Alala (Hawaiian Crow)

(Corvus hawaiiensis)

The Alala (Corvus hawaiiensis) is the Hawaiian crow. Its appearance is similar to that of mainland crows, except that it has a slightly heavier build and its plumage is a duller black. Beak and feet are black and the wings may be tinged with brown. Juveniles have blue eyes, which turn brown as the bird matures.

The Alala is omnivorous, eating native vines, shrubs, and trees, as well as insects from the bark of trees, and eggs and young robbed from the nests of other forest birds. Main plant foods include nectar from `ohi`a flowers , and fruits of bananan poka, `oha, `ohapa, and mamaki. Additionally, 'Ohi'a trees are primary nesting sites and provide much of the materials Alala use to construct nests.

The Alala are native to the Big Island of Hawaii and were once common on the Kona side, where they formed large flocks. The current population of Alala remaining wild is now believed to be fewer than a dozen birds, making them severely endangered. The drastic decline in their population is due to slow reproductive rates, reproductive failure, disease, predation, and illegal shooting. Destruction of their native forest habitat by introduced grazing mammals, such as deer and cattle, as well as by human activities such as logging, and conversion to pastureland have also contributed significantly to the Alala decline.

Alala are currently being bred in captivity by the State endangered species facility for eventual release into the wild. The survival of these birds is dependent on successful reproduction from captive flock, the inclusion of wild birds to captive flock to increase genetic diversity, and the creation and management of sufficient ranges of good habitat as wildlife sanctuaries. Ungulates and other destructive introduced species must be removed from these protected areas, so that native vegetation can recover or be reestablished. Alala may also need to be vaccinated to protect them from introduced diseases, such as Avian Pox and Avian Malaria. If these efforts are not successful, the Alala may soon disappear entirely.