Description The Hwamei is also known as the Melodious Laughing Thrush.The Hwamei is about 9-10 inches in length with a rusty brown colored body. It has a distinctive white-eye ring that extends as a line to its ear giving it an Egyptian appearance. Its bill and legs are yellow. and short to get food. It is 23cm. long.

Lifecycle The Hwamei makes a bowl or oval shaped nest of leaves, pine needles, grasses, fine twigs, vines, and other plant material. It may or may not be lined. They lay 3-5 bluish eggs which are sometimes spotted. The female alone incubates the eggs for 15 days. The chicks fledge or fly after 13 days of being fed by both parents.

Habitat Originally from Asia this bird was introduced to Hawaii in the 1900's as an escaped caged bird and is now established on the main Hawaiian Islands except Lanai. It can be found in the underbrush and in forested areas but the most easily observed birds are found on Kauai.

Diet The diet of the Hwamei is primarily insects that they look for among leaf litter but will also eat fruit.

Communication The Hwamei has a dry rattle call but is known for its song which is a loud and melodious series of paired phrases.