Since the nesting sites are so low to the ground, they are highly vulnerable to predators, especially rats. Adults may distract predators away from the nest by running and calling on the ground. Incubation takes approximately 14 days. Newly hatched nestling have a bright reddish apricot skin. Both parents take turns feeding the young.
Babies are mostly fed insects and sometimes fruits.
Even so, their populations still prosper in Hawaii. Populations remain stable in Hawaii except for Kauai where they have recently disappeared. Inc. No. 359.