The mao or ma'oma'o is a passerine bird belonging to the genus Gymnomyza in the honeyeater family Meliphagidae. It is an endangered species and is endemic to the Samoan Islands.
Region
Samoan Islands (Polynesia)
Typical Environment
Found primarily in native lowland and montane rainforests, favoring mature, diverse canopies with abundant flowering trees. It also uses secondary forest and forest edges where nectar and insects are available, but persists best in large, continuous tracts. Nests are placed high in dense foliage, often in tall native trees. Historical range included more islands, but it has been reduced by habitat loss and introduced predators. Conservation areas with intact forest now hold the core populations.
Altitude Range
0–1600 m
Climate Zone
Tropical
Ease of Keeping
Beginner friendly: 1/5
The mao (ma'oma'o) is Samoa’s largest honeyeater and is famed for its powerful, melodious dawn duets sung by mated pairs. It is highly reliant on intact native rainforest and is sensitive to habitat loss and introduced predators. Once more widespread across the Samoan Islands, it now survives mainly on the larger islands of Samoa. Its presence is often taken as a sign of healthy forest.
Temperament
shy and secretive, often skulking in dense foliage
Flight Pattern
short rapid wingbeats through forest, with swift dashes between trees
Social Behavior
Usually seen singly or in pairs, especially mated pairs that maintain territories year-round. Breeding pairs duet at dawn and defend high-quality foraging and nesting sites. The nest is a well-concealed cup placed high in canopy foliage. Parents cooperate in rearing chicks.
Migratory Pattern
Resident
Song Description
A loud, ringing series of whistles and phrases delivered as dramatic duets at dawn, with clear, far-carrying notes. Calls include sharp contact notes and richer, fluty sequences that can echo across valleys.
Plumage
Mostly dark olive-brown to brown with slightly paler underparts and faint streaking on the throat. Feathers appear soft and unpatterned at a distance, with subtle contrast between upperparts and belly. The long, decurved bill and relatively long tail give a distinctive silhouette.
Diet
Feeds on nectar from a variety of native flowering trees and shrubs, probing blossoms with its decurved bill. Insects and other arthropods are gleaned from foliage and taken in short sallies among branches. It also consumes small fruits and occasionally soft berries to supplement energy needs. Seasonal availability of flowers and invertebrates influences foraging routes.
Preferred Environment
Forages mainly in mid- to upper-canopy strata of mature rainforest, especially along ridgelines, forest edges, and gaps where flowers are abundant. Will descend to understory when following blooms or insect swarms.
