PALILA Psittirostra bailleui (Oustalet) 



Order: PASSERIFORMES Family: DREPANIDIDAE 



Distinguishing characteristics : A small bird with thick, heavy bill; yellow head, neck, 

 and breast; abdomen white; back gray; wings and tail black. 



Present distribution : Island of Hawaii . Presently restricted to the mamane-naio forests 

 on Mauna Kea between 7,000 and 9,500 feet (Berger 1970). 



Former distribution : Wider distribution on the island including upper forest zone of 

 Kona and Hamakua districts from 4,000 to 10,000 feet. 



Status : Uncommon in its restricted range which is continuing to be reduced . 



Estimate numbers : Low hundreds . 



Breeding rate in the wild : Two eggs (Berger 1970). 



Reasons for decline ; Possibly decimated by introduced bird diseases transmitted by 

 introduced insects, encroachment of civilization on habitat, and particularly the 

 reduction of the mamane-naio forests due to overgrazing by feral sheep and goats. 



Protective measures already taken : Protected by State law . Selective limitation by 

 State and Federal Governments of introduction of foreign species. Some reduction of 

 feral animals by public hunting . Field investigations in progress . 



Measures proposed : Preservation of natural environment, including establishment of 

 needed refuges . Prevent introduction of harmful insects, plants, and animals . Control 

 of feral grazing animals. Continue ecological and life history research. Publicize 

 critical status and aesthetic and scientific values. Quarantine on all birds, including 

 cage birds brought into the State to prevent introduction of disease. Initiate artificial 

 propagation program or develop techniques applicable to Hawaiian forest birds . 



Number in captivity : None known. 



Breeding potential in captivity : Unknown . 



References : 



Berger, A. J. 1970. The present status of the birds of Hawaii, Elepaio 31(6): 51-60. 

 1970. The eggs and young of the palila, an endangered species. 



Condor 72:238-240. 

 Bureau of Sport Fisheries and Wildlife Administrative Reports . 

 Greenway, J. C. , Jr. 1958. Extinct and vanishing birds of the world. 

 Hawaii Division of Fish and Game Administrative Reports 

 Munro, G. C. 1960. Birds of Hawaii . 

 Warner, R. E. 1968. The role of introduced diseases in the extinction of the endemic 



Hawaiian avifauna. Condor 70: 101-120. 



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