Extinction is a natural phenomenon.
Throughout the history of the Earth, species have come and gone. Many bird species have also disappeared. In the past several hundred years, however, birds and many other species have vanished due to the impact of people and our modern culture. At rates unparalleled in history, habitat destruction, massive hunting, and elimination of species with incredible speed are occurring. The Thick-billed parrot is just one example of a species being eliminated due to man.