Oʻahu ʻalauahio facts for kids
The Oʻahu ʻalauahio (Paroreomyza maculata), also known as the Oʻahu creeper, is a small, finch-like Hawaiian honeycreeper. This special bird is endemic to the Hawaiian island of Oahu. This means it is found naturally only on Oʻahu. It is a Critically endangered species, which means it is in great danger of disappearing forever.
Quick facts for kids Oʻahu ʻalauahio |
|
|---|---|
 |
|
| Adult and juveniles | |
| Conservation status | |
| Scientific classification | |
| Genus: |
Paroreomyza
|
| Species: |
maculata
|
 |
|
Contents
What Does the Oʻahu ʻAlauahio Look Like?
The Oʻahu ʻalauahio is a small bird, about 4 inches (100 mm) (10 cm) long. It has a yellow-green body with a bluish beak. Its back and tail are green. The head and belly are yellow. Its face is a brighter yellow with a dark green stripe near its eye.
Young Oʻahu ʻalauahios look a bit different. They are browner than the adults. They also have white bars on their wings.
How Does It Find Food?
This bird eats small creatures called invertebrates. These are animals without a backbone, like insects. It finds them hiding under the bark of trees. The Oʻahu ʻalauahio uses its beak to pull off the bark. Then, it catches the insects with its special tongue. Its tongue is made just for grabbing these tiny meals.
Why Is the Oʻahu ʻAlauahio in Danger?
The Oʻahu ʻalauahio is Critically Endangered. This means it is very close to becoming extinct, or disappearing forever. Some people even think it might already be gone.
Many things have put this bird in danger:
- Diseases: Birds can get sick, just like people. A disease called avian malaria has harmed many Hawaiian birds.
- New Plants and Animals: Some plants and animals were brought to Oʻahu by people. These are called invasive species. They can take over the bird's habitat or hunt the birds.
- Losing Homes: The places where these birds live, called their habitat, have been destroyed. This is called habitat loss. Forests where they find food and shelter are shrinking.
When Was It Last Seen?
The last time a scientist collected an Oʻahu ʻalauahio was in 1968. This is often thought to be the last sure report. People saw two of these birds on December 12, 1985. This was during a Christmas Bird Count near Wahiawa.
After 1985, a big part of the bird's home was destroyed. This happened to build a highway called Interstate H-3. This construction likely caused the bird's numbers to drop very quickly. Because of this, there have been no confirmed sightings since 1985.
Is It Still Alive?
Some people still report seeing the Oʻahu ʻalauahio. However, it is hard to be sure. This bird looks very much like another bird called the Oʻahu ʻamakihi (Chlorodrepanis flava). The ʻamakihi might be the last Hawaiian honeycreeper left on Oʻahu.
Experts believe that if the Oʻahu ʻalauahio is still alive, there are very few left. The IUCN Red List estimates there might be fewer than 50 birds. It is possible there are only 1 to 7 individuals remaining.
