Primitive koa finch viscosa") berries, as these were observed being eaten by other species in the genus. The primitive koa finch is believed to have gone extinct some time after Polynesians first arrived in Hawaii, however very little else is known about this species. Due to its early extinction it is only known from fossil remains. Other Hawaiian honeycreepers are known to have become extinct or very rare due to habitat loss, introduced predators and avian diseases. It is possible the extinction of the primitive koa finch also involved these factors. BirdLife International 2004. Himatione sanguinea. 2006 IUCN Red List of Threatened Species.
Greater koa finch Greater koa finch The greater koa finch ("Rhodacanthis palmeri") was a species of finch in the Fringillidae family. It was found only in the Hawaiian Islands. It has been extinct since the late 19th century. The bird was about 7–8 in (18–20 cm) long when fully grown. It was the largest known honey-creeper, although its typical weight is unknown. The bird is sexually dimorphic; the male was brilliant scarlet-orange on head, neck, and breast, with lighter orange on its bottom, and olive brown with orange touches on back, wings, and tail; however, the female was brownish olive, and somewhat lighter