- Loxops coccineus
Identification
10 cm (4 in)
Adult males are a bright orange
- Bill slightly crossed at tip
Females and juvenile males are grey and green, with an orange breast.
Similar Species
From a distance the female 'akepa looks similar to the numerous other "little green birds" on the island, but is vastly outnumbered by the abundant Hawaii Amakihi and Warbling White-eyes. The habitat and foraging habits of all the "little green birds" are very similar, as well.
Her breast has the orange tinge of an 'akepa, and she lacks the black lores of the Hawai'i 'amakihi or the "raccoon mask" of the Hawaii Creeper.
Distribution
Hawaii Island. 'Akepa are most densely concentrated in the Pua 'Akala tract of Hakalau National Wildlife Refuge on the windward slope of Mauna Kea, and along the upper edge of the Ka'u forest reserve on the South slope of Mauna Loa. Reforestation efforts in the Keauhou Ranch and Kulani Correctional Facility properties on the upper windward slope of Mauna Loa will improve another important population center. They can occasionally be observed just North of this area in large kipukas on the Mauna Loa-Mauna Kea saddle, along Powerline Road.
Small pockets of 'akepa persisted until recent decades in central Kona on the leeward slope of Mauna Loa, and on the North slope of Hualalai.
Taxonomy
This is a monotypic species.
Formerly regarded as conspecific with Oahu Akepa and Maui Akepa.
Habitat
They prefer to live near large old trees that have natural nesting cavities, and are usually found in mixed koa-'ohi'a forests at 4000-7000 feet elevation. The 'akepa forages for insects in the crowns of 'ohi'a trees, using the crossed tips of its bill to open budding leaves.
Behaviour
They forage in small groups, or seasonally join mixed species foraging flocks. They are usually found near the upper surface of the canopy.
Diet
Their diet consists mainly of invertebrates, such as caterpillars, spiders and planthoppers.
Vocalisation
They have a high weak voice.
The male's song is a short weak descending trill, of variable tempo which often slows midway through.
Juvenile begging calls are a descending "zeer", higher pitched than the similar begging call of the Hawaii Amakihi.
Breeding
The 'akepa nests in natural cavities in tree trunks or branches.
References
- Clements, J. F., T. S. Schulenberg, M. J. Iliff, D. Roberson, T. A. Fredericks, B. L. Sullivan, and C. L. Wood. 2017. The eBird/Clements checklist of birds of the world: v2017, with updates to August 2017. Downloaded from http://www.birds.cornell.edu/clementschecklist/download/
- BF Member observations
Recommended Citation
- BirdForum Opus contributors. (2024) Hawaii Akepa. In: BirdForum, the forum for wild birds and birding. Retrieved 19 April 2024 from https://www.birdforum.net/opus/Hawaii_Akepa
