Ridge-billed Finch (Xestospiza fastigialis)
The species was described in 1991, together with numerous other endemic Hawaiian birds now extinct.
The Ridge-billed Finch was apparently very widespread, remains of the species were recovered from the islands of Maui, Moloka’i, as well as O’ahu, Hawaiian Islands, it very probably also inhabited the islands of Kaho’olawe and Lana’i, which, however, don’t have rich (sub)fossil deposits.
The species disappeared shortly after the arrival of the first Polynesian settlers on the Hawaiian Islands. [1]
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The two species assigned to the genus Xestospiza most likely do not belong into the same genus. [2]
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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
[2] Helen F. James: The osteology and phylogeny of the Hawaiian finch radiation (Fringillidae: Drepanidini), including extinct taxa. Zoological Journal of the Linnean Society 141: 207-255. 2004
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edited: 19.06.2020
Tag Archives: Xestospiza
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