The black mamo, also known as the hoa, is an extinct species of Hawaiian honeycreeper once endemic to the island of Molokai; there is also subfossil evidence of it having lived on Maui.
Region
Hawaiian Islands
Typical Environment
Historically occupied wet to montane rainforest on Molokai, with subfossil remains indicating occurrence on Maui. It favored native ‘ōhi‘a and koa forests with abundant flowering plants, especially lobeliads. Birds foraged in the subcanopy and canopy along ridges and in gulches. Dependence on intact native flora made it highly sensitive to forest degradation and disease spread by mosquitoes.
Altitude Range
500–1500 m
Climate Zone
Tropical
Ease of Keeping
Beginner friendly: 1/5
The black mamo (hoa) was a Hawaiian honeycreeper once confined to Molokai, with subfossil evidence from Maui. It had a long, strongly decurved bill adapted to sipping nectar from native lobelias and ‘ōhi‘a blossoms. Extensive habitat loss and introduced diseases drove it to extinction in the early 20th century. The last confirmed records are from 1907.
Laysan millerbird and black mamo specimens
Temperament
active and resource-defensive
Flight Pattern
short rapid wingbeats between flowers; agile within forest canopy
Social Behavior
Typically observed singly or in pairs while foraging, defending rich nectar sources. Likely monogamous with cup nests placed in trees, similar to related honeycreepers. Breeding probably aligned with peak flowering of native plants.
Migratory Pattern
Resident
Song Description
Thin, high-pitched whistles and squeaky notes, interspersed with soft chatters. Calls carried through the forest but were less musical than some other honeycreepers.
