Notes on the Taxonomy, Natural History, and Status of the Resident Birds of Palau

Abstract

This paper reports observations made from 1976 to 1979 of the resident birds of the Palau Islands in western Micronesia. Comments on population status, distribution, and habitat are made for all species. Song descriptions and food habits are reported for many species. Nests are de- scribed for Megapodius laperouse, Ptilinopus pelewensis, Cettia (=Psama- thia) annae, Myiagra erythrops, Rhipidura lepida, Zosterops cinerea, My- zomela cardinalis, Aplonis opaca, and Artamus Zeucorhynchus. Taxonomic comments are made on Ptilinopus, Coracina, Psamathia, Myiagra, Colluri- cincla, and Megazosterops. The recommendation is made that Pyrrhoglaux podargina, Rhipidura lepida, and possibly Megapodius laperouse be declas- sified as Endangered Species, but that Palau populations of Rallina eurizo- noides, Gallinula chloropus, Porphyrio porphyrio, and Caprimulgus indicus be considered for such listing.