Xestospiza conica James & Olson

Cone-billed Finch (Xestospiza conica)

This species, which was endemic to the island of Kaua’i, Hawaiian Islands, was described in 1991 based on two maxillae that were fumbled out of subfossil pellets that were left behind by the likewise extinct Kauai Stilt Owl (Grallistrix auceps James & Olson).

The Cone-billed Finch was perfectly named for the shape of its beak. 

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References:

[1] S. L. Olson; H. F. James: Descriptions of thirty-two new species of birds from the Hawaiian Islands: Part II. Passeriformes. Ornithological Monographs 45: 1-91. 1991

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edited: 29.05.2019