Deep Forest Canopy
Species Radar
Finches, Euphonias, and Allies

Poo-uli

Melamprosops phaeosoma

The poʻo-uli or Hawaiian black-faced honeycreeper is an extinct species of passerine bird that was endemic to the island of Maui in Hawaiʻi. It is considered to be a member of the Hawaiian honeycreepers, and is the only member of its genus Melamprosops. It had a black head, brown upper parts and pale gray underparts. This bird inhabited only the wetter, easternmost side of Maui, where it had rapidly decreased in numbers. With extinction threatening, efforts were made to capture birds to enable them to breed in captivity. These efforts were unsuccessful; in 2004, only two known birds remained, and since then, no further birds have been sighted. A 2018 study recommended declaring the species extinct, citing bird population decline patterns and the lack of any confirmed sightings since 2004, and in 2019, the species was declared extinct.

Where are you looking?

Select a tracking region above to ping the eBird database and reveal live hotspots for the Poo-uli.

Loading sightings...

💬 Discussion

Loading comments...

Enter your name and email to join the discussion

Your email is kept private and never shared.

Low-Light Telephoto Systems

Identifying specific features of the Poo-uli requires high-contrast magnification. Check out the top-rated 8x42 optics.

View Pro Optics

Expedition Prep

Targeting the Poo-uli?

Build a custom travel itinerary around these hotpot clusters using our trip planning suite.

Open Planner