The Avian History Reports
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This collection presents the Avian History Reports (AHR), A Historical Synthesis of Recent Endemic Hawaiian Birds (1979-1990). The reports are issued by the Pacific Cooperative Studies Unit, University of Hawaii at Manoa.
PCSU and HPI-CESU (The Hawaii-Pacific Islands Cooperative Ecosystems Studies Unit)in cooperation with the Inventory & Monitoring Program Pacific Island Network are proud to provide technical reports produced by the Unit, as well as selected hard-to-find gray literature pertaining to Native Hawaiian and Pacific Island ecosystems.
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Item History of endemic Hawaiian birds: Part I: population histories, species accounts: forest birds: ´Apapane, ´Akohekohe, & ´Uha´aihawane(Cooperative National Park Resources Studies Unit, University of Hawaii at Manoa, Department of Botany, 1987-07) Banko, Winston E.Himatione sanguinea is a small, deep crimson forest bird with white abdomen and tail coverts, and black tail and wings. It ranges from low to high elevation on all six forested islands. Exhaustive search of literature and field journals uncovered some 1,279 observational notes, collection records, reports, and related statements on relative abundance and geographical distribution from 1778 to 1978. All records are serially numbered, arranged in geographical and chronological order, referenced as to source, and systematically analyzed. It is concluded that, compared with the 1890’s, H. sanquinea has depopulated significantly over wide areas in lowland forests on Kaua´i, O´ahu, Maui, and in mid to upper-elevation habitats on Moloka´i and Lana´i. On Hawai´i this species has largely disappeared from the lowlands and from mid and upper-elevation habitats in Hamakua and Kona. Only in the Külani area is H. sanquinea still evident in very large numbers (tens of thousands). Despite these declines, H. sanquinea remains the commonest Hawaiian honeycreeper in native forest throughout the Islands, and is the most likely forest bird for even the casual visitor to observe above ca. 3000 feet in suitable habitat. Palmeria dolei, or ‘Akohekohe, is a medium-sized, dark grey forest bird with whitish crest and scarlet-tipped feathers on the head and neck. It formerly ranged from low to high elevations on Moloka’i and East Maui. Exhaustive search of literature and field journals uncovered some 87 observational notes, collection records, reports and related statements on relative abundance and geographical distribution from 1888 to 1979. All records are serially numbered, arranged in geographical and chronological order, referenced as to source and systematically analyzed. It is conclude that, compared with the 1890’s, ‘Akohekohe have become completely depopulated on the island of Moloka’i and in low to middle elevation forests up to about 5000 ft. elevation on East Maui. Its relative abundance in upper forests of East Maui presently ranges form rare at about 5000 to 5800 ft. to locally common or abundant from about 5800 to 6700 ft. elevation. Ciridops anna, or Ula’ai’hawane, is a small grey and red forest bird with black forehead, wings and tail. Endemic to the island of Hawai’i it ranged in Kohala, Mauna Kea, and possibly Kona and Kilauea Districts. Exhaustive search of literature and field journals uncovered only 20 reports (mostly negative), collection records, and related statements on its relative abundance and geographical distribution. There is no evidence in the historical record that ornithologists ever glimpsed Ula’ai’hawane in the wild. Only one of five spec imens extant is preserved with date and locality of collection. No substantiated record of this species exists after native Hawaiians reported seeing it above ‘O’okala about 1892. It is presumed extinct.Item History of endemic Hawaiian birds: population histories, species accounts: scrub-grassland birds: Nene - Hawaiian Goose(Cooperative National Park Resources Studies Unit, University of Hawaii at Manoa, Department of Botany, 1990-12) Banko, Winston E.; Elder, William H.The Nene or Hawaiian Goose (Nesochen sandvicensis) is a medium-sized brownish goose with black on chin and throat, distinctively textured black-naped neck, long legs, and half-webbed feet. Endemic to Hawaii, and reportedly Maui, this unique terrestrial goose was recognized as "emblematic" of Hawaii by the Territorial Legislature in 1957. Exhaustive search of literature and field journals uncovered some 1,464 observational records, reports, recollections and related statements on relative abundance and geographical distribution of this species from 1778 to 1948. Records are serially numbered, arranged in geographical and chronological order, referenced as to source, and systematically documented.Item History of endemic Hawaiian birds: Part I: population histories, species accounts: freshwater birds: Hawaiian Gallinule ´Alae-´ula(Cooperative National Park Resources Studies Unit, University of Hawaii at Manoa, Department of Botany, 1987-03) Banko, Winston E.Gallinula chloropus sandvicensis is a medium sized slate-grey water bird (Rallidae) with a red bill and frontal shield. Currently resident only on Kaua´i and O´ahu, this race existed historically on Moloka´i, Maui, and Hawai´i. Exhaustive search of literature and government reports uncovered some 2,756 observational notes, collection records, census reports, and related statements on relative abundance and geographical distribution from 1779 to 1983. Data are individually numbered, arranged in geographical and chronological order, referenced and systematically reviewed. Abundant evidence shows that ´Alae-´ula were common and widely distributed in swamps and ponds throughout the major islands in the 18901s. By 1903, population decline had been noted in areas where they had been formerly abundant. The last record of the occurrence of this species on the island of Hawaiti was in 1898, on Maui in 1900, and on Moloka´i in 1973. On O´ahu, comprehensive surveys of over 90 water bird habitats in the 1970's and early 1980% found substantial numbers of ´Alae-´ula only in the lotus and taro fields of Haleiwa where a maximum number of 118 were counted in 1979, and only a few in a dozen or so other habitats. On Kaua´i, systematic surveys of some 140 water birds habitats in the 1970’s and early 1980’s recorded only 50-75 ´Alae-´ula in the Hanalei area, a dozen or so in two other areas, and 2 or 3 in 12-15 lesser populated habitats. Total population of ´Alae-´ula Statewide was estimated at 750 in 1982, the majority obviously missed in semi-annual censuses. In view of its long uninterrupted decline, and lack of substantive conservation measures, it is concluded that this species will continue to slowly depopulate for an indefinite period.Item History of endemic Hawaiian birds: Part I: population histories, species accounts: freshwater birds: Koloa-maoli(Cooperative National Park Resources Studies Unit, University of Hawaii at Manoa, Department of Botany, 1987-03) Banko, Winston E.Anas wyvilliana is a medium-sized (20" long) duck with variable mallard-like plumage. It was first described by P.L. Sclater in 1878. A total of 69 specimens are known world-wide in some 13 widely-scattered museums. Exhaustive search of literature, unpublished journals, and government reports uncovered some 3,006 observational notes, collection records, and related statements on relative abundance and geographical distribution from 1778 to 1982. Data are serially numbered, arranged in geographical and chronological order, referenced and systematically reviewed. Observers before 1900 recorded the Koloa as common and widespread, though becoming scarcer, in freshwater habitats on all of the major Islands. After 1903 there is a near-absolute 30-year gap of information on population status. Repeated surveys beginning in the 1940's have recorded successive population declines on Kaua´i, transient numbers on Ni'ihau, disappearance on O'ahu and Hawai´i, and extinction on Moloka´I and Maui. Release of some 853 captive-raised Koloa on O'ahu and Hawai'i from 1958 to 1980 has failed to establish clearly obvious self-sustaining wild flocks. It is concluded that relict numbers of this species on Kaua´i will continue to decline long-term and that restoration efforts, as presently known, will fail to effect re-establishment of self-supporting wild populations, except perhaps in token numbers.Item History of endemic Hawaiian birds: Part I: population histories, species accounts: freshwater birds: Hawaiian Coot ´Alae-´ke´oke´o(Cooperative National Park Resources Studies Unit, University of Hawaii at Manoa, Department of Botany, 1987-03) Banko, Winston E.Fulica americana alai is a medium-sized, slate-grey water bird (Rallidae) with a high white bill. It is resident on Kaua´i, O´ahu, Moloka´i, Maui, Hawai´i, and on Ni´ihau after seasonal rains. Exhaustive search of literature and government reports uncovered some 4,055 census results, observational notes, collection records and related statements on relative abundance and geographical distribution from 1824 to 1983. All data are serially numbered, arranged in geographical and chronological order, referenced and systematically reviewed. Analysis of recent records indicates a total pre-breeding population of ca. 1,400 individuals were distributed among the various islands, as follows: Kaua´i, 70 percent; Ni´ihau, 4 percent; O´ahu, 11 percent; Moloka´i, 2 percent; Maui, 7 percent; and Hawai´i, 6 percent. Recent post-breeding populations averaging ca. 1,550 individuals were found to be similarly distributed. The total population is judged to be relatively stable long-term.Item History of endemic Hawaiian birds: Part I: population histories, species accounts: freshwater birds: Hawaiian Stilt Ae´o(Cooperative National Park Resources Studies Unit, University of Hawaii at Manoa, Department of Botany, 1988-05) Banko, Winston E.Himantopus mexicanus knudseni is a slim, medium-sized black and white wading bird with long black bill and red legs. It is resident on five islands - Kaua´i, O´ahu, Moloka'i, Maui, Hawai´i, and on Ni´ihau after seasonal winter rains. Exhaustive search of literature and government reports uncovered some 5,429 observational notes, collection records, census reports and related statements on relative abundance and geographical distribution from 1870 to 1983. Data are serially numbered, arranged in geographical and chronological order, referenced and systematically reviewed. Analysis of census records in recent years indicates a total pre-breeding population of about 900 of these birds distributed as follows among the various islands: Kaua'i, 144 (16%); Ni´ihau, 135 (15%); O´ahu 324 (36%) ; Moloka´i 9 (1%); Maui, 261 (29%); and Hawai´i 18 (2%) recent post-breeding populations averaging 1,100 individuals were found to be distributed as follows: Kaua'i 286 (26%); Ni'ihau, 44 (4%); O'ahu 495 (45%); Moloka'i, 22 (2%); Maui, 242 (22%); and Hawai´i 22 (2%). It is postulated that mortality factors and annual average production of about 200 young results in a population turnover every 5 years. The total population is judged to be relatively stable long-term.Item History of endemic Hawaiian birds: Part I: population histories, species accounts: forest birds: Vestiaria coccinea, Drepanis funerea, Drepanis pacifica(Cooperative National Park Resources Studies Unit, University of Hawaii at Manoa, Department of Botany, 1981-08) Banko, Winston E.Vestiaria coccinea is a small, brilliant-scarlet forest bird with black wings and tail and a long curved orange bill. It ranges over all six forested Islands. Exhaustive search of literature and field journals uncovered some 838 observational notes, collection records, reports and related statements on relative abundance and geographical distribution from 1778 to 1978. All records are serially numbered, arranged in geographical and chronological order, referenced as to source and systematically analyzed. It is concluded that, since the late 1800's ´I´iwi have depopulated severely, if not completely, from low to mid-elevations below about 3000 ft. and significantly, if only moderately, above that elevation. Extinct on Lāna'i and rare on O´ahu and Moloka'i, 'I´iwi can presently be termed abundant only in a few selected localities above about 4000 ft. and then perhaps only seasonally on Kaua´i, Maui and Hawai'i. Drepanis funerea, or ´Ō´ōnukuumu, is a medium sized black forest bird with long curved bill. Endemic to the island of Moloka'i it formerly ranged upper elevation forests in the central and eastern sectors of the island. Exhaustive search of literature and field journals uncovered only 39 reports, collection records and related statements on its population status and/or geographical distribution from 1893 to 1978. Ten specimens are known. Only scattered unsubstantiated rumors of its existence after 1907, when the last specimens were collected, are known. The ´Ō´ōnukuumu is apparently extinct. Drepanis pacifica, or Mamo, is a medium-sized black and yellow forest bird with long curved bill. Endemic to the island of Hawai'i it once ranged in Kohala, Kona, Ka'ū, and Mauna Kea Districts. Exhaustive search of literature and field journals uncovered only 32 reports (many negative), collection records, and related statements on its relative abundance and/or geographical distribution from 1779 to 1978. Eleven specimens are known. Only scattered unsubstantiated reports exist after 1898 when the last group was seen above Hilo. Intensive island-wide surveys in the late 1970's failed to find this species. The Mamo is presumably extinct.Item History of endemic Hawaiian birds: Part I: population histories, species accounts: forest birds: Maui Parrotbill, ´O´u, Palila, Greater Koa Finch, Lesser Koa Finch and Grosbeak Finch(Cooperative National Park Resources Studies Unit, University of Hawaii at Manoa Department of Botany, 1986-12) Banko, Winston E.Psittirostra psittacea is a small, olive-green, yellow headed (adult males only) forest bird having a parrot-like bill. It was originally found on the islands of Kaua´i, O´ahu, Moloka´i, Lāna´i, Maui, and Hawai´i. Exhaustive search of literature and field journals uncovered some 300 observational notes, collection records, reports, and related statements on relative abundance and geographical distribution from 1779 to 1977. All information is serially numbered, arranged in geographical and chronological order, referenced, and systematically analyzed. In the 1890’s ´O´u were observed to be common to abundant over broad areas on Kaua´i, Moloka´i, Lāna´i, Maui, and Hawai´i, extremely rare on O´ahu. This species was last reported on O´ahu in 1899, on Moloka´i in 1907, on Lāna´i in 1931, and on Maui in 1901. Today, ´O´u on Kaua´i are known only from a 5 square mile area where they are regarded as very rare. On Hawai´i, in the Kohala, Kona, and leeward Ka´u districts, ´O´u have been reported on O´ahu only once (in 1933) since 1896. Surveys in these areas in recent years detected none. In windward forests, ´O´u have declined significantly in and near Hawaii Volcanoes National Park in the past 20 to 30 years, apparently reflecting continued widespread depopulation in windward Ka´u, Kilauea, and Mauna Kea districts. After expending 1,300 man-days of census effort in 221,669 acres of windward habitats in 1977, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service surveys detected ´O´u only 61 times (preliminary account). It is concluded that long-term decline of remnant populations Kaua´i and Hawai´i is continuing. Psittirostra bailleui [Loxioides bailleui] is a small, yellow and gray forest bird with a short, thick, brown bill. It is endemic to the island of Hawai´i. Exhaustive search of literature and field journals uncovered some 100 observational notes, collection records, reports, and related statements on relative abundance and geographical distribution from 1876 to 1978. All records are serially numbered, arranged in geographical and chronological order, referenced, and systematically analyzed. In the 1890's Palila were observed to be common to abundant in upper elevation forests along the western flank of Mauna Loa, and on the north, northeast, and southeast slopes of Mauna Kea. One 1950 record indicates that they also ranged the western slopes of the saddle connecting these two volcanoes. This species was last recorded on the western flank of Mauna Loa in 1896 when they were noted to be fewer than in 1892. On Mauna Kea, Palila were last observed on the north slope in 1903, and after an observational gap of about 40 years, were rediscovered on the southeastern slope in 1937, and on the northeast slope in 1950. They were reported for the first time on the southwestern flank of Mauna Kea in 1943. Intensive surveys on Mauna Kea by the U. S. Fish and Wildlife Service and cooperating agencies in 1975 resulted in finding a population of about 1,600 individuals on all except the northwest and north slopes at which time they were estimated to occupy only about (9%) of their former historic range. A few observational clues since 1950 suggest that Palila population and range continue to decline long-term. Psittirostra palmeri [Chloridops kona] is a small, short-tailed, thick-billed, olive-green forest bird, the male having reddish orange about the head and neck. It is endemic to the island of Hawai'i. Exhaustive search of literature and field journals uncovered only 55 records (including doubtful and negative reports) of its occurrence. Ornithologists from 1892 to 1896 observed scores of this species in Kona, collecting 48 of the 59 known specimens at elevations ranging from 3000 to 5000 feet from the Hualdlai area south to H6naunau. Psittirostra palmeri was also seen and/or collected at comparably high elevations in the Kilauea area of Mauna Loa and on the southeastern slope of Mauna Kea during the early period. Positive and negative reports of this species since 1896 are reviewed. Intensive islandwide surveys conducted by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service from 1976 to 1979 yielded no sightings. The species is presumed extinct. Psittirostra flaviceps [Psittirostra flaviceps] is a small, short-tailed, thick-billed, olive-green forest bird having yellow about the head and neck. It is endemic to the island of Hawai'i. Exhaustive search of literature and field journals uncovered only eight specimens and related collection records on or near the Pulehua Ranch in October 1891. Searches of the type locality by successive ornithologists in 1892, 1894, 1896, 1901, 1942, 1950, 1966 and the late 1907's failed to reveal this species. Psittirostra flaviceps is presumed extinct. Psittirostra kona is a small, short-tailed, olive-green forest bird with an extremely thick, short bill. It is endemic to the island of Hawai´i. Exhaustive search of literature and field journals uncovered comparatively few records of its existence in 1891 and 1892, the last years a living population was noted. Psittirostra kona is presumed extinct.Item History of endemic Hawaiian birds: Part I: population histories, species accounts: forest birds: 'Amakihi, Creeper, 'Akepa & Po'o Uli(Cooperative National Park Resources Studies Unit, University of Hawaii at Manoa, Department of Botany, 1984-07) Banko, Winston E.Loxops parvus [‘Anianiau] is a small, greenish-yellow forest bird with a slender, short, nearly straight bill. Endemic to island of Kaua'i, it was first described in 1888. Observers from 1961 to 1978 described it as "common to abundant" in areas mostly over 3000 feet elevation. It is concluded that sub-populations of L. parvus utilizing native forests below 1500 feet elevation have, in the past 80 years, become extinct while those remaining above that elevation apparently declined progressively less upward. Substantial numbers of this species continue to exist in higher elevation forests. Endemic to the island of Hawai’i, Loxops sagittirostris [Greater ‘Amakihi] is a small, greenish forest bird, more robust than its congeners, with a long, blackish, nearly straight, oriole-like bill. It is presumed extinct. Loxops maculatus [‘Alauwahio or Hawaiian Creeper] is a small, greenish or red forest bird with a straight, short to medium length bill. Six subspecies are recognized, one from each of the forested islands. Actually or practically extinct on O’ahu, Moloka’i, and Lana’i; on Kaua’i, Maui, and Hawai’i, they have disappeared below ca. 3500 feet and are in various stages of long-term depopulation above that elevation. Loxops coccineus is a small, orangish or greenish forest bird with a short stout bill and distinctly notched tail. Four subspecies have been recognized since 1893 on Kaua’i, O’ahu, Maui, and Hawai’i. The races on O’ahu and Maui are actually or practically extinct, those on Kaua’i and Hawai’i cannot predictably be found below ca. 3500 feet, and the remaining subpopulations are in various stages of long-term depopulation above that elevation. The Po’o Uli [Melamprosops phaeosoma] has the most recent and shortest history of any Hawaiian bird. Casey and Jacobi (1974) described and gave this new genus and species its Latin and Hawaiian names. Exhaustive search of literature and field journals uncovered observational notes, collection records, reports, and related statements on relative abundance and geographical distribution from 1888 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.Item History of endemic Hawaiian birds: Part I: species accounts: forest birds: 'Akialoa, Nukupu'u & 'Akiapōlā'au(Cooperative National Park Resources Studies Unit, University of Hawaii at Manoa, Department of Botany, 1984-11) Banko, Winston E.Hemignathus procerus is a small, short-tailed, yellowish to olive-green forest bird with an extremely long decurved bill. It is endemic to the island of Kaua'i. The Kaua'i 'Akialoa is presumably extinct. Hemignathus obscurus ellisianus is a small, short-tailed, mostly olive-green forest bird with a conspicuous superciliary line and a very long decurved brown bill. It is endemic to the island of O’ahu. The O’ahu ‘Akialoa is presumably extinct. Hemignathus obscurus lanaiensis is a small, short-tailed, yellowish or olive-green forest bird with no distinct superciliary line and a very long decurved black bill. It is endemic to the island of Lana’i. The Lana’I ‘Akialoa is presumably extinct. Hemignathus obscurus obscurus is a small. Short-tailed, mostly olive-green forest bird without a superciliary stripe, possessing a long decurved bill. It is endemic to the island of Hawai’i. The Hawai’i ‘Akialoa is presumably extinct. Hemignathus lucidus hanapepe is a small, short-tailed, yellow-headed forest bird with a strongly decurved bill. It is endemic to the island of Kaua’i. The Kaua’i Nukupu’u is presumably extinct. Hemignathus lucidus lucidus is a small, short-tailed forest bird with a green head and distinct superciliary stripe. It is endemic to the island of O’ahu. The O’ahu Nukupu’u is presumably extinct. Hemignathus lucidus affinus is a small, short-tailed forest bird with a yellow head. It is endemic to the island of Maui. The Maui Nukupu’u is practically extinct. Hemignathus wilsoni [‘Akiapola’au] is a small, short-tailed, mostly olive-green forest bird with a strongly decurved black bill and having a straight lower mandible. It is endemic to the island of Hawai’i. Exhaustive search of literature and field journals uncovered observational notes, collection records, reports, and related statements on relative abundance and geographical distribution from 1888 to 1977. All records are serially numbered, arranged in geographical and chronological order, referenced, and systematically analyzed.