[3] It is endemic to the Society Islands in French Polynesia, where it occurs on Tahiti and Moorea.

Birds hear at a much quicker frequency than humans, allowing them to understand this call.

[citation needed] It prefers wet, rocky and forested valleys at high elevations, and nests either in shallow depressions with overhanging rocks, coastal cliffs or caves.

They have a wide variety of nest sites: caves, depressions under coastal cliffs or rocks, and are supported using saliva.

[8] The island of Moorea consists of jagged peaks and includes a large mountain range made up of ancient volcanoes.

[citation needed] This species remains rare, surviving in only a few valleys and continue to be a priority to conserve.