Kākāwahie

The kākāwahie (Paroreomyza maculata), also known as the Molokaʻi creeper, was a species of Hawaiian honeycreeper endemic to the island of Molokaʻi. It is now presumed to be extinct. The kākāwahie was a member of the subfamily Drepanidinae within the family Fringillidae.

Description:

The kākāwahie was a small, vibrant bird, typically measuring around 4.5 inches in length. It possessed striking orange-red plumage over most of its body, with darker wings and tail. Its bill was long, curved, and adapted for probing into flowers for nectar and insects. Both sexes had similar coloration.

Habitat and Distribution:

Historically, the kākāwahie inhabited the wet forests of Molokaʻi, particularly in the higher elevations. These forests were characterized by ʻōhiʻa trees and other native flora. The species was once relatively common, but its population declined drastically throughout the 20th century.

Diet:

The kākāwahie primarily fed on nectar, insects, and spiders. It used its specialized bill to extract nectar from flowers and to probe into tree bark and foliage in search of insects and other invertebrates.

Threats and Extinction:

The kākāwahie faced numerous threats, including habitat loss due to deforestation and agriculture, the introduction of non-native predators such as rats and cats, avian diseases such as avian malaria and poxvirus spread by mosquitoes, and competition from introduced bird species. The combination of these factors led to a rapid decline in its population.

The last confirmed sighting of the kākāwahie was in the 1960s. Despite extensive surveys and search efforts, no individuals have been observed since then. It is therefore presumed to be extinct, although some hope remains that a small, undetected population may persist. The kākāwahie serves as a stark reminder of the fragility of island ecosystems and the devastating impact of human activities on native species.