mamo

Mamo is a common name historically used for several species of Hawaiian honeycreepers in the genus Drepanis. These birds were part of Hawaii’s native avifauna and exemplified the island’s adaptive radiation of nectar-feeding songbirds. The term is most closely associated with the mamo forms that inhabited various forested habitats across the Hawaiian Islands, though the exact distribution varied by species.

In appearance and ecology, mamo were medium-sized passerines with stout, curved beaks adapted to feeding on nectar from native flowering plants, supplemented by insects. Their plumage could vary among forms, and their bright coloration contributed to their prominence in Hawaiian ecosystems. Like other honeycreepers, they likely relied on a network of flowering plants for food and played a role in pollination while also serving as prey for predators.

Cultural significance in Hawaii was notable. Mamo feathers were highly valued for traditional featherwork, including ceremonial capes and headpieces worn by aliʻi (royalty) and other elites. The birds thus held both ecological and cultural importance in pre-contact and historic Hawaii.

Conservation status and legacy: By the late 19th and early 20th centuries, all mamo lineages had declined severely, and most or all described forms are now extinct or extinct in the wild. Causes include habitat destruction, predation by introduced species such as rats and cats, and disease pressures from introduced avian malaria. The extinction of mamo reflects broader patterns of Hawaiian avifauna loss following human colonization, and their history informs current efforts to protect remaining native honeycreepers and their habitats.