Telespiza ultima
The Nihoa Finch, *Telespiza ultima*, is a petite and critically endangered passerine, a jewel of the Northwestern Hawaiian Islands, specifically endemic to Nihoa Island. Males are easily identifiable by their striking bright yellow head and breast, contrasting with an olive-brown back and darker, streaky wings and tail, while females exhibit a duller, more uniformly streaked plumage. Measuring approximately 13-14 cm in length and weighing a mere 12-18 grams, its robust, conical bill is a dist...
This species is restricted to the arid, rocky slopes and sparse shrublands of Nihoa Island, primarily inhabiting areas dominated by chenopods, native grasses, and low-growing shrubs. It thrives from sea level up to the island's highest peaks, adapting to the extremely limited vegetation.
The Nihoa Finch primarily feeds on seeds, especially those of *Amaranthus* and *Sicyos*, supplemented by insects (moths, caterpillars, beetles) and nectar. Opportunistic consumption of seabird eggs and guano provides critical protein and calcium, with foraging methods including ground-gleaning an...
The Nihoa Finch is a diurnal bird, spending its days actively foraging for sustenance across its limited island home, often seeking shelter from the intense sun and wind in dense shrubs or rock crevices. Its foraging strategies are highly opportunistic; it gleans insects from vegetation, cracks o...
The Nihoa Finch is an island endemic, found exclusively on Nihoa Island, the second-smallest of the Northwestern Hawaiian Islands. This species is entirely non-migratory, remaining resident on its tiny island home throughout the year, never venturing beyond its shores. Its breeding range is thus ...
Critically Endangered
- The Nihoa Finch is one of the world's most geographically restricted birds, found only on the tiny, remote Nihoa Island. - Its scientific name, *ultima*, refers to its status as the last of the Hawaiian finches to be discovered and described. - During severe droughts, these resourceful birds ha...