WIHQA FINCH 
Annotated List 
RIHOA 
Dec. 9 - 16 , 1961 
(Kramer) 
Acre for acre, this Telespiffa is not nearly so abundant as the 
Laysan bird and if the estimate of 10, 000 birds on Laysan is 
fairly correct, I •would estimate a total population of some-where 
between 800 and 1,200 birds for Rihoa S s 156 acres. 
Regardless of the various taxonomic arguments over this bird, the great geologic 
variation and consequnet floristic variation apparently casues this bird to vary its 
habits and activities considerably from those of the Laysan Finch. 
^This race appears a much stronger flyer and is often seen fluttering and 
diving out over the sheer 800 and 900 foot cliff edges. In fact, a goodly portion 
of its time is spent in flying from one bare bluff or cornice to another where it 
hops on the open rocks in groups of three of four but often numbering more than 
a doffen around water seeps. Birds were seen in all stages of plumage coloration 
, from a greyish brown to vivid yellow. The brighter yellow colored birds appeared 
much more vivid than any of the finches I have seen on Laysan. Ro nests or eggs 
were found. The majority of the birds did their feeding under the closed canopy 
Chenopodium, Solanum, and Sida, but no notes on food habits were made. This 
race sings much more than the Laysan race. 
j . ■ « , # , « , . * * ' 
This bird seems to be thriving at an optimum level* In view of apparently 
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brighter plumage coloration, difference in song, and daily habits, it very definitely 
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should be considered oh the sub-species level and appropriate consideration should / 
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be given to prevent its possible extinction or possible hybridization with the . ; 
*‘ •'***• • . ’ ' * - • . »• #, 1 ^ ' ♦ , y-r - 
V’V* ; \ 'i '■ ■' v; • ' ; V ’ I 
Laysan sub-specios throu^i Haa'e error* , 
1 • «. ...... • .». - 1., - •.. .«*.. . • ; . * . ' • V • < ■*: T t * . . • • | ’- / . 
idy 1962 
(Kramer & B) Ro nests were found of this bird but the species appeared to be as 
abundant as it was in the December trip. 
March 6-7?1965 Population estimate - 2,500-5,000 
(Amerson, POBSP) Ro. of nests- none 
Ro. of young- - 
Remarks- very numerous 
(Walker) 2500-3500. Saw onenest building, no eggs or young. ... Saw several 
Rihoa Finch fly over edge [of Rorth face].Rihoa Finch 
plentiful but not as much as at Laysan. Estimate 3-6,000 on island. Birds more vociferous, 
more active at dusk than Laysan Finch. Seemed attracted to many seeps along gulches. 
One nest (no eggs) was recroded, some nest material. (First estimate is summary 
estimate 
July 25, 1964 
(Kridler) 
Rot mentioned in field notes. 
