Omao
VU

Omao

Myadestes obscurus

Unknown

Photo: Wikimedia Commons (CC) via https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/%CA%BB%C5%8Cma%CA%BBo

Overview

A detailed profile for this species is sourced from the IUCN Red List of Threatened Species as assessments become available.

The Omao faces severe pressure from introduced predators, particularly feral cats and rats that prey on eggs, nestlings, and adults. Habitat degradation from invasive plant species and feral ungulates has reduced the quality of native forest ecosystems essential for foraging and nesting. Disease transmission, especially avian malaria and pox carried by introduced mosquitoes, poses an increasing threat as climate change allows disease vectors to expand into higher elevation refugia.

Threat summary

Habitat

The Omao inhabits native wet and mesic forests on the Big Island of Hawaii, primarily in ohia-lehua and koa forests between 1,000-2,500 meters elevation. It prefers dense canopy areas with abundant native fruiting plants and insects, requiring intact forest ecosystems for both foraging and nesting.

Other threatened species in Turdidae

Varied SolitaireVU

Varied Solitaire

Myadestes coloratus

Unknown
Sumatran CochoaVU

Sumatran Cochoa

Cochoa beccarii

Unknown
FieldfareEN

Fieldfare

Turdus pilaris

Unknown

Frequently asked questions

Why is Omao classified as Vulnerable?
Omao is classified as Vulnerable because the population is declining and the species faces a high risk of extinction in the medium-term future if current pressures continue. The Omao faces severe pressure from introduced predators, particularly feral cats and rats that prey on eggs, nestlings, and adults. Habitat degradation from invasive plant species and feral ungulates has reduced the quality of native forest ecosystems essential for foraging and nesting. Disease transmission, especially avian malaria and pox carried by introduced mosquitoes, poses an increasing threat as climate change allows disease vectors to expand into higher elevation refugia.
Where does Omao live?
Omao occurs in across multiple regions. Country-level distribution data is sourced from the IUCN Red List and cross-referenced with GBIF occurrences.
What are the main threats to Omao?
The main threats to Omao are ai-1, ai-2, ai-3, and ai-4. The full IUCN-classified threat record for this species is detailed on the species page.

Get weekly conservation intelligence

One short digest a week of the most striking species and country data we ship, plus breaking conservation news paired with our database where it matters.

Free, no spam. One-click unsubscribe in every email.