The poʻo-uli or Hawaiian black-faced honeycreeper is an extinct species of passerine bird that was endemic to the island of Maui in Hawaiʻi. It is considered to be a member of the Hawaiian honeycreepers, and is the only member of its genus Melamprosops. It had a black head, brown upper parts and pale gray underparts. This bird inhabited only the wetter, easternmost side of Maui, where it had rapidly decreased in numbers. With extinction threatening, efforts were made to capture birds to enable them to breed in captivity. These efforts were unsuccessful; in 2004, only two known birds remained, and since then, no further birds have been sighted. A 2018 study recommended declaring the species extinct, citing bird population decline patterns and the lack of any confirmed sightings since 2004, and in 2019, the species was declared extinct.
Region
Hawaiian Islands (Maui)
Typical Environment
Historically confined to the wet montane rainforest on the northeastern slopes of Haleakalā, Maui. It favored mature ‘ōhi‘a (Metrosideros) and koa (Acacia koa) forests with dense moss, epiphytes, and native understory. The species occupied steep gulches and ravines where humid, cool conditions prevailed year-round. Its range contracted rapidly in the late 20th century to a small portion of the Hanawi Natural Area Reserve.
Altitude Range
1300–1950 m
Climate Zone
Highland
Ease of Keeping
Beginner friendly: 1/5
The Poʻouli, or Hawaiian black-faced honeycreeper, was discovered only in 1973 and was endemic to the rainforests of East Maui. It specialized in foraging for insects and native land snails in wet montane forest. Despite intensive conservation efforts, the last confirmed birds were seen in 2004, and the species was declared extinct in 2019. Its decline was driven by habitat loss, introduced predators, and avian diseases.
Poʻo-uli
Adult
Temperament
solitary and territorial
Flight Pattern
short rapid wingbeats through dense understory
Social Behavior
Usually observed alone or in pairs, with small, well-defined territories. Nesting likely involved cup-shaped nests placed in native trees, though few nests were documented. Breeding activity was thought to coincide with periods of high invertebrate availability.
Migratory Pattern
Resident
Song Description
A soft, simple series of thin chips and whistles, often delivered quietly from cover. Contact calls were subtle and easily overlooked in the dense forest.
