SEX AND AGE IDENTIFICATION OF PALILA

Methods to sex and age Palila (Loxioides bailleui), an endangered Hawa iian finch restricted to subalpine woodlands on Hawai'i, were identifi ed on the basis of measurements and plumage characteristics of 17 muse um specimens and 96 known-age, live Palila. Palila undergo a single an nual molt during September-December following the breeding season. Pre sence of a complete or partial wingbar distinguishes hatch-year and se cond-year Palila from after-second-year birds. Adult male Palila are d istinguished from females by a distinct napeline and <30% gray feather s intermixed with yellow feathers on the head. The black or gray feath ers of the lores and chin of males are darker than those on the back, whereas the lores and chin of females are lighter or of the same shade as back feathers.