According to the latest International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) Red List of Birds for 2013, the total number of birds falling under the category of Critically Endangered (CE) has increased to 173. Eight new birds have taken the entry into the list of CE, including Woolly-necked Stork, Andaman Teal, Andaman Green Pigeon, Ashy-headed Green Pigeon, Red-headed Falcon, Himalayan Griffon, Bearded Vulture and Yunnan Nuthatch.

Earlier in 2013, the threatened list saw addition of five new species, including Great Stone Plover, Alexandrine Parakeet, Grey-headed Parakeet, Blossom-headed Parakeet and Red-breasted Parakeet.

IUCN releases Critically Endangered list of threatened species to let people know about the species knocking on the door of extinction, so that efforts can be made to save the species.

A total of 10,425 species have been recognized by BirdLife as of 2014. Of them, 140 have reached extinction, four extinct in the wild, 213 critically endangered, 419 endangered and 741 vulnerable. The latest list has been an eyeopener to understand the need of swift actions to ensure the protection of remaining habitants.

The eight bird species added to the list of late are found in different regions of India. IUCN has added them to its Red List of 2014.

The main reason among various reasons behind making more bird species endangered is habitat destruction. Other factors include changes in environment-climatic conditions, poaching and increased use of chemicals. The population of the Himalayan Griffon is suffering because of use of diclofenac (a non-steroidal, anti-inflammatory drug) in livestock.