MAUI PARROTBILL Pseudonestor xanthophrys (Rothschild) 



Order: PASSERIFORMES Family: DREPANIDIDAE 



Distinguishing characteristics : Small, olive green bird with yellow breast and yellow 

 stripe over eye . Heavy parrot-like bill . 



Present distribution : Confined to island of Maui where only known to occur in native 

 rain forest on the northeast slope of Haleakala volcano between 4,000 and 6,000 feet. 

 Seen in 1950 (Greenway 1958), and 1967 (Banko 1968) in Kipahulu Valley. 



Former distribution : Only known from above area . 



Status : Very rare and limited in distribution. 



Estimated numbers : Unknown . 



Breeding rate in the wild : Unknown . 



Reasons for decline: Change of natural environment by man through clearing and 

 introduction of domestic livestock. Possibly result of disease carried into its habitat 

 by introduced birds and transmitted by introduced insects. 



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

 State and Federal Governments of introduction of foreign species. Acquisition and 

 protection of large section of Kipahulu Valley, Maui, by The Nature Conservancy for 

 inclusion as a wilderness area. 



Measures proposed : Preservation of additional natural environment including establish- 

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

 Initiate 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 of disease. Initiate propagation program or 

 develop techniques which may be applied to Hawaiian forest birds . Control of feral 

 grazing animals and domestic stock. 



Number in captivity : Unknown . 



Breeding potential in captivity : Unknown . 



References : 



Banko, W. E. 1968. Condor 70:265-266. 



Bureau of Sport Fisheries and Wildlife Administrative Reports . 

 Greenway, J. C. 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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