Sex and Age Identification of Palila

Authors

John J. Jeffrey, Hakalau Forest National Wildlife Refuge
Steven G. Fancy, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service
Gerald D. Lindsey, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service
Paul C. Banko, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service
Thane K. Pratt, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service
James D. Jacobi, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service

Date of this Version

1993

Citation

Published in Journal of Field Ornithology (Autumn 1993) 64(4): 490-499.

Abstract

Methods to sex and age Palila (Loxioides bailleui), an endangered Hawaiian finch restricted to subalpine woodlands on Hawai'i, were identified on the basis of measurements and plumage characteristics of 17 museum specimens and 96 known-age, live Palila. Palila undergo a single annual molt during September-December following the breeding season. Presence of a complete or partial wingbar distinguishes hatch-year and second-year Palila from after-second-year birds. Adult male Palila are distinguished from females by a distinct napeline and <30% gray feathers intermixed with yellow feathers on the head. The black or gray feathers of the lores and chin of males are darker than those on the back, whereas the lores and chin of females are lighter or of the same shade as back feathers.