08/04/2026
Koa - Round 2 - Choreography
Legend - Uravaero e te Moho
Uravaero e te Moho
translated as "The 'Uravaero and the Moho" or "the color thief" — is a Tahitian legend from Rimatara in the Austral Islands of a charming etiological tale explaining the striking plumage of the 'ura (or 'uravaero), the Kuhl's lorikeet (Vini kuhlii, also called the Rimatara lorikeet), and why the moho (a once-beautiful rail-like bird, likely referring to an extinct or rare endemic species such as the Rimatara crake or similar marsh bird) became drab and secretive.
The Legend
Long ago, on the small, lush island of Rimatara, the moho was the most admired bird of all.
Its plumage was a dazzling rainbow: vibrant green wings, a bright yellow back, a vivid red chest, a brilliant blue head, orange legs, and sparkling eyes full of color. Every creature on the island — from people to other animals — marveled at its beauty, and the moho proudly displayed its feathers in the sunlight.
In contrast, the 'ura (the lorikeet, then known as 'uravaero in legend) had dull, plain grey feathers. Despite its lively acrobatics among banana blossoms and its sharp, cheerful calls, no one paid it much attention. Jealousy consumed the 'ura — it obsessed over the moho's splendor and resolved to possess such beauty for itself.
One hot afternoon, as the moho rested in peaceful sleep during the midday siesta, the 'ura crept close. Stealthily, it began to steal the colors one by one with its beak:
• First, it took the green from the wings.
• Then the yellow from the back.
• Next, the red from the chest.
• Followed by the blue from the head.
• And the orange from the legs.
As the 'ura reached for the brilliant colors in the moho's eyes, the moho suddenly awoke, feeling the sharp beak near its eyelid. Startled and horrified at its now-faded, colorless appearance, the moho fled in shame. It hid deep in the dark marshes and reed beds, becoming shy and nocturnal — only venturing out at dawn or dusk to avoid being seen.
The 'ura, now transformed into a jewel-like bird with its stolen red, green, blue, and yellow plumage, soared proudly through the skies, showing off its brilliant colors to everyone.
From that day forward, it earned the nickname "the color thief."
