Kauai O'o a'a
The extinct O'o a'a [Moho braccatus
(Cashin, 1855)] is one of the formerly numerous
species of Hawai'ian Honeyeaters, formerly referred
to the family Meliphagidae but now recognized as a
separate lineage in its own family, Mohoidae
(Passeriformes). Note the modification of the beak for
nectar feeding, and the yellow flashes on the legs of the
male (below). Distinct species of the O'o a'a were found on the islands of Hawai'i, Molokai,
Oahu, and Kauai, all of which are now extinct. The Kauai
form was declared Endangered in 1973, at which time there
were 36 birds remaining: the female of the last breeding
pair disappeared in 1982, the male was last heard in 1987,
and a thorough search of its habitat in the Alaka'i Swamp
showed it to be extinct by 1989. Causes of extinction are
habitat destruction and introduction of exotic species,
including egg-eating mammals (rats) and birds infected
with mosquito-borne malaria.