Moho nobilis
The Hawaii Oo, *Moho nobilis*, was a strikingly beautiful and melodious passerine endemic to the Big Island of Hawaiʻi, tragically declared extinct. Averaging about 32 cm (12.6 inches) in length, this bird was predominantly glossy black, contrasting vividly with bright yellow feather tufts on its thighs and prominent yellow shafts on its central tail feathers. Its relatively long, decurved black bill was well-adapted for nectar feeding, a distinctive field mark alongside its slender body and ...
Historically, the Hawaii Oo inhabited high-elevation montane wet forests, primarily found above 1,100 meters (3,600 feet) on the island of Hawaiʻi.
The Hawaii Oo primarily fed on nectar, especially from *ʻōhiʻa lehua* flowers, and supplemented its diet with insects and spiders gleaned from vegetation.
Historically, the Hawaii Oo was primarily diurnal, actively foraging during daylight hours and roosting in the dense canopy of large trees at night. Its foraging strategy was predominantly nectarivorous, probing the flowers of native trees like *ʻōhiʻa lehua* (*Metrosideros polymorpha*) with its ...
Historically, the Hawaii Oo was strictly endemic to the island of Hawaiʻi, primarily inhabiting the extensive montane wet forests across its volcanic slopes. Its historical distribution included suitable habitats on Mauna Loa, Hualālai, and parts of Mauna Kea. While once relatively common in spec...
Extinct
- The Hawaii Oo was one of the last Mohoidae species to go extinct, with the last confirmed sighting in 1987. - Its iconic yellow thigh tufts and tail feathers were highly coveted by Hawaiian royalty for ceremonial garments. - The species was endemic exclusively to the island of Hawaiʻi, never fo...