Empire State Review Team 
Guam Kingfisher: A Remarkable Tale of Conservation
First Egg-Laying in the Wild
For the first time in nearly 40 years, the Guam Kingfisher, also known locally as the Sihek, has laid eggs in its natural environment following a successful reintroduction program. This milestone was reported by The Nature Conservancy.
In September 2024, nine Sihek birds, raised by zookeepers at the Zoological Society of London (ZSL), were returned to the Palmyra Atoll. Remarkably, three of the four breeding pairs among the released birds have already produced eggs.
Understanding the Sihek
Native to Guam, Siheks have faced significant threats from the introduction of the brown tree snake, an invasive species that arrived on the island during the 1940s. This predation nearly wiped out the Sihek population, leading to their extinction in the wild for around 30 years.
The reintroduction of Siheks began in 2024 when researchers strategically released nine individuals onto Palmyra Atoll, a carefully monitored environment conducive to the birds’ recovery. There are plans to eventually return these birds to Guam once they are adequately acclimated.
The Future of the Sihek
The efforts to rehabilitate the Sihek population are making strides, with experts expressing optimism. Dr. Caitlin Andrews, a Bird Conservation Scientist at The Nature Conservancy, stated, “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 and fully self-sustaining Sihek population in the wild.”
Looking ahead, additional Siheks are expected to be released into the Palmyra Atoll this summer, with a goal to establish ten breeding pairs. This initiative aims to bolster the wild Sihek numbers and ensure their long-term survival.
