Primitive koa finch facts for kids

The primitive koa finch (Rhodacanthis litotes) was a type of Hawaiian honeycreeper. It lived only in Hawaiʻi. This bird, along with the scissor-billed koa finch, became extinct before Europeans arrived in Hawaiʻi in 1778. Scientists believe it was the ancestor of all other koa finches.

What Did the Primitive Koa Finch Look Like?

An adult primitive koa finch was a slender bird. It was about 8 inches (200 mm) long. There might have been small differences between male and female birds. Based on fossils, we know this bird had a slightly curved, thick beak.

Where Did the Primitive Koa Finch Live?

Fossils of the primitive koa finch have been found on the islands of Maui and Oʻahu. Scientists think it lived in lowland dry forests and savannas. These areas had plants like ka palupalu o kanaloa (Kanaloa kahoolawensis), ʻaʻaliʻi (Dodonaea viscosa), loulu (Pritchardia species), and koaiʻa (Acacia koaia). Unlike other birds in its group, the koa tree (Acacia koa) was not common in its home.

What Did the Primitive Koa Finch Eat?

The primitive koa finch was a seed-eater. Its strong beak was perfect for cracking the hard seeds and pods of legume plants. It especially liked ka palupalu o kanaloa (Kanaloa kahoolawensis) and koaiʻa (Acacia koaia). It might have also eaten caterpillars and ʻaʻaliʻi (Dodonaea viscosa) berries. Other koa finches were seen eating these foods.

Why Did the Primitive Koa Finch Go Extinct?

The primitive koa finch is thought to have become extinct sometime after the first Polynesians came to Hawaiʻi. We don't know much else about this bird. Because it died out so long ago, we only know about it from its fossils. Other Hawaiian honeycreepers became extinct or very rare due to things like losing their homes, new animals that hunted them, and bird diseases. It's possible these same reasons caused the primitive koa finch to disappear too.