The southern crested guinea fowl is a species of guinea fowl native to sub-Saharan Africa. It can be found from Tanzania to South Africa, where it inhabits open forest, woodland and forest-savanna mosaics. It is one of three species that were formerly considered to be one and the same species, the crested guinea fowl.
Region
Hawaiian Islands
Typical Environment
Historically occurred across native mesic to wet forests on several major Hawaiian Islands, especially in ʻōhiʻa–koa forest. It favored mid- to high-elevation native forests and tracked fruit crops across landscapes, sometimes appearing irregularly where trees were in heavy fruit. As disease-carrying mosquitoes spread upslope, remaining birds retreated to higher, cooler forests. By the late 20th century it was restricted to remote montane habitats and may now be extirpated from the wild.
Altitude Range
Sea level to 2000 m
Climate Zone
Tropical
Ease of Keeping
Beginner friendly: 1/5
The ʻŌʻū is a Hawaiian honeycreeper once found on several of the main Hawaiian Islands, notable for its large, parrotlike bill adapted for fruit. It was an altitudinal nomad, moving to follow seasonal fruiting trees. The species underwent a severe decline due to habitat loss, invasive predators, and especially avian malaria carried by introduced mosquitoes, and is now considered Critically Endangered and possibly extinct.
Illustration by William Ellis
Temperament
generally quiet and wary
Flight Pattern
short rapid wingbeats with direct, purposeful flights between fruiting trees
Social Behavior
Often seen singly, in pairs, or small family groups, especially around fruiting trees. Likely forms monogamous pairs; nesting took place high in native trees. It exhibited nomadic movements, shifting ranges to track seasonal food resources.
Migratory Pattern
Resident
Song Description
Song and calls are clear, flutelike whistles and soft, mellow notes, sometimes delivered in short descending phrases. Contact calls are simple, carrying well through dense forest.
Plumage
Olive-green upperparts with clean yellow on the head and underparts in males; females and immatures are duller olive with a yellowish face and throat. Feathers are smooth with little patterning, giving a uniform, sleek appearance.
Diet
Primarily eats fruits of native Hawaiian trees and vines, using its powerful bill to crush or manipulate fleshy drupes and arils. It also takes buds and occasionally insects, especially when feeding young. Favored native plants likely included species such as ʻōlapa and ʻieʻie, among others, with diets shifting seasonally to whatever was fruiting.
Preferred Environment
Forages in the mid- to upper canopy of native wet and mesic forests, especially in ʻōhiʻa–koa stands. It frequents areas with dense fruiting trees and moves across ridges and valleys to exploit temporary food bonanzas.
