The greater koa finch is an extinct species of Hawaiian honeycreeper in the subfamily Carduelinae of the family Fringillidae. It was endemic to the island of Hawaiʻi.
Region
Hawaiian Islands
Typical Environment
Historically occupied koa-dominated dry to mesic forests on Hawaiʻi Island, especially on the leeward slopes of Mauna Kea and Mauna Loa. It foraged primarily in the mid to upper canopy where koa seed pods were abundant. As lowland forests were altered, it became confined to remnant upland koa stands. The species was last recorded in the 1890s and is now extinct.
Altitude Range
500–1800 m
Climate Zone
Highland
Ease of Keeping
Beginner friendly: 1/5
The greater koa finch was a large-billed Hawaiian honeycreeper specialized for cracking the pods and seeds of the koa tree (Acacia koa). It was restricted to Hawaiʻi Island and vanished in the late 19th century, likely from habitat loss, introduced diseases, and grazing that degraded koa forests. Its massive, deep bill was among the most powerful of the honeycreepers, reflecting extreme dietary specialization.
Illustration by John Gerrard Keulemans
Temperament
social and active
Flight Pattern
short rapid wingbeats with undulating flights between trees
Social Behavior
Observed in pairs or small groups, often foraging quietly among koa canopies. Likely monogamous with cup nesting in trees, similar to related honeycreepers. Breeding would have coincided with peak availability of koa pods and seeds.
Migratory Pattern
Resident
Song Description
Calls were described as simple chips and trills typical of seed-eating honeycreepers. Vocalizations were not elaborate, functioning mainly for contact and territory within small home ranges.
Plumage
Robust honeycreeper with a very heavy, deep conical bill; males reportedly showed warmer orange to rufous tones with plainer upperparts, females duller olive-brown. Overall appearance plain, emphasizing the massive bill rather than strong patterning.
Diet
Specialized on green and ripening seed pods and seeds of Acacia koa, using its powerful bill to pry and crush pods. It likely supplemented with other native legume seeds and buds when koa was scarce. Occasional ingestion of small invertebrates may have occurred incidentally while foraging on pods.
Preferred Environment
Foraged in koa-dominated canopy and subcanopy, especially on leeward upland slopes where koa was abundant. It moved through tree crowns, working methodically along branches to access pods.
