ML363236901
Contributor
Date
Location
- Age and sex
- Immature Unknown sex - 1
- Playback
- Not specified
Observation details
Continuing individual, first found here in July by Eric Vanderwerf. A very rare breeding species on Oahu, possibly headed towards extirpation. Foraging in the southern end of the plumeria grove, which is not far from the parking lot. Medium-sized thrush-esque bird, generally shaped like a smaller myna with a long tail. Overall a uniform rusty orangish/brown, but back and tail a shade somewhat darker in color. Dull yellowish bill is of moderate length and thickness. Blueish-white ring around eyes w/white "tear drop tail" very obvious, but does not appear to be completely developed. Not much streaking present on this bird, as the feathers appear to be molting, especially on the crown. Not afraid of people, even approaching me closely at one point. Very active, rustling through leaf litter and tossing leaves aside, presumably to feed on insects beneath. Responded to playback by flying up into a plumeria and singing loudly for six minutes straight. Loud, varied song is like a leiothrix on crack! To me, what's interesting about this individual is it's mysterious and sudden appearance. The Chinese Hwamei has declined greatly on Oahu, with very few well-described sightings and almost no photo documentation in recent years. This habitat, while apparently suitable for a hwamei, is fairly isolated from the koolau mountain forest habitats by residential and dryland forest habitats. Perhaps this bird is part of a small population that remained hidden in the crater? Or maybe a recently escaped pet? It would be interesting to search the full crater trail and nearby koolau mountains for other Hwamei.
Technical information
- Recorder
- Microphone
- Accessories
- Original file size
- 308.11 KB