Lesser Koa Finch

The lesser koa finch, Rhodacanthis flaviceps, was a species of Hawaiian honeycreeper that graced the island of Hawaiʻi with its presence. The males of this species boasted a golden-yellow plumage with hints of olive green across the breast and belly. Females, on the other hand, were slightly darker and almost indistinguishable from their larger relative, the greater koa finch. The juveniles shared a mottled belly, akin to the females.

Distribution and Habitat

Endemic to the island of Hawaiʻi, the lesser koa finch was a denizen of the upland koa forests. It is believed that this species, or one closely related, also left its mark in the fossil record of O'ahu and Maui.

Behaviour

The lesser koa finch's existence was intricately linked to the koa plant, relying on it for nectar and fruit. The koa forests also provided sanctuary for small flocks, offering shade from the midday sun and a retreat from human activity. It was known to mingle with the greater koa finch, sharing the same arboreal refuge.

Extinction

The demise of the lesser koa finch, along with other koa finches, was primarily due to the destruction of their habitat. They were pushed from lowland areas to upland refuges, a move that preceded or followed shortly after western contact in 1778. The last of their kind were seen in the late 19th century, as their upland sanctuaries fell to logging, ranching, and the predatory black rat. The final recorded sighting of the lesser koa finch was in 1891.

Conservation Status

The lesser koa finch is classified as Extinct by the IUCN Red List, with the last known sighting over a century ago in 1891.