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The `O`u is a large, plump forestbird measuring 7 inches in length. Males have a bright yellow head, dark green back, and an olive-green belly. Females are duller with an olive-green head. The `O`u has a pink finch-like bill and pink legs. |
Habitat
& Behavior:
The `O`u is presently restricted to the mid-elevation
`ohi`a forests of the Big Island and the Alakai Swamo on Kaua`i. This
bird feeds on fruits, insects, and buds and blossoms of `ohi`a.
The breeding biology of this bird is unknown, although juveniles have
been seen in June, sugesting a March to May breeding season. The `O`u’s
call is an ascending or descending whistle that may break into a sweet
and distinct canary-like song.
Past
& Present:
This species is probably extinct or very near extinction.
Although it was once common on all the main Hawaiian islands, by the late
1970s and early 1980s, only small populations remained on Kaua`i and the
Big Island. Only three birds were recorded during a survey on Kaua`i in
1989, and it has been several years since there has been a recorded sighting
from the Big Island.
Like other native forestbirds of Hawai`i, many factors contributed to
this bird’s decline: avian diseases, competition with introduced
animals for food, elimination or degradation of habitat, predation, collecting,
and hunting. Island species are particularly vulnerable to one or more
of these threats because of their low numbers and restricted geographical
distributions.
Conservation
Efforts:
The `O`u was listed as an endangered species in 1967 under the Federal
Endangered Species Act. The Kaua`i Forest Birds Recovery Plan was published
in 1983 and the Hawai`i Forest Birds Recovery Plan was published in 1984.
These recovery plans recommend active land management, controlling the
spread of introduced plants and animals, closely monitoring new land activity
or development to prevent further destruction of forest bird habitat,
and the establishment of captive propagation and sperm bank programs.
The `O`u was last seen in the `Ola`a area of the Big Island. This area
today is being protected by a multiparty group including State, federal,
and private entities.
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