Samoa is a small island nation located in the South Pacific Ocean. While the avifauna of Samoa is relatively limited compared to larger landmasses, there are still several rare and endemic bird species found only on these islands. The most famous of Samoa’s rare birds is the tooth-billed pigeon or manumea (Didunculus strigirostris), a critically endangered species found nowhere else in the world. However, there are a few other birds limited to Samoa that could also be considered rare gems in the region’s avifauna. This article will explore some of the rare and unique bird species calling Samoa home.
Tooth-billed Pigeon
The tooth-billed pigeon is considered Samoa’s national bird. With a global population estimated at less than 130 individuals in the wild, it is one of the world’s rarest birds. The pigeon gets its name from the unique tooth-like projections on its lower mandible.
The tooth-billed pigeon can only be found on the islands of Upolu, Nuutele, and Nuulua in Samoa. It inhabits rainforest areas between 300-1,300 meters in elevation. These pigeons forage for various fruits and seeds on the forest floor and nest in trees.
Tooth-billed pigeons are dark grey in color with reddish-brown undertail coverts. They measure around 33 cm in length. Their most distinctive feature is the four tooth-like serrations on the edges of their lower mandible. The purpose of these tooth-like projections is not entirely clear but may help grip slippery fruit.
Due to extensive habitat loss and hunting, the tooth-billed pigeon has been pushed to the brink of extinction. Conservation efforts are underway to protect remaining habitat and restore populations through captive breeding and reintroduction programs. Still, the tooth-billed pigeon remains an extremely high extinction risk species. Seeing this rare and unique pigeon in the wild is now a great privilege afforded to only a few dedicated birders and researchers.
Samoan Moorhen
The Samoan moorhen (Gallinula pacifica) is a critically endangered rail species found only in Samoa. Sometimes known locally as the pare or parenga’i, this unusual bird has a global population of only around 200 individuals restricted to a few wetlands on Savai’i, Upolu, and Nuutele islands.
The Samoan moorhen is a medium-sized rail reaching 25-26 cm in length. It has dark brown upperparts, a slate-grey head and breast, and bold white markings on the flanks and undertail coverts. The bill and frontal shield are an orange-red color. Legs and feet are long and yellowish.
These secretive moorhens inhabit dense vegetation along the edges of freshwater streams, taro plantations, and drainage ditches. Their diet consists of invertebrates, seeds, and other plant material. Nests are built on the ground attached to grass tussocks.
Habitat loss from wetland drainage and predation by introduced mammals have led to the Samoan moorhen’s drastically low population numbers. Conservation efforts focus on habitat protection, predator control, and potential reintroductions. But the Samoan moorhen remains in a precarious state as one of the world’s most endangered rail species. Even many resident Samoans are unaware that this unique bird exists only in their country.
Ma’oma’o
The ma’oma’o or maomao (Gymnomyza samoensis) is a species of honeyeater endemic to Samoa. Classified as endangered, this colorful songbird survives on only a few islands including Savai’i, Upolu, Nuutele, Nuulua, and perhaps Apolima.
Reaching 15 cm in length, the ma’oma’o has vibrant green upperparts and a gray head with slight blue hues. The throat and breast are a bright lemon-yellow while the belly is white. Legs and feet are pinkish-gray and the bill is black. Males and females have similar plumage.
This nectar-feeding bird inhabits upland forests where it forages among flowers and fruiting trees. The ma’oma’o plays an important role in pollination and seed dispersal for native plants. Its melodic, warbling song provides a characteristic soundtrack to Samoan forests.
Habitat loss from agriculture and logging have taken a heavy toll on ma’oma’o populations. Predation by introduced species like rats has also contributed to its endangered status. Protecting remaining forests and controlling predators are vital for the survival of this unique honeyeater.
Seeing a ma’oma’o flitting through the forest canopy is a special experience possible in few places beyond Samoa. This colorful species is a point of pride and an important part of Samoa’s natural heritage.
Samoan Starling
The Samoan starling (Aplonis atrifusca) is a rare bird found only in Samoa and the nearby country of American Samoa. With a range of less than 500 square kilometers, this species qualifies as critically endangered.
The Samoan starling measures around 25 cm in length. As its name suggests, its plumage is a sooty-black overall with subtle purple and green iridescence on the upperparts. The eyes are yellow and the bill and legs are black.
This starling species occurs only on the islands of Upolu, Savai’i, Nuutele, and Nuulua It inhabits coastal forests and plantations where it forages for fruit and nectar. Breeding takes place from August to December.
Habitat degradation from human development and agriculture pose the largest threats to the Samoan starling. Predation from invasive species like rats also hamper populations. Exact population numbers are uncertain but likely number just a few thousand pairs at most.
The Samoan starling is little-known and overlooked but deserves recognition as one of Samoa’s unique avian gems. Efforts to preserve native coastal forests are crucial for ensuring this colorful starling continues lighting up Samoan skies for generations to come.
Friendly Ground-Dove
The friendly ground-dove (Gallicolumba stairi) is a critically endangered species endemic to Samoa. It is found only on the islands of Upolu, Savai’i, Nuutele, Fanuatapu and Manono. With a global population estimated at less than 300 birds, it is one of the world’s rarest doves.
This petite dove reaches 20 cm in length. It has unpatterned gray-brown plumage overall. The forehead and throat are vinous-gray while the belly and undertail coverts are buff-brown. The eyes are dark reddish-brown.
As its name suggests, the friendly ground-dove is terrestrial, foraging for seeds and insects on the forest floor. It can be quite approachable, allowing close views. Pairs or small groups maintain territories year-round.
Predation by invasive mammals and extensive deforestation have extirpated the friendly ground-dove from much of its former range. Remaining populations cling to existence in a few small and isolated spots. Intensive conservation management including habitat protection, invasive predator control and captive breeding are desperately needed to pull this species back from the brink.
For birders, observing one of these plain but perfectly sweet doves meandering quietly along the forest floor is an unforgettable experience. This vulnerable species deserves full protection to ensure its unique place among Samoa’s birds.
Samoan White-eye
The Samoan white-eye (Zosterops samoensis) is a tiny songbird measuring just 10 cm long. Classified as near threatened, it is found only in Samoa and American Samoa.
True to its name, this white-eye has a prominent ring of white feathers surrounding its dark brown eyes. The upperparts are olive-green while the underparts are yellow with an gray-olive wash. The thin bill is black.
Samoan white-eyes forage in flowering trees and shrubs for nectar and small insects. Their frequent high-pitched contact calls provide a characteristic soundtrack to Samoan forests.
Remaining populations are threatened by habitat loss and predation from invasive species. Conservation efforts focus on protecting key forest habitat and controlling problematic introduced mammals like rats.
Though diminutive, the lively Samoan white-eye still brings vitality and a unique sense of place to Samoa’s remaining native forests. Protecting these birds and their habitat remains crucial for preserving Samoa’s natural heritage.
Samoan Flycatcher
The Samoan flycatcher (Myiagra albiventris) is an endangered monarch flycatcher found only in Samoa. It occurs on the islands of Upolu, Savai’i, Nuulua, and perhaps Nuutele.
This is a relatively large monarch flycatcher, reaching 17 cm in length. The head and back are black with a blue-gray gloss. The wings and tail are darker blackish-blue. The underside is contrastingly snow white from throat to vent. The stout bill is black.
Samoan flycatchers occupy forest and scrub habitat. They aggressively defend breeding territories, sallying out to catch flying insects in mid-air.
Predation by invasive species and habitat destruction have extirpated the Samoan flycatcher from much of its former range. Remaining populations are declining. Intensive management efforts will be needed to prevent extinction of this Samoan endemic.
The sight of a Samoan flycatcher bursting from its perch to snatch an insect is an exciting experience for birders lucky enough to encounter this little-known species. Ensuring habitat protection and invasive predator control will give future generations the chance to still see this unique flycatcher in its native home of Samoa.
Mao
The mao or maomao shrikebill (Clytorhynchus vitiensis) is a bulbul-like songbird found in Samoa and several other South Pacific islands. In Samoa, it only occurs on the island of Savai’i.
Reaching 15 cm in length, this bird has olive-brown upperparts, a gray throat, and yellow underparts. The stout bill is blue-gray with a small hook at the tip. Eyes are reddish-brown.
The mao inhabits forest understory where it forages for insects and fruit. Its far-carrying song is a accelerating series of whistles.
Predation by invasive species has extirpated the mao from much of its former range in Samoa. Conservation efforts on Savai’i focus on controlling rats and protecting habitat.
Seeing this subtly attractive songster in Savai’i’s forests provides a special experience for birders. Ongoing conservation management provides hope that the mao’s unique song will continue ringing through its remaining Samoan haunts.
Samoan Triller
The Samoan triller (Lalage sharpei) is a small songbird restricted entirely to Samoa. Classified as vulnerable, it occurs only on the islands of Upolu, Savai’i, Nuutele, Nuulua and perhaps Fanuatapu.
This 11 cm long bird has males with black upperparts contrasting with a white throat and breast. The belly is yellow, and wings and tail are marked with white. Females are duller gray-brown above and paler yellow below.
Found in forest and scrub habitats, the Samoan triller lives up to its name with an ebullient trilling call. It feeds on insects and some fruit.
Invasive species and habitat loss pose threats to the Samoan triller, but populations appear relatively stable currently. Maintaining forest habitat and controlling problematic mammals will be priorities for conservation of this species.
The energetic song of the Samoan triller stands out amid the island’s other bird vocalizations. Protecting habitat ensures that this unique island melody continues to brighten Samoa’s natural soundscape.
Conclusion
Although small in land area, the Samoan islands host a surprising number of rare and endemic bird species found nowhere else on Earth. From the majestic tooth-billed pigeon to the energetic Samoan triller, these birds have adapted in unique ways to Samoa’s remote island environment. However, many now find their continued existence threatened by habitat loss, invasive species, and other human impacts. Targeted conservation efforts focused on habitat protection, predator control, and community engagement offer hope for securing these species’ futures. But the world must act quickly to ensure the songs and colors of Samoa’s birds continue illuminating these islands for generations to come. Protecting Samoa’s avifauna protects an irreplaceable part of our shared natural heritage.