Five Hawaiian crows, or alalā, are showing instinctual habits after being reintroduced in the Kīpahula Forest Reserve on Maui in November. Photo courtesy DLNR

State wildlife officials report that five ʻalalā, or Hawaiian crows, are healthy and showing signs of success five months after being released into the Kīpahulu Forest Reserve in East Maui.

According to the state Department of Land and Natural Resources, the birds are continuing to exhibit and develop instinctual behaviors unique to the species.

The five crows, which were bred in captivity, were released in November — several weeks later than originally planned — and their transition to the wild raised some concerns for staff at the Maui Forest Bird Recovery Project and its project partners.

The release included the use of GPS transmitters and automated supplemental feeders, which state officials say had not been used in previous ʻalalā releases and presented additional challenges.

“Reintroductions are never simple. They require constant adaptation, attention to detail and a willingness to pivot when needed,” said program manager Hanna Mounce in a news release. “But despite these challenges, we can’t lose sight of what’s been accomplished here. We now have birds exploring and establishing themselves in the wild. That alone is monumental.”

Benchmarks for the birds include the ability to forage for native fruits and plants while using supplemental feeders. Other measures of success include using tree cover for shelter from wind and rain, and maintaining social bonds that support cooperative behavior.

State officials report that Five Hawaiian crows, or alalā, are healthy after the birds were released into the wild on Maui in November. Photo courtesy DLNR

Another focus for field staff has been giving the birds time and space to engage with their surroundings and adjust to their new environment.

“Some of the behaviors that are instinctual in these birds are coming out over time,” said Martin Frye, ʻalalā research field supervisor with MFBRP. “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.”

Since their release, the ʻalalā have shown growth that has eased early concerns. They’ve reportedly strengthened their flight muscles, taken longer journeys, and improved takeoff and landing skills in the dense forest.

They have also been foraging on native plants such as pūkiawe, maile, kāwaʻu and ʻōlapa, sheltering in trees during storms, and expanding their vocal range beyond what was heard in captivity. The birds continue to visit feeder stations to supplement their diet and remain healthy.

Importantly, the cohort is still operating as a cohesive social group, learning from one another — something officials say is key to their development.

Project partners hope to introduce two more ʻalalā — a male and a female — to the release site later this year. The birds are currently being evaluated at the Maui Bird Conservation Center to assess their health and readiness to join the wild cohort.