Qualifies for the list as a Red List Species

Photo: Eric VanderWerf

The Maui Parrotbill, with an estimated total population of 500 individuals, is found only in the remote high-elevation rain forests on the north slopes of eastern Maui, where it is resident above 1,200 m in native montane forest dominated by ‘ohi’a. It is not present in adjacent areas dominated by exotic trees. Its present range, which covers only about 50 km2, is probably marginal as is in an area of heavy rainfall, leading to drastic losses during the breeding season. The first nest was not discovered until 1993 and natural history studies of the species began only in the 1980s. It uses its relatively large, parrot-like bill to pluck and bite open fruit and to lift bark and lichens and rip open branches and stems in search of invertebrates. Since the chicks remain dependent on the parents for 5 months or longer, it is oftne sighted in family groups.

Potential threats are predation by rats, cats, and the introduced Barn Owl, but little information is available on this topic. In addition, disease, habitat degradation by introduced pigs, and competition from introduced bird species are threats to the bird. Low-flying helicopters from tour companies and for transporting researchers may disturb the birds, particularly during nesting. The bird’s habitat is on National Park lands, state lands, and a preserve owned by The Nature Conservancy. Among the management practices used by all three are controlling alien plants and fencing for control and exclusion of large feral mammals. The bird is on the endangered species list and is classified by BirdLife International as critical.