The lesser 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 restricted to upland dry to mesic forests on the island of Hawaiʻi, especially where koa (Acacia koa) was abundant. It occupied forest mosaics with koa, ōhiʻa, and māmane, foraging primarily in the canopy and at forest edges. The species followed seasonal availability of seed pods, sometimes ranging along ridgelines and open woodland. Habitat conversion and degradation rapidly reduced its range to a few tracts before it vanished.
Altitude Range
600–1800 m
Climate Zone
Highland
Ease of Keeping
Beginner friendly: 1/5
The lesser koa finch was a specialized Hawaiian honeycreeper that relied heavily on koa (Acacia koa) seeds, using its massive bill to pry open tough pods. Its scientific name, flaviceps, means 'yellow-headed', reflecting the male’s distinctive coloration. Rapid habitat loss, browsing of koa by introduced ungulates, and disease likely contributed to its disappearance in the late 19th century.
Temperament
quiet and deliberate, often in small parties
Flight Pattern
short, direct flights with rapid wingbeats
Social Behavior
Usually observed singly, in pairs, or in small groups while foraging in koa crowns. Likely formed monogamous pairs during breeding, with a cup nest placed high in trees. Territorial behavior was probably centered around rich seed resources.
Migratory Pattern
Resident
Song Description
Reported to give finch-like chip notes and simple trills from canopy perches. The song was modest and less elaborate than many other honeycreepers, carrying softly through upland woodland.
Plumage
Male with bright yellow head and throat contrasting with olive-brown upperparts and yellow-olive underparts; female duller olive with faint yellow wash. Both sexes had very heavy, deep, conical bills adapted for cracking seed pods.
Diet
Primarily fed on the seeds of Acacia koa, prying open or crushing pods with its powerful bill and extracting the kernels. It likely supplemented its diet with other native seeds such as māmane and occasionally took small insects or larvae gleaned from pods and foliage. Seasonal fluctuations in seed set influenced foraging intensity and movements within koa stands.
Preferred Environment
Foraged mainly in the mid to upper canopy of koa trees, especially along edges and openings where pods were abundant and accessible. It also fed in mixed koa–ōhiʻa and māmane woodlands, sometimes taking fallen pods from low branches or the ground.
