General

Laysan Finch: Large, curious finch. Bright yellow head, neck, and breast. Becomes more yellow and less streaked with each molt. Neck has a gray collar, belly is white. Olive back may show narrow brown streaks. Lower back and rump is gray, wings are olive to brown. Large, gray bill. Female is similar, duller yellow with more streaking, back has brown spots. Juvenile has brown-streaked, yellow face,crown, throat and upper breast. Gray back and rump, wing feathers are brown edged in yellow and white.

Range and Habitat

Laysan Finch: Endemic to Laysan Island. Prefers heavily forested areas.

Breeding and Nesting

Laysan Finch: Four to five white eggs with small blotches and spots of brown or lilac-gray are laid in a cup-shaped nest in the crotch of a tree. Incubated by female for 15 to 16 days.

Foraging and Feeding

Laysan Finch: Very adaptable and omnivorous. Feeds on seeds, invertebrates, roots, carrion, and seabird eggs.

Vocalization

Laysan Finch: Song is a complicated melody and call is a whistled "pee-o-wheet".

Similar Species

Laysan Finch: Not likely to be confused with any other species.