The study of bones from archaeological sites in Eastern Polynesia has revealed much late Holocene extinction of birds. Because this extinction has been found in all Eastern Polynesian archipelagos where bird bones are part of the archaeological record (Marquesas, Society, Pitcairn, and Cook island groups), similar levels of extinction are likely to be found in other Eastern Polynesian island groups (Line, Tuamotu, Gambier, Austral, Easter), if the evidence is sought. Human impact is the most plausible explanation for these extinctions, which begin immediately after peopling of the islands about 2000 years ago and diminish only after the avifaunas are largely depleted.

The sites yielding bones of extinct birds include limestone caves, volcanic rockshelters, calcareous beach sands, and organic estuarine sediments. Most of the fossil avifaunas are biased toward large species because traditional techniques of archaeological excavation have recovered very few bones of small birds such as swifts, kingfishers, and passerines. A rich record of small species has been recovered from the few sites where screens of 116 in. mesh have been used.