Kioea
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Extinct (mid-19th century)
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| Chaetoptila angustipluma Peale, 1848 |
The Kioea, Chaetoptila angustipluma was a member of the Hawaiian honey-eater family that became extinct around 1859. The Kioea was in decline even before the discovery of Hawaii by Europeans. Even native Hawaiians are seemingly unfamiliar with this bird. The feathers of the Kioea were not used in Hawaiian featherwork, nor is it mentioned in any chants or legends. Only four specimens exist in museums and it is unknown what led to its extinction.
The Kioea was a large bird, about 13 inches long, with a long, slightly curved bill. What distinguished the Kioea from other honeyeaters was the broad black stripe on its face and bristle-like feathers on the head and breast. The native Hawaiian word "kioea" literally means "stand tall".
Although all four known specimens are from the island of Hawaii, fossil records show that related birds existed on other Hawaiian islands as well.
