Moho (genus)
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 Moloka‘i ‘Ō‘ō
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The ‘Ō‘ōs (Moho) are a genus of now extinct birds originated from a group of Australian honeyeaters (Meliphagidade) which were probably drifted by tropical storms across thousands of kilometres to the Hawaiian Islands.[1] Their plumage was general striking glossy black, some species had yellowish axillary tufts and other black outer feathers. Most of these species became extinct by habitat loss and by extensive hunting because their plumage were used for the creation of precious robes and capes for nobilities.[1] The Kauai ‘Ō‘ō was the last species of that genus which became extinct and it was probably a victim of the avian malaria.[2]
[edit] Taxonomy
The following species belong to this genus
- O‘ahu ‘Ō‘ō (Moho apicalis) - Extinct ca. 1837
- Moloka‘i ‘Ō‘ō or Bishop's ‘Ō‘ō (Moho bishopi) - Extinct ca. 1904
- Hawai‘i ‘Ō‘ō (Moho nobilis) - Extinct ca. 1934
- Kaua‘i ‘Ō‘ō (Moho braccatus) - Extinct ca. 1987
[edit] References
- Day, David (1981): The Doomsday Book of Animals
- Greenway, James C. (1967): Extinct and Vanishing Birds of the World
