32 MacCaughey, The Hawaiian Elepaio. [j" n _ 



insects is very high. These pests have multiplied prodigiously 

 in recent years, and it is to be deeply regretted that the native 

 birds are not sufficiently abundant to hold them in check. All 

 native passerine species are now rigidly protected by law, and are 

 rarely molested, in any direct way, by man. 



Habits. — Perennial restlessness is an outstanding Elepaioan 

 trait. The birds are always on the move. They chase and scold 

 one another, sometimes more than two participating. When 

 there are several birds in the same immediate vicinity, their program 

 is a continual round of frolic, scolding, and feeding. Fearlessness 

 and curiosity make the Elepaio conspicuous in the woodlands, 

 whereas the other native birds slip away silent and unseen. The 

 young birds are particularly tame and curious. Young and old 

 alike will approach within a few feet of the quiet observer. Their 

 inspection is sometimes silent, but more often is accompanied by 

 chattering and scolding. They are pugnacious to birds other than 

 their own kind, and will chase large birds away from a favorite 

 feeding ground. The author has frequently observed the Elepaio 

 chase and harass such species as Vestiaria coccinea and Chlorodre- 

 panis stejnegeri. 



The Elepaio has a number of distinctive little mannerisms with 

 wings and tail. Sometimes it droops the wings and cocks the tail 

 up over its back, remarkably like a Wren. Often, upon alighting, 

 it spreads the tail fanwise. The male is not known to manifest 

 any special peculiarities of habit or song during the mating season. 



Song and call-notes. — The name Elepaio is the Hawaiian rendi- 

 tion of the simple song, which is scarcely more than a call "E-le- 

 pai'-o." This is also variously translated, — "O-no-ka'-ia," 

 "Pe-pa-keo," " Too-wee-6o," etc. The notes are whistled very 

 clearly and distinctly and carry a long distance. Occasionally the 

 author has heard the bird singing sotto voce. 



According to the natives the Elepaio is invariably the first bird 

 to sing in the early dawn. In many native legends this matin 

 takes the place of the cock-crowing of European folk-tales, at 

 which time the demigods, ghosts, and fairies must cease their 

 nocturnal enterprises, even though they be incomplete. The bird 

 sings at all hours of the day, and occasionally, when disturbed, 

 at night. The Elepaio has no special song in the mating season, 

 nor are there noteworthy variations in the song. 



