Crested Shelduck

The Crested Shelduck is widely considered to be extinct, as there have been no confirmed sightings since the mid-20th century. It historically inhabited East Asia, particularly the Korean Peninsula and parts of Japan and China.

This elusive waterfowl was famously distinguished by a large, prominent green tuft of feathers on its head. Males typically had white lower necks and breasts, while females were generally duller in overall coloration.

Although the exact cause of extinction is unknown, it is primarily attributed to overhunting and habitat destruction in East Asia. The last unconfirmed reports of the bird emerged in the 1960s from the Northeast Asian region.

It was historically native to East Asia, with specimens collected around Vladivostok and the Korean Peninsula. Western science first officially described the bird in 1890 based on these initial observations.