of Guam’s natural and cultural resources for current and future generations.
Association of Zoos & Aquariums (AZA)
AZA is dedicated to the advancement of zoos and aquariums in the areas of conservation, education, science, and recreation. It represents more than 251 facilities in the United States and overseas, which collectively draw more than 200 million visitors every year. AZA-accredited zoos and aquariums meet the highest standards in animal care and welfare and provide a fun, safe, and educational family experience. In addition, they dedicate millions of dollars annually to support scientific research, conservation, and education programs.
The Nature Conservancy, Hawai‘i and Palmyra
The Nature Conservancy (TNC) is a global conservation organization dedicated to conserving the lands and waters on which all life depends. Guided by science, we create innovative, on-the-ground solutions to our world’s toughest challenges so that nature and people can thrive together. TNC purchased Palmyra Atoll in 2000 to preserve it and turned over the majority of the property to the US Fish and Wildlife Service. As part of our Island Resilience Strategy, TNC maintains a globally significant preserve and research station at Palmyra Atoll. TNC has forged partnerships to manage 14 preserves and support other sites in Hawai‘i and Palmyra Atoll, working with government, private parties and communities to protect Hawai‘i’s and Palmyra’s forests and coral reefs for their ecological value and for the many benefits they provide to people. Visit nature.org/HawaiiPalmyra.
US Fish & Wildlife Service (USFWS)
The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service works with others to conserve, protect, and enhance fish, wildlife, plants, and their habitats for the continuing benefit of the American people. For more information, visit www.fws.gov/pacificislands, or connect with us through any of these social media channels at https://www.facebook.com/PacificIslandsFWS, www.flickr.com/photos/usfwspacific/, www.tumblr.com/blog/usfwspacific or www.twitter.com/USFWSPacific.
ZSL (Zoological Society of London)
We’re ZSL, a science-driven conservation charity working to restore wildlife in the UK and around the world. We work to help wildlife and people thrive together. Guided by a scientific approach and passion for nature, we lead conservation, shape agendas and influence change to protect and restore nature. We are committed to protecting species, restoring habitats, training conservationists and creating change for nature. Visit www.zsl.org for more information.
Cincinnati Zoo & Botanical Garden
The world-famous Cincinnati Zoo & Botanical Garden is committed to inspiring visitors to care about wildlife and wild places. It was voted the #1 Best Zoo and the #1 Best Botanical Garden in USA TODAY reader polls and has also received rave reviews from Child Magazine, Parents Magazine, Newsweek, and TripAdvisor. Over 1.8 million people visit the Zoo’s award-winning habitats, 400 animal and 3000 plant species annually. The Zoo, an accredited member of the Association of Zoos & Aquariums (AZA) for more than 30 years, is internationally known for its success in the protection and propagation of endangered animals and plants and engages in research and conservation projects worldwide. Known as the #GreenestZooInAmerica, the Zoo is doing its part to conserve natural resources that are critical to saving wildlife and its habitats and is committed to greening its daily operations and reducing its impact on the environment with rain gardens, recycled building materials, solar panels and more. The Cincinnati Zoo is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization.
National Aviary
Located on Pittsburgh’s historic Northside since its founding in 1952, the one and only National Aviary is home to more than 500 birds and other animals representing more than 150 diverse species from around the world, many of them threatened or endangered in the wild. The National Aviary’s large walk-through habitats create an intimate, up-close interaction between visitors and free-flying birds, including opportunities to hand-feed and to meet many species rarely found in zoos. Hours of operation are 10:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m. daily. For tickets and more information, visit aviary.org.
Sedgwick County Zoo
The Sedgwick County Zoo is dedicated to inspiring respect and conservation for wildlife and wild places. Home to nearly 3,000 animals of more than 400 different species, Sedgwick County Zoo has been recognized with national and international awards for its support of field conservation programs and successful breeding of rare and endangered species. Opened in 1971, it has been ranked among the best zoos in the country and is the No. 1 outdoor family tourist attraction in the State of Kansas. The Sedgwick County Zoo is a not-for-profit organization, accredited by the Association of Zoos and Aquariums (AZA).
Smithsonian’s National Zoo and Conservation Biology Institute
At the cutting edge of conservation research and innovation, the Smithsonian’s National Zoo and Conservation Biology Institute works with communities and partners in more than 47 countries to build a more sustainable future for people, wildlife and the planet. With free admission at the Zoo in Washington, D.C. and online via animal webcams and virtual learning, the Zoo connects millions to the wonder of animals and nature. Committed to helping future scientists and zoo professionals, NZCBI’s team teaches the next generation, preparing them to help wildlife on the brink, care for animals, protect habitats and rebuild landscapes on a changing planet. Learn more at https://nationalzoo.si.edu
Saint Louis Zoo
Home to 12,000 animals, representing nearly 450 species, the Saint Louis Zoo is recognized worldwide for its innovative approaches to animal care and management, wildlife conservation, research and education. One of the few free zoos in the nation, the Saint Louis Zoo is the most-visited attraction in the St. Louis region. Accredited by the Association of Zoos and Aquariums (AZA), the Saint Louis Zoo is part of an elite group of institutions that meet the highest standards in animal care as well as provide fun, safe and educational family experiences. The Saint Louis Zoo and other AZA-accredited institutions collectively dedicate millions of dollars annually to support scientific research, conservation and education programs. For more information, visit stlzoo.org.
Tracy Aviary
As the largest and oldest free-standing aviaries in the nation, Tracy Aviary inspires curiosity and caring for birds and nature through education and conservation. Visitors can enjoy interactive bird shows, educational demonstrations, and over a dozen nature play opportunities while exploring 8 acres of themed exhibits and botanical gardens. An oasis in the heart of Salt Lake City’s Liberty Park, Tracy Aviary is home to over 300 birds, representing about 125 species from around the world, including several endangered species. Tracy Aviary has grown and evolved over our more than 80-year history to become a cultural landmark, public garden, and leader in environmental education and conservation.