Hawaiian Crow

Overview

The Hawaiian Crow, known locally as 'Alala, is a corvid historically found only on the island of Hawaii. It disappeared from the wild in the early 2000s due to habitat loss, disease, and predation, surviving only in captive-breeding programs, with ongoing efforts to reestablish wild populations.

It holds deep cultural significance in Hawaiian tradition and is one of the rarest corvids in the world.

Feather Identification

Feathers differ subtly from mainland crow species by appearing softer and more brownish-black rather than sharply glossy black.

• Body feathers: Sooty brownish-black overall, with less of the sharp blue-green gloss typical of many mainland crows.
• Flight feathers: Broad, rounded wings adapted to maneuvering through forest canopy rather than open, sustained flight.
• Tail feathers: Rounded rather than sharply squared tail feathers.
• Similar species: No other crow occurs within the Hawaiian Islands, so any crow-like feather found there would belong to this species; the soft brownish tone (versus glossy black) is a helpful distinguishing feature from mainland American Crow feathers that might otherwise be assumed similar.

Plumage Notes

Adults show soft, sooty brownish-black plumage overall, with a less pronounced gloss than many other crow species. Juveniles are similarly toned but may appear even softer and less defined in feather structure.

Sexes look alike in plumage. Molt patterns follow the general corvid pattern of a complete post-breeding replacement of feathers.

Habitat & Range

Historically, Hawaiian Crows inhabited dry and mesic forest on the island of Hawaii. The species became extinct in the wild, and remaining birds are maintained in captive-breeding facilities, with reintroduction efforts underway at protected forest sites.

As an island endemic, its range has always been restricted to Hawaii Island, unlike continental crow species with much broader distributions.

Behavior & Field Notes

Hawaiian Crows are intelligent and known for sophisticated tool-use behavior, among the few bird species documented using tools to extract food from crevices. Diet in the wild was broad and opportunistic, typical of forest corvids.

Nests were stick platforms built in trees. Calls include a range of varied notes. Due to its critically limited numbers, encountering this species outside of managed conservation areas is exceptionally rare.