Encyclopedia of Life · EOL (see source)
Species
Extinct in the WildMaximum longevity: 25 years (wild)
via IUCN
Wikidata facts
Show 9 more facts
- taxon rank
- species
- IUCN conservation status
- extinct in the wild
- taxon name
- Corvus hawaiiensis
- Commons category
- Corvus hawaiiensis
- Commons gallery
- Corvus hawaiiensis
- taxon common name
- gralha-de-havai
- endemic to
- Hawaii
- litter size
- 5
- short name
- C. hawaiiensis
Sources (3)
via Wikidata · CC0
~17 min read
Encyclopedic overview
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, 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. Today, the Hawaiian crow is considered the most endangered of the family Corvidae. 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).
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.
Excerpted from Wikipedia’s “Hawaiian Crow” article, available under the CC BY-SA 4.0 licence.