LAYSAN FINCH Psittirostra c ■ cantans (Wilson) 



Order: PASSERIFORMES Family: DREPANIDIDAE 



Distinguishing characteristics : Finch-like Hawaiian honeycreeper with thick bill . Male, 

 yellow head and breast. Brownish back, wings, and tail. Female, duller with streakings 

 on crown, back and flanks. Immatures streaked above and below. Differs from other 

 race of the species on Nihoa Island by larger size and paler coloration. 



Present distribution : Endemic to Laysan Island, Hawaiian Islands National Wildlife Refuge. 

 About 400 (1972) presently on Southeast Island, Pearl and Hermes Reef, Hawaiian Islands 

 National Wildlife Refuge from 100 introduced March 21, 1967. About 8 to 10 each on Grass 

 and Seal Islands at Pearl and Hermes Reef also . 



Former distribution : Laysan Island. 



Status : Although common within its limited range, confinement of entire population to 

 two small islands makes it vulnerable to extinction, if pest plants, insects, or predatory 

 animals are accidentally liberated there that could drastically change the habitat or 

 introduce diseases . 



Estimated numbers : About 10,000 on Laysan Island (1972) and 400 + on Pearl and 

 Hermes Reef (1972) . 



Breeding rate in the wild : Clutch size 3 to 4. 



Reasons for decline : Almost became extinct in early part of the century because of 

 destruction of vegetation by rabbits introduced by man on Laysan Island, 



Protective measures already taken : Introduced rabbits were exterminated on Laysan 

 Island. Frequency of patrol being increased. Continued research in progress . Protected 

 by Federal and State law. Birds transplanted to Southeast Island, Pearl and Hermes Reef 

 have reproduced quite well. Landing on island restricted and by permit only. Status of 

 refuge and need of entry permit information included in nautical charts of area and U.S. 

 Coast Pilot. Status of refuge publicized in news media. 



Measures proposed : Intensified patrol by refuge personnel . Trial introductions on other 

 islands, but not on Nihoa, where another race of this species already occurs and which 

 would lose its identity by hybridization. Prevent introduction of harmful insects, plants, 

 and animals . Continue captive propagation program . Increase patrol . Continue research . 

 Continue to publicize critical status and aesthetic and scientific values . 



Number in captivity : Two at Honolulu Zoo. 



Breeding potential in captivity : Good. Bred successfully at Honolulu Zoo (Throp, 1970), 

 and University of Michigan. 



References : 



Bureau of Sport Fisheries and Wildlife Administrative Reports. 



Throp, J. L. 1970. The Laysan finchbill in the Honolulu Zoo. Elepaio 31: 31-40. 



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