The Kauaʻi ʻōʻō or ʻōʻōʻāʻā is an extinct species of ʻōʻō that was endemic to the Hawaiian island of Kauaʻi. It was the last species of Hawaiian honeyeater to exist; the entire family is now extinct. The family had originated over 15-20 million years ago during the Miocene, with the Kauaʻi ʻōʻō's extinction marking the first extinction of an entire avian family in over 500 years. The bird was common in the subtropical forests of the island until the early twentieth century, when its decline began. It was last seen in 1985, and last heard in 1987. The causes of its extinction include the introduction of predators, mosquito-borne diseases, and habitat destruction.
Region
Hawaiian Islands
Typical Environment
Historically occupied lowland to montane wet and mesic forests on the island of Kauaʻi. It favored native-dominated habitats with flowering trees such as ʻōhiʻa lehua and lobeliads. As disease pressure increased, the species became restricted to higher, cooler elevations, especially the Alakaʻi Plateau and adjacent swamp forests. It foraged from understory to mid-canopy, often along forest edges and ridgelines. After the early 20th century, its range contracted rapidly until it vanished.
Altitude Range
Sea level to 1300 m
Climate Zone
Tropical
Ease of Keeping
Beginner friendly: 1/5
The Kauaʻi ʻōʻō was the last surviving member of the Hawaiian honeyeaters (Mohoidae), and its loss marked the extinction of an entire avian family. It was once common in Kauaʻi’s forests but retreated to high-elevation refugia as disease-carrying mosquitoes and invasive predators spread. The last confirmed sighting was in 1985, and a haunting solo male song was recorded in 1987. Habitat loss, introduced mammals, and avian malaria were major drivers of its decline.
Adult and juvenile Moho braccatus
Specimen, Bishop Museum, Honolulu
Temperament
shy and secretive
Flight Pattern
short rapid wingbeats
Social Behavior
Primarily encountered singly or in pairs, especially during the breeding season. Likely monogamous, with strong pair bonds and territorial defense around feeding and nesting areas. Nests were placed in forest trees, with both adults attending the young.
Migratory Pattern
Resident
Song Description
Song consisted of clear, flutelike whistles and plaintive, descending notes, often repeated methodically. The final known male produced a distinctive call series that carried through the high-elevation forest.
