Nihoa finch

The Nīhoa finch is one of the two endemic bird species of the tiny Hawaiian island of Nīhoa, the other being the Nīhoa millerbird. The island's population is 1000–3000 birds. The Nīhoa finch was added to the Endangered Species List by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service on March 11, 1967. An attempt to protect the species against extinction was made by starting a colony on French Frigate Shoals, another leeward island. This would ensure its continued existence in case the Nīhoa population was wiped out. This attempt, however, failed. Nīhoa is part of a group of islands that make up the Hawaiian Islands National Wildlife Refuge which provides protected land for the Nīhoa finch to roam on.

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Distribution

Region

Northwestern Hawaiian Islands

Typical Environment

Restricted to Nihoa Island, where it occupies rocky slopes, coastal scrub, and bunchgrass-dominated areas. It forages among native shrubs such as naupaka and in patches of kawelu (Eragrostis variabilis). Nests are placed in dense vegetation or rocky crevices sheltered from wind and sun. The species uses both vegetated terraces and rugged lava outcrops, often near seabird colonies that enrich the food web.

Altitude Range

Sea level to 270 m

Climate Zone

Tropical

Characteristics

Size13–15 cm

Wing Span20–23 cm

Male Weight0.022 kg

Female Weight0.02 kg

Life Expectancy8 years

Ease of Keeping

Beginner friendly: 1/5

Useful to know

The Nihoa finch is one of only two landbirds endemic to tiny Nihoa Island in the Northwestern Hawaiian Islands. Its entire wild population is confined to this single, remote island and fluctuates with droughts and storms, making it highly vulnerable to chance events. A past translocation attempt to French Frigate Shoals failed, so protection of Nihoa’s habitat is critical.

Gallery

Behaviour

Temperament

tame and active

Flight Pattern

short rapid wingbeats with low, direct flights

Social Behavior

Often forages in small groups or loose parties, especially outside the breeding season. Pairs are monogamous during breeding, nesting in shrubs or rock crevices with 2–4 eggs. Adults vigorously defend small nesting areas but tolerate neighbors at feeding sites.

Migratory Pattern

Resident

Song Description

A series of bright finch-like chips and twitters interspersed with thin trills. Calls are sharp contact notes used to keep loose groups coordinated while foraging.

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Identification

Comb Type

Plumage Description

Feather Color

Leg Color

Earlobe Color

Eye Color

Feeding Habits

Diet

Preferred Environment

Requires Supplement

Population

Conservation Status

Species Status

Wild Population

Total Known Population

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