Highland finch facts for kids

The highland finch (Orthiospiza howarthi) was a type of Hawaiian honeycreeper that is now extinct. It belonged to the Fringillidae family, which includes many kinds of finches. We only know about this bird from a few bones found in caves. It was the only species in its group, called Orthiospiza.

This finch lived only in the high mountains of Haleakalā on the Hawaiian island of Maui. These areas were usually above 1,000 meters (about 3,300 feet) high. Scientists believe the highland finch likely disappeared because its home was destroyed. It became extinct before Europeans first arrived in Hawaii in 1778.

What the Highland Finch Looked Like

The highland finch was about 18 to 20 centimeters (7 to 8 inches) long. It had a large beak that was not very strong. This kind of beak was perfect for eating soft foods. It probably ate soft fruits, seeds, and flowers. One of its favorite foods might have been the blossoms of the ‘ōhi‘a lehua tree.

Scientists think this finch mostly lived in highland forests. However, some of its bones have also been found in lower parts of the island. This suggests it might have visited lower areas sometimes.

Why Did the Highland Finch Disappear?

Because the highland finch became extinct a long time ago, we do not know much about it. It seems to have disappeared not long after the first Polynesians settled in Hawaii. These early settlers cleared some land for farming. They also brought new animals with them, called introduced species. The native Hawaiian birds, like the highland finch, had no natural defenses against these new animals.

The highland finch was probably extinct about 500 years before Europeans reached Hawaii. Fossil records show that the number of these birds dropped very quickly in the early 1500s. Some scientists think that when these finches visited lower parts of the island, it might have caused their downfall. They could have caught bird diseases or pests that were common in those areas.

Other types of finches used to live on all the larger Hawaiian islands. The highland finch seems to have lived longer than the Oahu finch. Today, only about 60% of Hawaii's land has not been greatly changed by humans. Many bird diseases and parasites are still a big danger to Hawaii's native forest birds.