Lowland bird inventory, Hawai`i Volcanoes National Park

Abstract

The objectives of this survey for lowland birds in Hawai`i Volcanoes National Park (HAVO) were to (1) document at least 90% of bird species present, (2) estimate relative abundance and distribution of species, and (3) establish baseline information to use for future monitoring in the park. Results were derived from both area search and line transect methodologies. Counts were conducted on 25 days between 14 April and 14 July 2005. Our diversity index indicates that the HAVO lowland bird assemblage is relatively diverse and comprised of 25 species, including nine natives and 16 non-natives. We observed more than 80% of the bird species expected to inhabit lowland areas of HAVO. Most species, including both native and non-natives, were relatively rare and were observed at only a few sites or transects. No federally listed endangered species were detected during our surveys. Extra search effort was given to detect the introduced Close-barred Francolin (Francolinus adspersus), but we conclude that the species, once found in the park, is no longer present. We documented the presence of two species new to HAVO, the Yellow-billed Cardinal (Paroaria capitata) and Yellow-fronted Canary (Serinus mozambicus). We make recommendations of sampling effort for future monitoring of the lowland bird community in HAVO.