Hawaiian crow

Hawaiian crow

Possibly Extinct  (NatureServe)[2]
Scientific classification Edit this classification
Domain: Eukaryota
Kingdom: Animalia
Phylum: Chordata
Class: Aves
Order: Passeriformes
Family: Corvidae
Genus: Corvus
Species:
C. hawaiiensis
Binomial name
Corvus hawaiiensis
Peale, 1849
Corvus hawaiiensis was previously endemic to Hawaiʻi

The Hawaiian crow or ʻalalā (Corvus hawaiiensis) is a species of bird in the crow family, Corvidae, that is currently extinct in the wild, though reintroduction programs are underway. It is about the size of the carrion crow at 48–50 cm (19–20 in) in length,[3] but with more rounded wings and a much thicker bill. It has soft, brownish-black plumage and long, bristly throat feathers; the feet, legs, and bill are black.[4] Today, the Hawaiian crow is considered the most endangered of the family Corvidae.[5] They are recorded to have lived up to 18 years in the wild, and 28 years in captivity. Some Native Hawaiians consider the Hawaiian crow an ʻaumakua (family god).[4]

The species is known for its strong flying ability and resourcefulness, and the reasons for its various extirpations are not fully understood. It is thought that introduced diseases, introduced predators, and habitat loss were probably significant factors in the species' decline.[6]

  1. ^ "Corvus hawaiiensis: Bird Life International". IUCN Red List of Threatened Species. 2016. 2016. doi:10.2305/IUCN.UK.2016-3.RLTS.T22706052A94048187.en.
  2. ^ "NatureServe Explorer 2.0".
  3. ^ Cite error: The named reference :0 was invoked but never defined (see the help page).
  4. ^ a b Banko, P. C., D. L. Ball, and W. E. Banko (2020). Hawaiian Crow (Corvus hawaiiensis), version 1.0. In Birds of the World (A. F. Poole and F. B. Gill, Editors). Cornell Lab of Ornithology, Ithaca, NY, USA. https://doi.org/10.2173/bow.hawcro.01
  5. ^ "Hawaiian crow photo – Corvus hawaiiensis – G117026". www.arkive.org. Wildscreen Arkive. Archived from the original on November 20, 2015. Retrieved October 30, 2015.
  6. ^ National Research Council (US) Committee on the Scientific Bases for the Preservation of the Hawaiian Crow. Scientific Bases for the Preservation of the Hawaiian Crow. Washington (DC): National Academies Press (US); 1992. Executive Summary. Available from: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK235935/