History of endemic Hawaiian birds: Part I: population histories, species accounts: forest birds: 'Amakihi

Abstract

Loxops virens [Hemignathus virens] is a small, greenish or yellowish forest bird with moderately decurved bill and black lores. Four subspecies -- L. v. stejneqeri on Kaua'i, L. v. chloris on O'ahu, L. v. wilsoni on Molokai'i-Lana'i-Maui, and L. v. virens on Hawai'i -- have been recognized since 1889. Exhaustive search of literature and field journals uncovered some 1339 observational notes, collection records, reports, and related statements on relative abundance and geographical distribution from 1779 to 1978. All information is referenced, arranged in geographical and chronological order, and systematically reviewed. Subjects of data completeness, bias, erroneous and doubtful records are addressed. Findings are summarized and conclusions drawn.