A new exhibition at the Natural History Museum in London sheds light on the global journey of birds and their ongoing battles for survival. The exhibition, titled ‘Birds: Brilliant and Bizarre,’ will feature stories of various bird species that faced extinction and the challenges they encountered in their natural habitats.

Douglas Russell, a senior curator at the museum, came across a collection of nests from Guam that revealed a heartbreaking reality. These nests, collected over a century ago, belonged to species that had once thrived on the island but were now extinct. Russell described the discovery as one of the saddest he had to deal with, emphasizing the loss of unique wildlife that once flourished on Guam.

The extinction of these bird species on Guam is attributed to the invasive brown tree snakes that arrived on the island after World War II, likely as stowaways on military ships. These snakes, known for their climbing abilities, preyed on birds and their eggs, leading to a rapid decline in indigenous populations. The Guam rail and the Guam flycatcher were among the species that fell victim to the devastating impact of the brown tree snakes.

The upcoming exhibition will raise awareness about the destructive consequences of introducing non-native species to delicate ecosystems. Through the story of Guam’s wildlife loss, visitors will learn about the importance of conservation efforts and the need to protect vulnerable species from similar threats.

Birds: Brilliant and Bizarre is set to open on 24 May at the Natural History Museum in London, inviting audiences to explore the fascinating evolution of birds from ancient theropods to their global presence today.