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
avian malaria.