Extinct

The Kioea was a member of the Hawaiian honey-eater family, but little is known about it, as its members were in decline even before European contact. Even the Hawaiians seemed to be unfamiliar with this bird. The feathers of the Kioea were not used in ancient Hawaiian featherwork, nor was the bird ever mentioned in any chants or legends. Only four museum specimens exist, so it is difficult to know what may have caused its extinction.

The Kioea was a large bird, about 13 inches long, with the typical long, slightly curved bill of the honeyeater family. Its distinguishing marks were the broad black stripe on the face, and the peculiar bristle-like feathers on the head and breast.

Though all specimens of the Kioea came from the island of Hawai`i, fossil records show that the bird was found on other islands as well.