Rarity Status
Currently this species is not classified as a rarity in this country OR information has not been updated.
Population
Estimated population is 250 - 999 (2010) and decreasing.
Status EN
Habitat loss through slash-and-burn cultivation, logging, hurricanes, the spread of non-native trees and reafforestation with exotic trees, are the main threats.
For more information see BirdLife International Species Factsheet.
Voice
Calls include mechanical-sounding chips and short squeaks. Song is a bizarre composite of cat-like squeaky wails and cries and hoarse low notes.
Mao (Gymnomyza samoensis) [XC110438]
by Matthias Feuersenger from Upolu, Lake Lanoto'o, Western Samoa (alarm call)
Mao (Gymnomyza samoensis) [XC110443]
by Matthias Feuersenger from Upolu, Lake Lanoto'o, Western Samoa (alarm call)
Subspecies
No subspecies.
Relationships not known. Formerly placed in genus Leptornis or Amoromyza, both now defunct, and has been suggested as being closest to Melidectes. A few specimens from American Samoa (Tutuila; now extinct) on average slightly larger and somewhat darker, especially on head, than other populations, but differences too trivial to warrant naming of geographical subspecies.
Similar Species
Samoan Starling (Aplonis atrifusca) which has a heavier, less pointed and curved bill, is brownish-black with no green tones.
References
See References.
BirdLife International Species Factsheet