"Extinct Birds of Hawaiʻi captures the vanishing world of unique bird species that has slipped away in the Islands mostly due to human frivolity and unconcern. Richly illustrated, including paintings by Julian P. Hume (many painted specifically for this volume), it enables us to vicariously enjoy avian life unique to Hawaiʻi that exists no longer. Extinct Birds of Hawaiʻi also sends a powerful message: Although Hawaiʻi is well-known for its unique scenic beauty and its fascinating native flora, fauna, bird and marine life, it is also called the extinction capital of the world. The Islands' seventy-seven bird species and sub-species extinctions account for approximately fifteen percent of global bird extinctions during the last 700 years. On some islands over 80 percent of the original land bird species are now extinct. With the many agents of extinction still operating in the Islands' forests, Hawaiʻi's remaining native land birds are at a high risk of being lost forever. Many birdwatchers, nature lovers, and eco-tourists are unaware of the tremendous loss of species that has occurred in this remote archipelago. Extinct Birds of Hawaiʻi, shows the bird life that has been lost and calls attention to the urgent need for preservation action"--Book jacket.