Endangered

The Hawaiians considered the `Alala an `Aumakua or spirit. When Captain Cook arrived in the islands the crow was one bird he was not allowed to collect since it was believed to be a spirit which should not be hurt or offended.

Distribution: Endemic to the island of Hawai`i, the `Alala dwells in the upland forests between 3,000 and 6,000 feet elevation on Hualalai and on the west slopes of Mauna Loa.

Description: `Alala are similar to North American crows, but have a more bulky bill and a duller black color. The wings are tinged with brown and the bill and feet are black. The blue eyes of yopung crows turn brown as they become adults. Sexes are similar. Length is 18-20 inches.

Voice: The calls of the `Alala, "cawk," "ca-wak," and "churk," are more musical than the raucous calls of the American Crow.

Nesting: `Alala breed in spring. Hatching occurs from May through July. `Ohi`a trees are important as nest sites and as a source of twigs for nest construction. Eggs are pale greenish or grayish-blue with black or brown flecks and spots.

Diet: `Alala are omnivorous feeders obtaining plant foods from native vines, shrubs, and trees. They eat insects gleaned from the bark of trees and rob eggs and young from the nests of other forest birds. Primary plant foods are `ohi`a flowers nectar, and fruits of bananan poka, `oha, `ohapa, and mamaki.

Conservation Note: Once common in flocks on the Kona side of the island of Hawai`i, the population of the endangered `Alala remaining wild is now believed to be fewer than a dozen birds. The drastic decline in their population is due to reproductive failure, disease, predation, and illegal shooting. Destruction of their native forest habitat by introduced grazing mammals, by activities such as logging, and by conversion to pastureland have also contributed significantly to the `Alala demise.

`Alala are currently being propagated by the State endangered species facility for eventual release into the wild. The `Alala's survival is dependent on successful reproduction from captive flock, the addition of wild birds to captive flock to enhance genetic diversity, and the dedication and management of sufficiently large blocks of good habitat as wildlife sanctuaries. In these protected areas, grazing animals will need to be fenced out so that native vegetation can recover or be reestablished, and predators, such as mongooses, will need to be trapped and removed. `Alala may also need to be vaccinated to protect them from disease. If these efforts are not successful, the `Alala may be extinct within a few short years.