Only two birds were seen on Kauaii in 1984 but none has been seen since Hurricane Iniki in 1992. The total population was estimated at around 400 in the mid 1980s. Due to its great rarity, nothing is known of the breeding biology of the Ou. Described as a rather lethargic bird when perched. Often sits for long periods in a high tree over the forest canopy where only the loud calls betray the birds presence.
Flight is strong and direct.
Formerly widespread in the forests of Kauai, Oahu, Molokai, Lanai, Maui and Hawaii in the Hawaiian Islands. Other introduced insects have eliminated some native insects which served as food for the Ou. It survived in the Alakai Wilderness Preserve on Kauai into the mid 1970s. Recovery of the Ou will depend upon the restoration of suitable habitat. In late 1985, the Fish and Wildlife Service together with the Nature Conservancy and the state of Hawaii, purchased 3,360ha of native forest on the island of Hawaii.