Melamprosops phaeosoma
The Pōʻouli, *Melamprosops phaeosoma*, was a small, enigmatic Hawaiian honeycreeper endemic to the island of Maui, measuring approximately 14 cm (5.5 inches) in length and weighing around 25 grams. Its most distinctive feature, and the origin of its Hawaiian name meaning 'dark face,' was a prominent jet-black facial mask extending from its bill to behind its eyes, sharply contrasting with narrow white bands above and below. The rest of its plumage was generally brownish-olive on the upperpart...
This highly specialized honeycreeper inhabited dense, high-elevation montane wet rainforests dominated by 'ōhiʻa (Metrosideros polymorpha) and hāpuʻu (Cibotium glaucum) tree ferns, typically between 1,400 to 2,000 meters (4,600 to 6,600 feet) elevation.
The Pōʻouli's diet was highly specialized, consisting predominantly of native terrestrial snails (particularly *Partulina* species), supplemented by insects and spiders found within bark crevices.
Historically, the Pōʻouli was observed singly or in pairs, exhibiting a largely solitary or pair-bonded social structure within its restricted habitat. Its foraging behavior was particularly unique among Hawaiian honeycreepers; instead of probing flowers for nectar or gleaning insects from foliag...
The Pōʻouli was strictly endemic to the island of Maui, Hawaii, with its known range confined to a very small area on the windward (eastern) slopes of Haleakalā volcano. Historically, its distribution was restricted to high-elevation (1,400-2,000 meters or 4,600-6,600 feet) montane wet 'ōhiʻa rai...
Critically Endangered
- The Pōʻouli was only discovered in 1973, making it one of the last new bird species to be formally described in the 20th century. - Its Hawaiian name, 'Pōʻouli,' translates to 'dark face,' a direct reference to its distinctive black facial mask. - It was the only member of its genus, *Melampros...