Maui Amakihi
The Maui Amakihi is only found in native forests above 4,000 feet, and Hosmer Grove just inside Haleakala National Park is a stronghold.
These endemic Honeycreepers are the most common native forest bird and some have been domesticated and will feed from your hand without much enticement (like the one pictured right on a Hosmer grove picnic table). Females are a duller greenish-grey and all sexes vary from 11-12cm.
These endemic Honeycreepers are the most common native forest bird and some have been domesticated and will feed from your hand without much enticement (like the one pictured right on a Hosmer grove picnic table). Females are a duller greenish-grey and all sexes vary from 11-12cm.
I'iwi
The I'iwi is fairly common on the Big island, Kauai and Maui, whereas it is rare on Molokai and Oahu, and may be extinct on Lanai.
This honeycreeper lives at an elevation of 4,000 feet and above and is shy and secretive. They lay between 1-3 eggs that are incubated for 14 days, then the chicks fledge at 22 days. I'iwi's have uniform black wings and tail, bright scarlet plumage and a long, curved bill that fits perfectly into Lehua and Lobelia flowers. Juvenile birds have green, yellow and black speckles. The best time to view I'iwi's is when the weather is cloudy, but not wet, as the flowers open up and produce more nectar. In warm sunny weather the nectar tends to dry out.
The I'iwi had a special place in Hawaiian culture. It is believed that feathers from over 30,000 of these birds were used to make 1 cape for the chief. They caught the birds by hiding in bushes and holding a favourite flower of the I'iwi, and when the bird inserted its bill, they pinched and captured it.
This honeycreeper lives at an elevation of 4,000 feet and above and is shy and secretive. They lay between 1-3 eggs that are incubated for 14 days, then the chicks fledge at 22 days. I'iwi's have uniform black wings and tail, bright scarlet plumage and a long, curved bill that fits perfectly into Lehua and Lobelia flowers. Juvenile birds have green, yellow and black speckles. The best time to view I'iwi's is when the weather is cloudy, but not wet, as the flowers open up and produce more nectar. In warm sunny weather the nectar tends to dry out.
The I'iwi had a special place in Hawaiian culture. It is believed that feathers from over 30,000 of these birds were used to make 1 cape for the chief. They caught the birds by hiding in bushes and holding a favourite flower of the I'iwi, and when the bird inserted its bill, they pinched and captured it.
Apapane
The Apapane are known for their variant songs, including whirs, chirps and clacks. In fact, males are the only sex that sing and even sing whilst incubating. There are 10 recorded song patterns and 6 different calls.
On Maui, the current population is around 110,000 individuals, with most living on the slopes of Haleakala.
Although Apapane are the most common of the red Honeycreepers, they are still under threat from introduced predators, such as rats and mongoose, and diseases spread by mosquitoes such as Avian pox and Malaria.
On Maui, the current population is around 110,000 individuals, with most living on the slopes of Haleakala.
Although Apapane are the most common of the red Honeycreepers, they are still under threat from introduced predators, such as rats and mongoose, and diseases spread by mosquitoes such as Avian pox and Malaria.
Maui 'Alauahio
The Alauahio (or Maui Creeper as it is also known) is restricted to the high slopes of Haleakala and is relatively easy to see at Hosmer Grove (picture: right). Males are a yellowy-green, and lemon yellow below, some resembling a small warbler. Females are duller, and more streaked on the breast. Unlike other Honeycreepers, the Alauahio rarely takes nectar. Instead, they forage around trees and branches for insects. They are often seen travelling in pairs or small family groups.
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