Asio flammeus sandwichensis
Hawaiian Owl
  Description (Code)
Global Rank: Secure; Subspecies Imperiled (G5T2)
Endangered Species Act Rank: Species of Concern (SOC)

Species Description
Sexes alike 13-17 inches. Adult is brown and buffy white, streaked with darker brown. Eyes are yellow, bill is black. Legs and feed are feathered.

Habitat
This subspecies inhabits dry forests and rain forests, but is seen most often in grasslands. It is found from sea level to 8,000 feet in elevation (b93has01; b81ber01).

Global Range
This subspecies is found on all main islands between sea level and 8,000 feet in elevation. On Oahu, reported sightings are rare.

Abundance
Population estimates do not currently exist on Oahu, the pueo is rare and apparently declining in numbers. It is more common on Maui, Kauai, and Hawaii, but these populations are possibly declining as well.

Global Threats
The pueo is threatened by loss of habitat, predation of eggs and young by alien mammals, and possibly disease (sick owl syndrome , a recent phenomenon possibly caused by pesticide poisoning or food shortages, is currently being studied).

Global Fragility
It is unknown whether or not this subspecies is affected by non-destructive human intrusion.

Current Protection Status
On Oahu, this subspecies has been observed in honouliuli, waiawa, and james campbell national wildlife refuges.

Permanence
A permanent resident on all main Hawaiian islands, but most common on Kauai, Maui, and Hawaii. It is rarely observed on Oahu (b93has01).

Taxonomic Comments
Recognized as distinct subspecies in old (1957) aou checklist. Populations on different hawaiian islands not taxonomically distinct, but state of hawaii recognizes oahu population as endangered.

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This information provided by:
The Hawai‘i Biodiversity & Mapping Program