When rediscovery is not enough: Taxonomic uncertainty hinders conservation of a critically endangered bird

► The “extinct” New Zealand storm-petrel Oceanites maorianus is an enigmatic taxon only known from three museum specimens. ► We compare museum skins to recently rediscovered birds using nuclear and mitochondrial genes. ► The NZ storm-petrel is not extinct and is most likely a distinct species (Fregetta maoriana). ► The species designation should allow conservation managers to prioritise the species recovery.