Scientists have warned that unless urgent conservation action is taken, an iconic Australian bird species will be extinct in 20 years.

Researchers from Australian National University recently conducted a study that indicated that existing rigorous conservation efforts for the regent honeyeater are insufficient to save the species.

The regent honeyeater, a songbird unique to south-eastern Australia, was formerly one of the continent's most common species, but habitat degradation has reduced the population to less than 300 individuals.

Professor Robert Heinsohn, main author of the study from the university, stated in a media statement on Thursday that "the regent honeyeater population has been destroyed by the loss of over 90% of its preferred forest habitats".

"It was one of the most often found species less than 80 years ago, spanning from Adelaide to Rockhampton. It is now on the verge of extinction, much like the dodo."

Prof. Heinsohn's team spent six years in the field to better understand the severe fall in honeyeater numbers. Despite the fact that the honeyeater's nomadic habit made the task challenging, the researchers observed that predation at the nest has reduced the honeyeater's breeding success rate.

The researchers used their findings to create population models that predicted what would happen to wild populations, identifying three key conservation priorities for the species' survival: increasing nest success, increasing the number of zoo-bred birds released into the wild, and protecting habitat.

"Reintroductions and nest protection measures will be fruitless without new habitat," Prof Heinsohn stated, "since flock numbers would never reach the critical mass required for the birds to reproduce securely without our protection."

"Our research offers both promise and a serious warning: we can preserve these birds, but it will take a lot of work and resources spread out over a long period of time."

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