The reintroduction of ʻalalā, a native Hawaiian bird species, into the forests of Maui is progressing with encouraging results. The birds are being given time and space to adapt to their new environment, a task that requires patience and gradual acclimatization.
Martin Frye, the ʻAlalā research field supervisor at the Maui Forest Bird Recovery Project (MFBRP), emphasized the time needed for the birds to display instinctual behaviors: “Some of the behaviors that are instinctual in these birds are coming out over time. It’s not just an automatic switch to start engaging in wild behaviors. For some birds, this progression can happen quicker, for others at a slower pace. For them to fully express themselves, we need to give them as much time as possible.”
Over five months since their release, the ʻalalā have shown resilience and adaptation. Key developments include strengthening flight muscles for longer journeys, improved takeoff and landing in the forest, and foraging on native plants such as pūkiawe, maile, kāwaʻu, and ʻōlapa. They have also been observed sheltering during storms, performing bark flaking, and producing new vocalizations not heard in captivity. The birds visit feeder stations to supplement their diet and work together as a social group, learning from each other.
The field team and project partners are preparing to introduce two more ʻalalā to the release site. These new birds, one male and one female, are currently being evaluated at the Maui Bird Conservation Center. Tess Hebebrand, MFBRP aviculture specialist, explained that these birds are undergoing pre-release conditioning similar to their predecessors, including anti-predator training and habituation to automated feeding systems. “We expect the ʻalalā already in the forest to show interest in the new individuals upon their arrival,” Hebebrand added. Additional feeder stations are being established to accommodate the growing group and promote spatial dispersion and foraging opportunities.
The project’s success relies on open communication among partners and is informed by past experiences on Hawaiʻi Island. This collaborative approach echoes the development of the ʻalalā, as Frye pointed out: “The success that we’ve had in this pilot project is largely built from previous efforts on Hawaiʻi Island and sharing lessons learned. In that way, our own development mirrors that of the ʻalalā, learning from each other over time.”
Peter Mounce praised the progress made, saying, “This cohort has been remarkable. They’re staying together, relying on the support systems we’ve put in place, and showing us that, with care and patience, recovery is possible.”
The ongoing efforts aim to ensure the successful reintegration of the ʻalalā into Maui’s forest ecosystem.