General

Oma'o: Also known as the Hawaiian Thrush or Hawaiian Solitaire and most common of the Hawaiian thrushes, dark gray-brown above and pale gray below with brown edging on wings. Bill and legs are dark gray-black. Sexes similar. Juvenile has scalloped pattern with buff on wings and breast. Perches motionless for long periods of time.

Range and Habitat

Oma'o: Restricted to Hawaii and found primarily in the eastern and southeastern regions of the Big Island. Its preferred habitat is rainforest, but sometimes found in savannahs and the high elevation scrub of Mauna Loa.

Breeding and Nesting

Oma'o: One or two gray-white to tan eggs with red-brown to lavender splotches and markings are laid in a tree cavity, tree fern, lava tube, or ledge. A loose cup-shaped nest is made of ferns, mosses, leaves, and twigs. Female incubates eggs for 15-17 days, chicks fledge 17-21 days after hatching.

Foraging and Feeding

Oma'o: For the most part frugivores, but will take insects or other small invertebrates by foraging on or near the ground in the understory.

Vocalization

Oma'o: Voice is a jerky series of slurred flute-like "whip-per-weeo-whip-per-weet” notes and a shrill whistle.

Similar Species

Omao: Puaiohi is smaller, with pink legs and a white eyering, and is found on Kauai. Hwamei has a yellow bill, large white eyering and rust underparts, Northern Mockingbird has longer tail, lighter gray underparts, and white patches on wings and tail.