Extinct

The Kona Grosbeak was found only in the Kona District of the Hawai`i Island at elevations of about 5000 feet. It was not a common bird, and apparently had no name in the Hawaiian language.

The Grosbeak was about 6" long, of a green color, and had a huge pink bill. The powerful beak was used to crack the hard seeds of the fruit of the naio tree (Myoporum sandwicense). The cracking sounds of its feeding could be heard for a considerable distance, and used to locate the birds.

The last sighting of the Kona Grosbeak was in 1894, and is considered extinct.