Moho braccatus
The Kauai Oo, *Moho braccatus*, was a striking passerine endemic to the Hawaiian island of Kauai, and tragically, the last surviving member of the endemic Hawaiian family Mohoidae. Measuring approximately 19 cm (7.5 in) in length, it was characterized by its glossy black plumage, a distinctive slender, decurved black bill, and prominent bright yellow feather tufts on its flanks, which were its most recognizable field mark. Its eyes were dark, ringed by a narrow black facial mask, and its legs...
The Kauai Oo inhabited dense, wet montane forests, primarily found in the Alakai Wilderness Area of Kauai, at elevations ranging from 600 to 1,500 meters.
The Kauai Oo primarily fed on nectar from native lobeliads and other flowering plants, supplemented with insects and small spiders gleaned from vegetation.
Historically, the Kauai Oo was a diurnal species, active during the day as it foraged through the forest canopy and understory. It primarily employed a specialized foraging strategy, using its slender, curved bill to probe deeply into flowers for nectar, a characteristic behavior of honeyeaters, ...
The Kauai Oo was strictly endemic to the island of Kauai in the Hawaiian archipelago. Historically, its range encompassed widespread montane forests across the island. However, by the 20th century, its population had drastically contracted, becoming restricted primarily to the remote, high-elevat...
Extinct
- The last confirmed sighting of the Kauai Oo was in 1987 by biologist David Boynton, who also recorded its final, mournful song. - Its distinctive yellow flank feathers were highly prized by ancient Hawaiian aliʻi (royalty) for creating magnificent ceremonial cloaks and helmets. - The species wa...