Forest birds have proven a greater challenge to conserve. Most of Hawaii's original endemic forest bird species are now extinct. Some were overcollected early for their colorful feathers, and others have declined due to habitat loss and the effects of exotic species. Currently, there are 19 species of Hawaiian forest birds listed as Threatened or Endangered. Four forest bird species once known in Hawaii Volcanoes National Park are listed as Endangered, and are now found only in neighboring forests.
Forest conservation is the basis for forest bird conservation.
The park's main management effort is to control feral pigs and alien plants. To address another serious threat, National Biological Survey scientists are studying avian diseases. Pelagic birds, like forest birds, are threatened because their terrestrial habitat is degraded. They are threatened by disorientation from artificial lights, collisions with overhead wires, predators, and limited habitat. The park's protection strategy includes delineating nesting territories and trapping the non-native predators within them.