 The native name "ōū poopapale" ("capped "ōū"") probably refers to this species too.Despite its bill and habits being somewhat similar to the ōū, its color pattern betrays a very close relationship with the genus "Telespiza".The palila has a yellow head and breast, with white to light gray plumage ventrally, medium gray plumage dorsally, and olive-green wings and tail.