Hawaiian Crow

The Alalā or Hawaiian Crow (Corvus hawaiiensis) is a species of bird in the jay family, Corvidae. It is about the size of the Carrion Crow at 48–50 centimetres (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. Native Hawaiians consider the alalā an aumakua (family god).

The alalā is now extinct in the wild. Prior to this, the species was only found in the western and southeastern parts of the island of Hawaii.[2] It inhabited dry and mesic forests on the slopes of Mauna Loa and Hualālai at elevations of 300–2,500 metres (980–8,200 ft). Ōhia lehua (Metrosideros polymorpha) and koa (Acacia koa) are important tree species in its habitat. Extensive understory cover is necessary to prevent predation by io (Buteo solitarius). Nesting sites receive 600–2,500 millimetres (24–98 in) of annual rainfall.[3] Fossil remains indicate that it previously occurred in relative abundance on all the main islands, along with four other extinct crow species. The species is known for strong flying ability and resourcefulness, and the reasons for its extinction are not fully understood. It is thought that introduced diseases, such as Toxoplasma gondii, avian malaria (Plasmodium relictum), and fowlpox, were probably a significant factor in the species' decline.

Courtesy Wikipedia