What it is
The huia (Heteralocha acutirostris) was a large black wattlebird of the North Island of New Zealand. The male had a short, strong bill and the female a long, curved one. The International Union for Conservation of Nature lists it as Extinct.
Range
Forests of the southern North Island of New Zealand.
What happened
Māori prized its white tipped tail feathers, worn only by people of high rank. After European settlement, collectors and museums bought skins and feathers, while introduced rats, cats and stoats raided the birds.
When / status
Last accepted sighting in 1907.
Human role
Introduced predators and, to a lesser degree, hunting for skins and feathers drove it to extinction.