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© UNIVERSITY OF KANSASUS researchers discovered the moustached kingfisher last month
The male moustached kingfisher was caught on camera for the first time ever by US scientists two weeks ago.

But they decided to slaughter the elusive blue bird - which was apparently in good health - to research it further.

Paul Sweet from the American Museum of Natural History said its population was substantial enough to withstand the loss.

But it is thought there are as few as 250 of the birds left, according to experts.

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© TYRONE LAVERYThe bird had not been seen in the wild for decades
Professor Marc Bekoff blasted the decision to kill the bird, saying: "It is wrong and sets a horrific precedent for future research and for children.

"Imagine what a youngster would think if he or she heard something like, 'I met a rare and gorgeous bird today... and I killed him'."

"Even if this handsome male were a member of a common species, there was no reason to kill him.

"It sickens me that this practice continues and I hope more people will work hard to put an end to it right now, before more fascinating animals are killed."

The kingfisher was discovered last month in the remote moss jungle highlands of Guadalcanal in the Solomon Islands.

Researcher Chris Filardi said: "There in plain sight pumping its tail, crest alert, in full colours, was the moustached kingfisher.

"And then, like a ghost, it was gone."

They searched for the rare creature for days - and finally managed to capture a snap of it and record its distinctive call.

Filardi added: "When I came upon the netted bird in the cool shadowy light of the forest I gasped aloud, 'Oh my god, the kingfisher'.

"One of the most poorly known birds in the world was there, in front of me, like a creature of myth come to life."