The ʻōmaʻo, also called the Hawaiian thrush, is an endemic species of robin-like bird found only on the island of Hawaii. ʻŌmaʻo are closely related to the other endemic thrushes of the Hawaiian Islands, the kāmaʻo, the olomaʻo, and the puaiohi. ʻŌmaʻo are found primarily in rainforests in the eastern and southeastern regions of the Big Island. Population estimates approximate 170,000 birds, making it the most common of the Hawaiian thrushes. It appears to have a stable population, but because the entire population exists on a small range and is endemic to a single island, it is considered near threatened.
Region
Hawaiʻi Island, Central Pacific
Typical Environment
Occurs almost entirely in native wet and mesic forests dominated by ʻōhiʻa lehua and koa, especially on the eastern and southeastern slopes of Hawaiʻi Island. Most common in intact, mature rainforest with dense native understory and abundant fruiting shrubs and trees. It is scarce or absent from lowlands where disease-carrying mosquitoes are prevalent and from heavily degraded or non-native dominated forests. Protected areas such as Hawaiʻi Volcanoes National Park hold strong populations.
Altitude Range
600–2500 m
Climate Zone
Highland
Ease of Keeping
Beginner friendly: 1/5
ʻŌmaʻo are key seed dispersers for many native Hawaiian plants, often swallowing small fruits whole and spreading seeds across the forest. They are largely confined to higher elevations where mosquitoes that carry avian malaria are less common. Their rich, flutelike song can be heard carrying long distances through wet montane forests. Although comparatively widespread among Hawaiian thrushes, their single-island range makes them sensitive to habitat change and disease.
Illustration by Joseph Smit
Temperament
secretive and territorial
Flight Pattern
short rapid wingbeats between perches
Social Behavior
Generally seen alone or in pairs; forms monogamous pairs during the breeding season. Builds cup-shaped nests in trees or dense shrubs, often concealed in native vegetation. Both parents participate in care of the young, and territories are defended with song and chases.
Migratory Pattern
Resident
Song Description
A rich, flutelike song of clear, variable phrases that carry far through the forest. Calls include soft chuks and whistles; the song often has a ventriloquial quality that makes the bird hard to locate.
