Population
Estimated population is 170,000 (2010).
Status VU
Habitat clearance for firewood, timber, croplands and pasture, degradation by feral ungulates, non-native plants replacing natural habitat, introduced mammalian predators are the main threats.
For more information see BirdLife International Species Factsheet.
Food
Primarily fruit and berries, but also on insects (especially caterpillars), snails and fleshy flower bracts of the `ie`ie vine.
Voice
Song is a jerky melody of liquid notes 'whip-per-weeo-whip-per-weet' or an ascending series of twangy notes. Call a cat-like rasp, frog-like croak, or higher 'police whistle'.
Omao (Myadestes obscurus) [XC648122]
by Daniel Lane from Island of Hawai'i (near Hilo), Hawaii County, Hawaii, United States (call)
Omao (Myadestes obscurus) [XC385296]
by Ulf Elman from Mountain View, Hawaii County, Hawaii, United States (alarm call, call, song)
Subspecies
No subspecies.
Formerly placed with Kamao (Myadestes myadestinus), Olomao (Myadestes lanaiensis) and Puaiohi (Myadestes palmeri) in a separate genus, Phaeornis. All previously regarded as conspecific, but differ vocally.
Similar Species
Introduced Chinese Hwamei (Garrulax canorus) which is brighter cinnamon-brown with a yellow bill.
References
See References.
BirdLife International Species Factsheet