HiP 061 – 8 Birds Have Gone Away – ʻEwalu Manu Ua hala
8 Birds Have Gone Away – ʻEwalu Manu Ua hala
I want to tell you about 8 once endangered Hawaiian Birds that have been recently added to the US Fish and Wildlife Extinct list. After reading several articles and searching for their extinct birds songs I thought this would be a great Hawaii Post Feature. If you listen to the show regularly you know I’m an Ohioan who loves Hawaiian and after 25 years of living Hawaii continue to learn more about the culture and the language and through this show I try dissimulate that information and knowledge with you… Now my Olelo or Hawaiian pronunciation is a bit sophmorish, so I may stumble through the language but I will give it my best.
For this episode I started to formulate show’s Hawaiian title. So I sit down at my desk deep in the palolo valley and start by translating a few words and this is how I came up with the title for this episode “Ewalu Manu Ua Hala”
Hawaiian word
“Ka” is for – plural form of the or these
“MANU” is – bird
“HELE” is – to go
“AKU” is away
“Hele Aku” is to go away
Combining all 4 words we have “ Na Manu Hele Aku” for “These birds have have gone away”. But I thought that can’t be right so I did some digging and l found a translator for sentences
The English title is “ 8 Birds Have Gone Away
And settled with this: ʻEwalu Manu Ua hola
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Recently 8 native hawaiian birds have been listed as extinct. I want to share with you the names, description of what they looked like and when possible I will play the birdsong of the now extinct native Hawaiian birds. One of these birds has quite a reputation for having a hauntingly sorrowful but beautiful bird song. There have been many videos and stories posted online about this bird and its song as well as the sad story of the last one to exist. In fact people have transcribed the birdsong to music notes and composition and I will share that with you at the end of the list.
Afterwards I will touch on the possible reasons for extinction, be it man made or natural. Then before we wrap up the this feature about the 8 hawaiian birds newly listed as extinct I will end on an uplifting optimistic note highlighting animals and fish that were thought to be extinct only to be rediscovered. That will be my way to remind you if not give you hope that the birds that I am about to tell you about may indeed be rediscovered.
All 8 of the following birds will be listed in the show notes for this episode along with a picture or rendering of these birds that once filled the sky with flight and song. Additionally I will have a link to the birdsongs so you can listen to them separately from this show. Now let fly east to west across these islands to categorize these birds by their former island home.
MAUI
photo: Hawai’i DLNR
Division of Forestry and Wildlife
1. Poʻouli
https://dlnr.hawaii.gov/wildlife/birds/poouli/
Po = night, darkness
Ouli = Sign, omen, portent, prognostication, nature, symptom, character
The poʻouli, also known as the Black-faced honeycreeper,
Appearance:
It’s was a stocky Hawaiian Honeycreeper they had a black face mask. white cheeks, throat and underparts, brown wings and brown back.Males and females looked similar if any difference the females had a bit of grayish color where the male parts are white. and a long, decurved bill. It was a medium-sized honeycreeper.
Habitat:
Its habitat was primarily native forests on the island of Maui, specifically in high-elevation rainforests 1,440 and 2,100 meters (4,750 – 7,000 feet) elevation on the northeastern slope of Haleakalā on Maui. Ohia trees were their chosen place for nesting. Where the females tended to the nest and eggs and the male hunted for food
Foraging:
They worked in flocks or hunting parties, in the sub canopy of native shrubs and trees. There they would search the moss and lichen on branches and trunks to find snails and arthropods
The last confirmed sighting of the poʻouli was in the early 2000s
The birdsong of the poʻouli was recorded and I’ll play it for you https://youtube.com/shorts/yJRqXZEmMNc?si=CJ5QDnXAIt-bJWfN
Image: Rothschild Collection
2. Maui ākepa
https://dlnr.hawaii.gov/wildlife/birds/maui-akepa/
Apeka = quick nimble spritely and active
Apperance:
This Maui Akepa was a larger Akepa than its subspecies and neighbor island cohorts. Bright yellow plumage and a slender, curved bill. The Female was more orange than yellow. However among the Akepa that are found on the Big Island of Hawaii and Oahu, the Maui Akepa was less colorful. Interestingly, the upper and lower mandible, otherwise known as their beak were slightly offset with the lower mandible, bent to one side, which results in the tips of the beak being offset.
Habitat:
Its habitat included native forests in the Hawaiian Islands, specifically on the island of Maui, where it was most commonly found. Their nesting habits were recognizable. With a open cup nest in the terminal foliage of the Ohia trees.
Foraging:
Although not a lot is know about the Maui akepa it is believed that the Maui Akepa fed on the insect found on and among the Ohia trees.
The last confirmed sighting of the Maui ākepa was in the 1988,
The birdsong:
It is believed to have a similar song of other Apeka species found on Oahu and Hawaii https://youtu.be/yv4AomKSDaU?si=UTb2505nTRH3FDBg
Image: Rothschild Collection
3. Maui Nuku Puʻu,
https://dlnr.hawaii.gov/wildlife/birds/maui-nuku-puu/
Nuku = Beak, snout, tip, end; spout, beak of a pitcher
Pu’u = a hill: hill, peak, cone, hump, mound, bulge, heap, pile
The Maui nukupuʻu, also known as the “Maui creeper”
Apperance:
This Maui Nuku Pu’u had a unique appearance with its thin curved bill and greenish-yellow plumage. It had a slender, warbler-like shape. Adult males were olive green with a yellow head throat and breast, and what looks like small black mask around their eyes, picture Batman’s Robins mask, black just around the eyes. The females, however, were all of green on the top of their bodies with a variable yellow gray on the underparts of their body.
Habitat:
Its habitat in the rainforest of Maui, in wet environments a mix of Koa and Ohia trees.
Foraging:
They were often found hunting in parties in the large Ohia trees using their thin D curved bill with a lower mandible that was half the length of the upper mandible, they searched for anthlopods amongst the moss that was on the bark. They may have also taken nectar from the fruits and flowers of various trees. When hunting for anthlopods, they would hammer the bark of the tree with her lower mandible and use it upper mandible to dig and fish out the prey from the areas they were excavating.
The last confirmed sighting of the Nuku Pu’u was in the 1990’s,
The birdsong:
Sadly There is no known recording of their birdsong but it likely included various calls and songs unique to its species.
MOLOKAI / OAHU
Image: Rothschild Collection
4. Kākāwahie
https://dlnr.hawaii.gov/wildlife/birds/kakawahie/
The kākāwahie, was also known as the Molokai Creeper
kākāwahie = wood chopping
Apperance:
They were a small bird. With a striking appearance. The males were scarlet, red, while the females are a dull, rusty color sometimes with distinctive yellow patches.The immature male are brown with scarlet markings
Habitat:
Its habitat primarily included native forests of eastern Molokai such as Pelekunu Valley and rainforests on the island of Oahu.
Foraging:
The birds foraged in groups among the wet Ohia trees, hammering at the bark and turning over leaves and searching through epiphytes. Epiphytes are commonly known as air plants, that live on the bark of host trees and organic matter, collecting moisten from the humid air and nutrients from debris that would collect around its base looking for invertebrates
The last confirmed sighting: First confirmed sighting and description was in 1889 and 100 years later the last Kakawahie was observed on the west rim of Pelekunu Valley in 1989
The birdsong: It is thought that the bird call sounded like chipping chirps led to its name, Kakawahie which means wood chopping. No recording of this bird could be found
KAUA’I
Image: Rothschild Collection
5. Kauaʻi ʻakialoa
https://dlnr.hawaii.gov/wildlife/birds/kauai-akialoa/
Name:
Apperance:
he Kaua‘i ‘akialoa is perhaps the most morphologically specialized of the Hawaiian honeycreepers. The Kaua’i Akiloa had long decurved bill that was up to half the length of their body. Both the males and females were mostly olive-green; males being somewhat brighter, slightly larger, and have a longer bill
Habitat:
The Akialo was seen on the islands of Kauai, Hawaii and Oahu. So they must have had subspecies of the ability to fly long distances. The akialoa was first scientifically documented in the late 1800’s to live in the mid to upper elevations of the rainforest of kauai.
Foraging:
It used its extremely long curved beak, for sipping honey at the base of ʻieʻie and hala pele leaves. It hunted for arthropods on the trunks and branches of ‘ōhi‘a, koa trees, and hapu‘u tree ferns. It used its bill to examine bark cervices, decaying wood, and epiphytes. The Kauai Akialoa was observed to insert its entire bill into crevices. They also took nectar from ‘ōhi‘a and lobelia
The last confirmed sighting:
The Kauai Akialoa was last seen ub the Alaka’i swamp in the early 1960’s. Dr. Perkins a biologist noted in 1903 that the Akialoa population was suffering and in decline due to an Avian Pox that caused grievous “swelling on the legs and feet, as well as on the head at the base of the bill, and on the skin around the eyes.”
The birdsong:
The specific birdsong of the Kauaʻi ʻakialoa is not well-documented, but it likely included a mix of calls and songs unique to its species.
Image by: Rothschild Collection
6. Kauaʻi Nuku Puʻu
https://dlnr.hawaii.gov/wildlife/birds/kauai-nuku-puu/
Nuku = Beak, snout, tip, end; spout, beak of a pitcher
Pu’u = a hill: hill, peak, cone, hump, mound, bulge, heap, pile
The Kauaʻi nuku puʻu, also known as the “gauze-winged honeyeater,”
Apperance:
The Kaua‘i nuku pu‘u is a large, short-tailed Hawaiian honeycreeper with a long, thin decurved bill; the lower mandible is half the length of the upper mandible. Adult males are olive green with a yellow head, throat, and breast and have a small black mask; females are grayish green above and whitish below.
Habitat:
Its habitat was primarily the island of Kauaʻi, where it inhabited native forests and rainforests, often found in the canopy. Though there were fewer and fewer sightings throughout the years. They were most predominantly seen in the southwestern portion of Kauai.
Foraging:
When foraging for food, they were known to creep along the tree trunks of the Ohia and the Koa trees, searching the bark and deadwood for Anthropods as prey. It is also thought that they enjoyed nectar as well from the flowering trees
The last confirmed sighting:
The Kauaʻi nukupuʻu was last seen in the wild in the late 20th century, around the 1990s. Its decline and eventual extinction were primarily attributed to habitat loss, invasive species, and avian diseases introduced by mosquitoes. Despite conservation efforts, it was declared extinct due to the inability to locate any surviving individuals in the wild.
The birdsong:
Unfortunately The specific birdsong of the Kauaʻi nukupuʻu is not well-documented
Image: Rothschild Collection
7 Kāmaʻo
https://dlnr.hawaii.gov/wildlife/birds/kamao/
commonly known as Large Kauaʻi thrush
Kama’o = cavern, cleft or rock fissure
Apperance:
One of 2 Hawaiian Solitaires endemic to the islands. kāma‘o has olive-brown and gray plumage, but it lacks the white-eye ring and pinkish legs of the smaller puaiohi or small Kaua‘i thrush
Habitat:
The kāmaʻo. Its habitat included native forests in the Hawaiian Islands, particularly on the islands of Kauaʻi, Oʻahu, and Molokaʻi. Had not been observed below 1,100 meters (3,500 feet) since the mid-1960s. If the species persists, it is concentrated in the uppermost regions of the Alaka‘i Wilderness Preserve. Historically was found in moist forests near sea level on northern Kaua‘i as well as upland, interior mountain forests. In the upper canopy of the Ohia trees
Foraging:
The diet is reported to have consisted of fruits and berries, particularly the bracts of ‘ie‘ie
The last confirmed sighting: was in the early 1980’s on the island of kauai. Mosquito born disease may have been the largest contributor to the decline of the Kama’o
The birdsong: https://youtu.be/7ZlaNYVyoRY?si=oYfWJqZeB0nqm1hG
The birdsong of the kāmaʻo often heard before the dawn and after the dusk, was melodious and had a wide range of musical notes and phrases. They were skilled songsters, and their songs were a combination of liquid warbles, whistles, trills, and complex musical notes. They were often seen flying above the canopy of the forest, flying upward, singing a few loud notes, then suddenly dropping to disappeared below the canopy of the trees. Here is the sound of the Kama’o.
Image: Rothschild Collection
8 Kauaʻi ʻōʻō,
https://dlnr.hawaii.gov/wildlife/birds/kauai-oo/
https://youtu.be/Osdqzj7dyQs?si=7_j_q31CUbSd_vBT
‘O = there yonder and beyon, a hula step in which the hip thrusts, or to hail or woop or a piercing instrument such as a fork a pin or harpoon. The ‘o’o had a long strong beak that it may have use to pierce that bark in search of prey.
If you were to look online about endangered and extinct birds, there is little doubt that you would have to look very far or wide for The Kauaʻi ʻōʻō . Known for its hauntingly beautiful song. There have been many videos, animations and recreations of what is known as the last call of the O’O’
Apperance:
This bird had a black knight like appearance with glossy black plumage and bright yellow feathers on its rump and tail, making it a visually striking bird.
Photo: Mark_Collins
Habitat:
It primarily inhabited the island of Kauaʻi and was found in native forests and rainforests and the Alakai swam lands. Also known to live in the ancient hollowed out trees of the decaying Ohia. Its habitat was severely effected by a hurricane in 1982. Dispersing the O O among the forest and making them vulnerable to invasive species and predators like rats and mongoose. It was observed extensively in the early 20th century They were known to nest in the ancient hollowed Ohia trees and fly to lower elevations for feeding on the
Foraging:
The observed food of choice was the seeds and flower bracts of the ‘ie’ie which was abundant in the lowlands.
The last confirmed sighting:
By the 1960 the population was counted to be about 34 and declining fast. Last visually documented in 1985 and last seen and heard in 1987. It was the last of the honey eaters known as the Moho Braccatus family. Now the O O is extinct with give the Moho family the sad honor of being the only avian family to be completely extinct in modern times.
The birdsong:
The Kauaʻi ʻōʻō had a unique and melodious birdsong. Its song consisted of whistles, trills, and complex musical notes, often described as hauntingly beautiful.
But there is more to the story of the Kauaʻi ʻōʻō
In the early days of this podcast Hawaii posts, I think it was in the winter of 2018, I was fascinated by the bird calls in my backyard. At that time I lived in the more wooded area with less human traffic and more nature. If the weather nice and the winds were calm, and it was one of those Maluhia evenings – are all you could hear were the birds in the forest, right around sunset, they would appear a bird that sat on a branch right above my chairs in the backyard. It was a Shama Thrush. I recorded it song and I played it on the show. But before I got to that point, I wanted to identify the bird so I went online and found the image of the bird that I went to YouTube to see if I could find the bird song recorded better then I was able to. I quickly found out that it was an invasive species. It wasn’t native to the islands. However, the song was still beautiful, but right below one of the videos on YouTube what is a story that was titled the last call of the Kauaʻi ʻōʻō. Intrigued, I clicked and I was shocked. I was blown away by how beautiful the song was. Additionally, I was pretty taken back by the story that’s around at the recording, so I went onto the podcast,
I talked about imagine being the last human on earth, and not knowing it, and you go out to the woods and you call out for someone anyone to be your friend to be your mate and there’s no reply from this was the experience of the Kauaʻi ʻōʻō. The Kauaʻi ʻōʻō musta had no idea at the time that somebody was recording his song. Like I said, it’s widely known as the last song of the Kauaʻi ʻōʻō researchers suggested it was a Male 00. Calling out for a mate a partner perhaps for company, but more than likely to continue the bloodline but unfortunately it was the last known Kauaʻi ʻōʻō, in the Kawaii forest. The Kauaʻi ʻōʻō would mate for life and sing their song in duets, In 1981 a single pair of Kauaʻi ʻōʻō were spotted. Last seen in 1985 last heard in In 1987. Fortunately, for us, there was someone in the forest, who had the presence of mind to record the sound the song of the Kauaʻi ʻōʻō. Dr. Jim Jacoby was in the forest with his camera and a tape recorder. When he heard the song of the Kauaʻi ʻōʻō he started his tape recorder. When the bird flew away, he stopped recording and rewound the tape to listen to see what he had. Sadly, enough, just the sound of the recording was enough to bring the Kauaʻi ʻōʻō back for the Kauaʻi ʻōʻō was looking forward to meet and was fooled by his own song. It’s like a Greek tragedy, but it’s a tragedy of nature the passing of time the passing of a species.
Now gone for almost 40 years there still remains a debate. Is the Kauaʻi ʻōʻō truly gone? Do you know that it was declared extinct twice and found again and again. I for one hope that it’s found one more time. I do believe there is a chance that deep in the rainforest of Kawaii there is one if not two or maybe a whole family of Kauaʻi ʻōʻō.
The song transcribed by Alexander Lieberman played on a piano
Wrap up the list of 8 Birds with this thought:
We often take for granted the beauty that surrounds us. The sun and moon seem eternal, the blue skies are frequent and hardly rare but its the nature that offers a glimpse into the past the present and the pending future. It’s almost like the more we see something the less we observe it. However as time passes so do the things we love and have become accustom to in our lives. Such as the people we love the whales that breech, the birds that fly above and sing in our ears. Only to one day be gone from our daily surroundings only to be left with a memory and memories to fade. So as audio and visual professional I encourage you to document your surroundings, the people you love, the animals and nature that makes the world around you so enjoyable. Record their ways, their faces, their voices and even their songs for one day the things we take for granted may be gone and you will be able to share with those who come after what was once enjoyable before.
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Many if not all of the 8birds listed were declared extinct due to habitat loss, habitat degradation, invasive species, and the decline of its primary food sources. Despite conservation efforts, the bird’s population could not be saved, and the last-known individuals of this species have not been seen for many years, marking a tragic loss to Hawaii’s avian biodiversity.
There has been a lot of articles written about these eight birds they’re now declared extinct. At the end of most of the articles, this site, the usual suspects for the decline, a man’s incursion upon their habitat via development, invasive species that they brought to the islands or the pollution they create. Inevitably almost every article side of climate change. I get so sick of the term climate change. I’ve been alive since 1970s. I’ve heard it all from the great freeze, the coming Ice Age, greenhouse gases, a hole in the ozone, global, warming climate, change, climate crisis, and like I told you a couple episodes back the new one will be a water crisis but that’s for another story. As you have heard, in my description the demise of some of these birds and their habitats, has not attributed to human intervention, there have been hurricanes and diseases such as avian pox
I don’t deny that man and woman made pollution has an adverse effect on the environment, if you know me, you know that I go out and I clean up beaches, I pick up trash in my neighborhood and on hawaii forest trails. As a volunteer lifeguard I also save humans and animals. It’s my human nature, ah you her that? The combination of human and nature. I try not to get too far from either side I know I’m human, and I know I am nature. But let’s talk about invasive species that were brought to these islands that contribute to the decline in the extinction of the birds we talked about
The introduction of non-native invasive species, such as rats, mongooses, and various plant species, had a significant and detrimental impact on the bird population in Hawaii during the 1800s. Some of the common causes for the decline of Hawaii’s native bird species during that period include:
1. Predation by Introduced Species: Rats, mongooses, and feral cats preyed on native birds and their eggs, leading to population declines and nest failures.
Some of these invasive species have had unintended consequences
The introduction of mongooses to Hawaii was not intended to control rats that were eating bird eggs. Instead, mongooses were introduced to the Hawaiian Islands in the late 19th century, particularly in the late 1800s, to control the rat population that was infesting sugar cane plantations. The idea was that mongooses would help reduce rat numbers, which were causing economic damage to agricultural crops. However, this introduction had unintended and detrimental consequences for Hawaii’s native bird species because mongooses also preyed on birds, including their eggs and nestlings.
The mongoose introduction was part of a broader effort to address the rat problem in the sugar cane plantations, but it ultimately contributed to the decline of many native Hawaiian bird species.
Another predator of the bird is the lovable house pet, the cat.
While Cats were first introduced to Hawaii by Europeans, particularly by early explorers and traders who arrived in the Hawaiian Islands. It is believed that cats arrived in Hawaii in the late 18th century, shortly after the arrival of Europeans in the late 1700s. These cats were likely brought aboard European ships as companions and for pest control. Over time, cats established feral populations in Hawaii, which had significant ecological impacts, including preying on native bird species.
2. Habitat Loss: As European settlers and agriculture expanded in Hawaii, extensive habitat destruction occurred. Native forests were cleared for agriculture, urban development, and grazing, reducing available bird habitat.
One of the earliest and most common non-native plant species that outcompeted native plants in Hawaii, reducing food sources and nesting sites for native birds, was the Strawberry Guava (Psidium cattleianum). Strawberry Guava was introduced to Hawaii in the early 19th century, and it rapidly spread throughout the islands. It formed dense thickets, displacing native plants and altering the structure of native forests. The invasive nature of Strawberry Guava made it a significant threat to native ecosystems.
There were individuals, including members of the Wilcox family, who introduced non-native plant species to Hawaii for various reasons, such as landscaping or agriculture. While some non-native plants were intentionally introduced for their aesthetic or economic value, they often had unintended negative consequences on native ecosystems.
The Wilcox family is known for their contributions to Hawaii, but it’s essential to note that the introduction of non-native species was a broader issue involving many people and organizations over the years. Invasive non-native plants in Hawaii have been a result of various introductions, and many factors contributed to their spread and impact on native flora and fauna.
3. Avian Diseases: Introduced mosquitoes which preyed on pihrbdtt ft brought avian diseases like avian malaria and avian pox, which native bird species were not adapted to. These diseases had devastating effects on the native bird populations.
4. Competition for Resources: Non-native plant species outcompeted native plants, reducing food sources and nesting sites for native birds.
5. Hunting: Overhunting of native birds for their feathers, meat, and pets contributed to population declines. Even need to Hawaiians were proficient hunters the elite is word cloaks made of bird feathers, their hats and other garments as well as ornaments that surrounded the residences of the elite you were made of bird feathers if you don’t believe me, I welcome you to visit Iolani Palace or Bishop Museum, or wide variety of other historical displays that are in many of the lobbies of hotels in Waikiki and hotels and resorts around these islands. So Hunting isn’t necessarily a modern problem hunting’s been going on for quite some time.
6. Fragmentation: Isolation and fragmentation of bird populations on different Hawaiian islands made them more vulnerable to these threats.
7. Climate Change: Changes in climate patterns could have affected the availability of food resources and nesting conditions for native birds.
But since we’re on the subject of climate change, have you ever ask yourself what happened to the Ice Age? Why did the planet warm up before we had the industrial revolution which brought cars exhaust CO2, and all the other villainess causes
The end of the last Ice Age, known as the Pleistocene Epoch, was primarily caused by a combination of natural factors. The main factors that contributed to the recession of glaciers and the warming of the Earth at the end of the Ice Age include:
1. Changes in Earth’s Orbital Parameters: Variations in the Earth’s orbital parameters, known as Milankovitch cycles, influenced the distribution of solar energy received by the planet. These cycles include changes in the Earth’s axial tilt, eccentricity, and precession. These variations in Earth’s orbit led to shifts in climate patterns, affecting the distribution of ice sheets.
2. Increased Solar Insolation: Changes in the Earth’s orbit led to increased solar insolation (solar radiation) in specific regions, such as the Northern Hemisphere, which promoted glacial melting and the retreat of ice sheets.
3. Feedback Mechanisms: As ice sheets started to melt, the Earth’s surface albedo (reflectivity) decreased, which means that more sunlight was absorbed rather than reflected back into space. This amplified warming, creating a positive feedback loop.
4. Changes in Atmospheric Composition: There were natural changes in the composition of the atmosphere, including variations in greenhouse gases such as carbon dioxide (CO2) and methane (CH4). Changes in these gases influenced the Earth’s climate.
You may have seen Jurassic Park where they extract DNA from a mosquito to conjure up dinosaurs. I’m sure this brings a lot of ethical questions when we talk about bringing back extinct animals, but in my humble opinion, I think to myself what would be the harm in bringing back any of thes eight native Hawaiian birds that are now considered extinct birds
Now before we go away, like to end things on a positive note, you may, or may not know that sometimes plant and animal species are listed as extinct only to be rediscovered taken off the extinction list. For example, the Kauaʻi ʻōʻō. It was listed as extinct twice and rediscovered as many times now, on his third extinction, I look to these statistics to give me hope that perhaps not all of the eight that are considered extinct are extinct at all.
Sure, here are some animals, birds, plants, and fish that were once considered extinct but were later rediscovered:
Animals:
1. **Coelacanth:** This prehistoric fish was thought to be extinct for millions of years until it was found off the coast of South Africa in 1938.
2. **Takahe:** The South Island Takahe of New Zealand was declared extinct, but in 1948, a small population was rediscovered in a remote valley.
3. **Javan Elephant:** This subspecies of the Asian elephant was considered extinct, but a small population was discovered in the Ujung Kulon National Park in Indonesia.
Birds:
1. **Kakapo:** The Kakapo parrot of New Zealand was thought to be extinct in the wild until it was rediscovered in 1977.
2. **Ivory-billed Woodpecker:** This large woodpecker was declared extinct in the United States but sightings in Arkansas in 2004 sparked hope for its existence.
3. **Bermuda Petrel (Cahow):** It was believed to be extinct for over 300 years until a few nesting pairs were found in Bermuda in the 1950s.
Plants:
1. **Wollemi Pine:** Known from fossils, this tree was considered extinct for millions of years until a small grove was discovered in Australia in 1994.
2. **Mule’s Ears:** This flowering plant, thought to be extinct, was rediscovered in 2009 in California’s Santa Monica Mountains.
3. **Lazarus Plant (Selaginella bryopteris):** This ancient plant was rediscovered in 2011 in India after it was thought to be extinct for over a century.
Fish:
1. **Devonian Fish (Coelacanth relatives):** Fossils of these ancient fish suggested they were extinct for millions of years, but some living relatives were discovered in modern times.
2. **Giant Walking Fish (Polypterus endlicheri):** Considered extinct for many years, it was rediscovered in the Congo River basin.
3. **Borneo Rainbow Toad:** Believed to be extinct, it was rediscovered in 2011 in the jungles of Borneo.
These rediscoveries remind us of the importance of conservation efforts and our ongoing need to protect endangered species and their habitats.
See you know me, Tommy Stokes always trying to ended on a positive note because that’s the balance yin and the yan the good and the bad
If you would like to see pictures of the eight birds that are now considered extinct, you can find them all compiled on one page which will include the script for the show, so go to hawaiiposts.com and look for this feature, and click the link to find the show notes Call also, include links to the birdsongs that I used in this episode.
I hope you enjoy this feature. I’ll leave the comment section open for your comments. If you’d like to add anything, please let me know. Just put it in the comments on the show notes for this episode. Remember keep it kind or I won’t reply.
Thank you for taking the time to listen to the show. I’d be grateful if you would share the show with your friends and encourage them to subscribe to Hawaii Posts stay tuned in State Stoked there is more to come as we carry on through 2023. This is Hawaii Posts and I am your humble host, Tommy Stokes, getting you a fond farewell ALOHA
Extinct birds including birds from Guam to Cuba and a few more from Hawaii that had previously been listed as extinct like the Oahu Alauahio, which I would have enjoyed seeing and hearing ….
Videos of Animals Fish Birds and Plants Thought to Be Extinct BUT rediscovered
Reference Website: https://dlnr.hawaii.gov/wildlife/birds/
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