Bird on the Brink: The Story of the Red Siskin

Michael J. Braun

National Museum of Natural History

Smithsonian Institution 

The Red Siskin, a beautiful red and black finch of northern South America, became endangered due to many decades of intense trapping for the cage-bird trade, which continues today.  Discovery of a previously unknown population of these birds in 2000 rekindled hope for its survival.  This talk will review the curious history of the siskin's endangerment, and the scientific data and conservation action needed for its recovery in the complex natural and political landscape of South America.

Mike Braun grew up in Houston enthralled by the natural wonders of the Texas Gulf Coast and Hill Country.  He began birding in high school, and roamed Texas and Mexico with family and friends of the Texas birding community.  His love of nature led him to study science as an undergraduate at Cornell University, and to pursue a doctorate at Louisiana State University. Mike now works at the Smithsonian Institution in Washington, DC, where his research focuses on the molecular evolutionary genetics of birds. Mike has led bird tours to North and South America since his days in graduate school, and loves to share his knowledge of nature and science with others.  He lives near Annapolis, MD with his wife Kirsten.