Order Passeriformes Rank Species | Phylum Chordata Higher classification Platostoma | |
Scientific name Acrocephalus aequinoctialis Similar Pitcairn reed warbler, Nauru reed warbler, Madagascan swamp warbler, Tahiti reed warbler, Cape Verde warbler | ||
The bokikokiko, Kiritimati reed warbler or Christmas Island warbler (Acrocephalus aequinoctialis) is a species of warbler in the family Acrocephalidae. It is found only on Kiritimati (Kiribati). The bokikokiko's diet has been composed largely of the weed Tribulus terrestris since the plant's introduction by European settlers in the late 18th century. The intricate feather pattern on its head has notably been considered an aphrodisiac by the indigenous population; in ancient times, the feathers were correlated with penile growth, a belief that likely has some factual basis considering the testosterone-enhancing properties of Tribulus terrestris. Due to this, the bokikokiko has been hunted to endangered levels, despite its long-lasting cultural significance within the region, and remains as one of the most symbolically and medicinally important birds in Kiribati.
