The Carnivore Bird: A Fascinating Extinct Species

The Hawai'i 'ō'ō, also known as the carnivore bird, is an extinct species that once inhabited the slopes of Mauna Loa in Hawaii. The last recorded sighting of this bird was in 1934, and it is believed to have become extinct due to a combination of factors including mosquito-borne diseases, deforestation, and hunting.

The Hawai'i 'ō'ō was a striking bird with its glossy black plumage and brown shading on its belly. It had distinctive yellowish tufts at the axillaries and yellow plumes on its wings, making it a unique species among its genus. The bird's overall length was approximately 32 centimeters (13 inches), with a wing length of 11-11.5 centimeters (4.3-4.5 inches) and tail length up to 19 centimeters (7.5 inches).

The Hawai'i 'ō'ō was first described by Blasius Merrem in 1786, and it was previously classified as part of the Australo-Pacific honeyeaters (Meliphagidae). However, recent studies have placed it within the extinct genus of the 'ō'ōs (Moho) within the extinct family Mohoidae.

In its prime, the Hawai'i 'ō'ō population thrived on the Big Island, but its decline began soon after the arrival of Europeans. The introduction of firearms allowed hunters to shoot down birds from a distance, and many were caught and sold as songbirds only to succumb to diseases from mosquitoes. Native Hawaiians also used the bird's striking plumage for ceremonial purposes, further contributing to its decline.

Despite efforts to conserve the species, the Hawai'i 'ō'ō ultimately became extinct due to the cumulative effects of habitat destruction, disease, and hunting. Today, the species serves as a reminder of the importance of conservation and the need to protect endangered species before it is too late.

Carnivore bird