What it is
The laughing owl (Sceloglaux albifacies) was a large owl found only in New Zealand. It hunted mostly on the ground, catching insects, lizards, birds and later introduced rats. The International Union for Conservation of Nature lists it as Extinct.
Range
Open rocky country of the South Island and Stewart Island, New Zealand.
What happened
It was still common when Europeans arrived, but grew rare by 1880. Collectors took many birds and eggs, farming changed the land, and stoats and cats brought in to control rabbits preyed on the owls.
When / status
Last confirmed bird found dead in 1914.
Human role
Collecting, changes in land use and introduced cats and stoats drove it to extinction.