PALILA (Loxioides bailleui)

type size: [A] [A] [A]

Description: The Palila is a large finch with a bright yellow head and breast, a short rounded black bill and a white underbelly. It is found only in the forests of Hawaii, where it was once widespread. It is now restricted to a very small, declining range because of severe overgrazing by feral animals within its range. Non-native invasive plant species also contribute to the Palila's decline.

IUCN Status: Endangered
USFWS Status: Endangered
Major Threat: Habitat loss due to invasive plants and overgrazing by feral animals
Habitat: Dry mamane and mamane-naio forests
Location: Upper slopes of Mauna Kea in Hawaii
Diet: Mainly seeds of immature mamane seed pods