WTHQA F1WCH--* Annotated List 
WIHOA 
■p,2 
Sept.23-24,1964 
(Fleet, PQBSP) 
(Rr idler) 
: Wihoa: gues of 4,500* 
We also caught and banded four Wihoa Finch, one of which was 
considered to be a male. We found no evidence of re sting ... 
Estimates of the Wihoa Finch would place the population at about 4,500 to perhaps 
5, 000. These estimates are very rough. The birds are scattered all over the island 
and are very active. They seek water drips and small depressions containing water 
in the rocks, especiallythe various gulches . ... Wihoa Finch can be found 
actively searching for insects and other forms of food through the groves (of 
Fritchardial 
March 13-14,1965 
(Banko, FOBS?) 
(Kridler) 
Estimated island total population 
Breedings Eggs but no young seen. 
Banded--: 8 
4, 000 
___ An estimate of about 4,000 was made. I counted 98 on a route 
along the west rim from Miller Peak to Dog-head Peak and then 
down to Derby£s Landing. On a similar transect but down to the southwest corner 
than Derby ? s anding' I counted 137* Six nests were found which contained the following 
number of young per nest: 3? 2, 2,3, and an unknown number was heard cheeping in nest too 
far out on the rocks to be examined. The nests were found on rocky outcroppings about 
half way up to and including Miller Peak. We also found one nest with three eggs. 
Some young were capable of flight. As with most passerine birds the young were 
readily identified by the yellow of the gape. A total of 8 nestlings was banded. 
July 28- Estimated number-5? 000 + 10 °Jo 
August 1, 1966 Wo.of nests - - 
(Heiden, PQBSP) Wo.of young --- - 
Banded- none 
Population not in breeding status. Distributed over entire island* 
This species was commonly observed feeding on Common Noddy eggs, both 
singly and in flocks of up to 6-8 birds per egg. Access to these eggs 
was facilitated by observer* s presence, which caused the noddies to 
leave their eggs. This species also observed feeding on the eggs of 
the Gray-backed Tern (once), Red-footed Booby (once) and Wedge-tailed 
Shearwater (four times). 
March 8-“9. 9 1967 
(Hackman, PQBSP) 
(Kept) Forty-two birds were released on Tern Island and 10 
birds were released on East, Island, French Frigate Shoals 
(March 11). Most birds appeared healthy and alert when released and immediately 
began to gorage. Birds were observed eating seeds from Ironwood (Casuarina), 
Chenopodium, Tribulus and bunchgrass. On board the ship, during transport, the 
birds had also eatern cracked corn, commercial bird seed, apples, and oranges and 
appeared to accept readily just about any food that was offered. 
It is unforturnate that a violent storm ocurred less than five hours after the 
release of these birds. The extent of storm caused mortaility is unknown but several 
birds were found ddad on Tern Island on the following morning. One of these had 
fallen into a bucket of water and another had apparently struck a window. 
