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Black Mamo

Birds NameBlack mamo
Science NameDrepanis funerea
DomainEukaryota
KingdomAnimalia
PhylumChordata
ClassAves
OrderPasseriformes
FamilyFringillidae
GenusDrepanis
Species† D.funerea

The Black Mamo (Drepanis funerea), also known as the hoa or the Molokai mamo, was a unique and striking species of Hawaiian honeycreeper that once thrived on the islands of Molokai and, potentially, Maui. Sadly, like many of Hawaii’s native birds, the Black Mamo was driven to extinction in the early 20th century due to a combination of habitat destruction, predation by introduced species, and overhunting.

The Black Mamo was a medium-sized bird, measuring approximately 20 centimeters (8 inches) from bill to tail. Its plumage was predominantly black, with faded white primaries and a touch of yellow at the base of its bill. The bird’s bill was highly decurved, with males possessing a longer bill than females. The Black Mamo’s forehead was often dusted with pollen from its favorite food source, the Lobelia plant, giving it a slightly golden appearance.

In terms of vocalization, the Black Mamo’s song was described as a series of nasal whistles, similar to the sound of a flute, accompanied by a long, held-out trill. This distinctive call was one of the many characteristics that set the Black Mamo apart from other Hawaiian honeycreepers.

Taxonomy

The Black Mamo belonged to the subfamily Drepanidinae, within the family Fringillidae, which includes finches and other small passerines. The species was first described by the ornithologist R.C.L. Perkins in 1893, who named it Drepanis funerea, a reference to the bird’s dark, mournful appearance.

Taxonomic Classification

KingdomAnimalia
PhylumChordata
ClassAves
OrderPasseriformes
FamilyFringillidae
SubfamilyDrepanidinae
GenusDrepanis
SpeciesD. funerea

The Black Mamo was closely related to other Hawaiian honeycreepers, a group of birds that underwent significant adaptive radiation in the Hawaiian Islands, leading to a wide variety of species with specialized feeding behaviors and morphologies. The bird’s common names, such as Molokai mamo and oʻo nukuʻumu (meaning “oʻo with sucking beak”), highlight its distinctive bill shape and feeding habits.

Distribution

The Black Mamo was endemic to the island of Molokai, with subfossil evidence suggesting that it may have also inhabited Maui. The bird was primarily found in the Pelekuna Valley on Molokai, where it was first discovered by R.C.L. Perkins in 1893. By the time it was scientifically documented, the Black Mamo’s range had already been significantly reduced due to habitat destruction.

Range and Population

The population of the Black Mamo was never large, and by the time it was described, the bird was already on the brink of extinction. The species was last collected in 1907 by William Alanson Bryan, and despite extensive searches in 1936, no further specimens were found. The table below summarizes the known distribution and status of the Black Mamo.

IslandHistorical PresenceLast Recorded SightingCurrent Status
MolokaiPelekuna Valley1907Extinct
MauiSubfossil evidence onlyN/AExtinct

Habitat

The Black Mamo was an understory bird, typically inhabiting the dense, montane forests of Molokai. These forests were dominated by native plants, including the Lobelia, which was a critical food source for the species. The bird’s habitat was characterized by thick vegetation, which provided shelter and food, but also made it vulnerable to habitat destruction due to the introduction of grazing animals like cattle and deer.

Behavior

Little is known about the specific behaviors of the Black Mamo due to its early extinction and limited field observations. However, like other Hawaiian honeycreepers, it was likely an active forager, spending much of its time in the forest understory. The bird’s highly decurved bill suggests that it was specialized in feeding on nectar from the Lobelia plant, which would have required it to probe deep into flowers.

The Black Mamo’s song, a series of nasal whistles and trills, was likely used for communication between individuals, particularly during the breeding season.

Feeding

The primary food source for the Black Mamo was the nectar of the Lobelia plant, which was abundant in its native habitat. The bird’s long, curved bill was perfectly adapted for extracting nectar from the deep flowers of Lobelia, and the pollen from these plants often dusted the bird’s forehead, giving it a golden hue.

In addition to nectar, the Black Mamo may have fed on insects and other small invertebrates, which it would have gleaned from leaves and branches in the forest understory. However, the bird’s specialized bill suggests that nectar was its primary food source.

Breeding

Due to the lack of detailed observations, little is known about the breeding habits of the Black Mamo. It is likely that the bird built its nest in the dense vegetation of the montane forests, similar to other Hawaiian honeycreepers. The breeding season may have coincided with the flowering period of the Lobelia plant, ensuring a steady food supply for the raising of chicks.

Threats

The extinction of the Black Mamo was primarily driven by a combination of habitat destruction, predation by introduced species, and overhunting.

Key Threats

ThreatImpact on Population
Habitat DestructionHigh
Invasive SpeciesHigh
OverhuntingModerate
Climate ChangeLow (historically)
  • Habitat Destruction: The introduction of cattle and deer to Molokai led to significant degradation of the Black Mamo’s habitat, as these animals trampled and consumed the native vegetation, including the Lobelia plants that were crucial to the bird’s survival.
  • Invasive Species: The introduction of rats and mongooses to Molokai posed a significant threat to the Black Mamo, as these predators would have preyed on the bird’s eggs and young.
  • Overhunting: The Black Mamo was also hunted for its distinctive plumage, and the small size of its population made it particularly vulnerable to overexploitation.

Migration

There is no evidence to suggest that the Black Mamo was migratory. It likely remained within its limited range on Molokai throughout the year, making it especially vulnerable to localized threats such as habitat destruction.

Conservation Status

The Black Mamo is classified as extinct by the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN). The last confirmed sighting of the species was in 1907, and despite searches in the decades that followed, no further individuals were found. The loss of the Black Mamo highlights the rapid and devastating impact of habitat destruction and introduced species on Hawaii’s native bird populations.

Conclusion

The Black Mamo was a remarkable example of Hawaii’s unique avian diversity, a specialized honeycreeper that thrived in the montane forests of Molokai. Its extinction serves as a stark reminder of the fragility of island ecosystems and the profound effects of human activity on native species. While the Black Mamo can no longer be saved, its story underscores the importance of ongoing conservation efforts to protect the remaining native birds of Hawaii.

Through dedicated habitat preservation, invasive species control, and research into the ecology of Hawaiian honeycreepers, we can work to ensure that the remaining species do not share the same fate as the Black Mamo. The legacy of this lost bird serves as a call to action to protect the biodiversity of Hawaii and other island ecosystems worldwide.

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