Drepanis pacifica
The Hawaiʻi Mamo, or Mamo (Drepanis pacifica), was an exquisitely beautiful and culturally significant passerine endemic to the island of Hawaiʻi, tragically declared extinct in the early 20th century. Measuring approximately 8-9 inches (20-23 cm) in length, its body was predominantly a glossy, iridescent black, dramatically contrasted by brilliant, rich golden-yellow feathers on its rump, thighs, wing linings, and distinct shoulder patches. A defining characteristic was its exceptionally lon...
The Hawaiʻi Mamo inhabited dense, wet ʻōhiʻa (Metrosideros polymorpha) forests, primarily at elevations above 1,500 feet (450 meters) where its preferred nectar sources thrived.
The Hawaiʻi Mamo was primarily a specialized nectarivore, feeding almost exclusively on the nectar of native Hawaiian lobeliad flowers, particularly from species like *Lobelia gaudichaudii* and *Clermontia*. It may have also consumed small insects incidentally found within flowers.
As a diurnal bird, the Hawaiʻi Mamo spent its days actively foraging for nectar, often observed meticulously probing flowers with its specialized, decurved bill. While specific details on courtship displays and parental care are scarce due to its early extinction, it is believed to have been a ge...
The Hawaiʻi Mamo was strictly endemic to the island of Hawaiʻi, never having been recorded on any other Hawaiian island. Historically, its population was concentrated in the moist, dense ʻōhiʻa (Metrosideros polymorpha) forests that characterized the higher elevations of the island. It was partic...
Extinct
- The Hawaiʻi Mamo's golden-yellow feathers were among the most prized by Hawaiian aliʻi (royalty) for creating magnificent 'ahu 'ula (feather cloaks) and mahiole (feather helmets). - It is estimated that thousands of individual Mamo birds were required to create a single royal cloak, making them...