As endangered birds lose their songs, they can't find mates With only about 300 or 400 birds left in the wild, scientists worry that the loss of their own songs could further accelerate the decline of these distinctive birds. Author: CHRISTINA LARSON AP Science Writer Published: 5:41 AM EDT March 17, 2021 Updated: 5:41 AM EDT March 17, 2021 WASHINGTON — Male songbirds usually learn their tunes from adult mentors. But when aspiring crooners lack proper role models, they hit all the wrong notes — and have less success attracting mates. For five years, ecologist Ross Crates has tracked the singing ability and breeding success of critically endangered regent honeyeaters. These distinctive black and yellow birds were once common across Australia, but habitat loss since the 1950s has shrunk their population to only about 300 or 400 wild birds today.