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The species Ou is extinct. |
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- Psittirostra psittacea
Identification
Extinct. The 'o'u was once one of the most abundant and widespread Hawaiian birds, but after Western contact it went into steady decline. Several hundred survived into the 1970's, mostly on the windward slopes of Mauna Loa. Last seen on Kaua'i in 1989. Last heard on Hawai'i in 1988.
Distribution
Taxonomy
Habitat
Behaviour
The 'o'u was a fairly sedentary bird, and a strong flier. Its diet included fruit and insects. It was particularly fond of the fruit of 'ie 'ie (freycinetia arborea) lianas and the fruits of 'ohe mauka (tetraplasandra sp.) trees. It was also observed to seek out alien fruits such as guava and mountain apple. Presumably its seasonal migrations to various fruit sources at the more disease-infested lower elevations contributed to its eventual demise.
