HAWAIIAN CROW (ALALA) Corvus tropicus (Gmelin) 



Order: PASSERIFORMES Family: CORVIDAE 



Distinguishing characteristics : All black, like American crows but duller, tinged with 

 brown, especially on wings and with more massive bill. Higher pitched voice. 



Present distribution : Resident locally in forested areas and higher elevations on North 

 and South Kona and Kau Districts of the island of Hawaii, including ranching country. 



Former distribution : Same as present but more generally distributed from Kau to 

 Puuwaawaa from 1,000 to 8,000 feet elevation. 



Status : Greatly reduced from former numbers and continuing to decline . 



Estimated numbers : About 50. In May, 1972, 17 seen by Bureau of Sport Fisheries and 

 Wildlife and Hawaii Division of Fish and Game personnel on slopes of Mt. Hualalai, 

 Hawaii . 



Breeding rate in the wild : Unknown; however, a nest with two young found. 



Reasons for decline : Shooting. Alteration of environment by modern man, especially 

 destruction. Possibly avian diseases. Destruction of native forest by domestic livestock. 



Protective measures already taken : Protected by State and Federal law . Status and 

 ecological study initiated. 



Measures proposed : Preservation of natural environment and establishment of needed 

 refuges and sanctuaries . Initiate propagation program and develop techniques for stocking 

 suitable habitat. Increase patrol and/or law enforcement effort. Intensify ecological and 

 life history research of the species. Publicize critical status and aesthetic and scientific 

 values . Quarantine on all birds , including cage birds brought into the State to prevent 

 introduction to disease. Control or elimination of grazing by feral grazing animals and 

 domestic livestock in key habitat areas . 



Number in captivity : One at Patuxent Wildlife Research Center . 



Breeding potential in captivity : Unknown . 



References : 



Bureau of Sport Fisheries and Wildlife Administrative Reports. 

 Fisher, J. , and R. T. Peterson. 1964. World of birds . 

 Hawaii Division of Fish and Game Administrative Reports . 



Munro, G. C. 1960. Birds of Hawaii. Charles E. Tuttle Co., Rutland, Vermont, 

 and Tokyo, Japan. 192 pp. 



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