Hemignathus ellisianus ellisianus The Oʻahu ʻakialoa (Akialoa ellisiana) is an extinct species of Hawaiian honeycreeper in the subfamily Carduelinae of the family Fringillidae.

Since the population was already taking a toll due to the large amount of deforestation, it was susceptible to the avian influenza, more commonly known as the bird flu.

This was brought in by mosquitoes who were carrying the virus and were able to spread it within the community.

Scientists were sure that this bird was still common in the 1860s, according to evidence found by Perkins.

“The interplay of species concepts, taxonomy, and conservation: lessons from the Hawaiian avifauna.” Studies in avian biology 22 (2001): 68–80.