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The species Greater Koa Finch is extinct. |
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- Rhodacanthis palmeri
Identification
The largest of the historically known Hawaiian honeycreepers at 23cm. Males had striking bright orange-red head and breast with a golden sheen, fading to orange-yellow undersides, and green-brown above with orange highlights. Females were dull yellow-green above, and paler below.
Distribution
Hawaii. The greater koa finch was last seen in 1896. Extensive ranching and logging in Kona combined with mosquito-borne avian diseases may have been the cause of their demise, though they generally lived above the mosquito zone.
Taxonomy
This was a monotypic species[1] which was last reported in 1896.
Hopue might or might not be the Hawaiian name.
Habitat
It was found in upper elevation koa forests of Mauna Loa and Mauna Kea.
Behaviour
Its diet consisted primarily of koa seed pods, supplemented with caterpillars and possible 'a'ali'i seeds.
References
- Clements, J. F., T. S. Schulenberg, M. J. Iliff, D. Roberson, T. A. Fredericks, B. L. Sullivan, and C. L. Wood. 2014. The eBird/Clements checklist of birds of the world: Version 6.9., with updates to August 2014. Downloaded from http://www.birds.cornell.edu/clementschecklist/download/
Recommended Citation
- BirdForum Opus contributors. (2025) Greater Koa Finch. In: BirdForum, the forum for wild birds and birding. Retrieved 17 January 2025 from https://www.birdforum.net/opus/Greater_Koa_Finch
