The olomaʻo is a small, dark solitaire endemic to Maui, Lānaʻi and Molokaʻi in the Hawaiian Islands. It is currently listed as Critically Endangered under the IUCN Red List of Threatened Species.
Region
Hawaiian Islands (Maui Nui)
Typical Environment
Historically occupied native mesic to wet forests dominated by ʻōhiʻa (Metrosideros) and koa (Acacia) across Maui, Lānaʻi, and Molokaʻi. In later decades it persisted mainly in remote upper-elevation forests and steep gulches on Molokaʻi. It favors intact understory with fruiting shrubs and small trees and tends to avoid heavily degraded or mosquito-prone lowlands. Remaining suitable habitat is patchy and isolated, increasing vulnerability to predators and disease.
Altitude Range
300–1500 m
Climate Zone
Tropical
Ease of Keeping
Beginner friendly: 1/5
The Olomaʻo is a Hawaiian thrush with a rich, flutelike song, once common on Maui, Lānaʻi, and Molokaʻi. It declined rapidly due to habitat loss, introduced predators, and mosquito-borne diseases. By the late 20th century it survived only on Molokaʻi, and it may now be extinct in the wild. Its name varies by island traditions and it has had distinct island subspecies.
Myadestes myadestinus (top), Myadestes lanaiensis lanaiensis (middle). and Myadestes obscurus (bottom)
Temperament
shy and secretive
Flight Pattern
short rapid wingbeats with direct, low flights between perches
Social Behavior
Usually solitary or in pairs and strongly territorial in breeding season. Builds a cup nest in trees or dense shrubs; the female incubates while the male helps feed the nestlings. Pairs may re-nest if early attempts fail.
Migratory Pattern
Resident
Song Description
A rich, flutelike, variable series of whistles and clear notes delivered from perches within the mid-canopy. Calls include thin tseep notes and soft chucks; song is most frequent at dawn and after rain.
Plumage
Plain, soft-feathered thrush with dusky olive-brown upperparts and grayish-brown underparts grading to whitish belly and undertail coverts.
Diet
Eats a mix of native fruits (such as those of ʻōlapa, ho‘awa, and kopiko) and invertebrates including beetles, caterpillars, spiders, and snails. Gleans quietly among foliage and bark and occasionally sallies to catch flying insects. Seasonal fruit availability influences movements within home ranges.
Preferred Environment
Forages in native wet and mesic forest understory and mid-canopy, especially at fruiting shrubs and small trees. Uses dense vegetation along stream gullies and edges where insect prey concentrates.
