Little finch could be extinct in NSW

A small grassland bird once common in parts of NSW could be extinct in the state.

There have only been three confirmed sightings of the southern subspecies of the black-throated finch in NSW since 1990.

The bird used to be spotted in abundance from the Queensland border all the way down to the Hunter Valley. 

In a preliminary determination released to the public, the NSW Scientific Committee supported a proposal to have the bird listed as a species presumed to be extinct.

Another species of the bird is still seen in Queensland. 

Grazing, cropping, mining and wild rabbits have been blamed for the little finch's extinction.

With AAP.