MOLOKAI THRUSH (OLOMAU) Phaeornis obscurus rutha (Bryan) 



Order: PASSERIFORMES Family: TURDIDAE 



Distinguishing characteristics : Plump bird, dark brown above, unspotted gray 

 underparts . Has habit of trembling . 



Present distribution: Confined as far as known to higher portions of native forest of 

 eastern Molokai, Hawaii. 



Former distribution : Widely distributed in all native wet forests on Molokai. 



Status : Threatened primarily because very rare and restricted range. Thought to have 

 become extinct between 1907 and 1936 (Greenway), but rediscovered by Noah Pekelo, Jr., 

 who saw two at Puu Haha, July 17, 1963. 



Estimated numbers : Very low. 



Breeding rate in the wild : No information. 



Reasons for decline : Introduction of foreign birds, avian diseases, and insect vectors; 

 elimination and alteration of natural forest by man and introduced ungulates, including 

 domestic livestock. 



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

 and Federal Governments of introduction of foreign species of birds . 



Measures proposed : More complete control of introduction of foreign species of birds 

 and mammals and reduction of those already present in range of this species . Restoration 

 and protection of natural forest habitat, including establishment of needed refuges. 

 Initiate ecological and life history research to determine particular ecological requirements 

 and limiting factors of this species. 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 propagation program to develop techniques that may be 

 applied to this and other Hawaiian forest birds . 



Number in captivity : None . 



Breeding potential in captivity : Unknown . 



References : 



Bureau of Sport Fisheries and Wildlife Administrative Reports . 



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



13 Amer. Committee for International Wild Life Protection. New York, New York, 



p. 287. 

 Hawaii Division of Fish and Game Administrative Reports. 

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



Pekelo, N. 1963. Nature notes from Molokai . Elepaio 24(4): 17- 18 . 

 Richardson, F. 1949. Status of native land birds on Molokai. Pac . Sci . 3(3). 



226-330. 



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