- Palmeria dolei
Identification
Black body, upperparts and underparts are highlighted with blue-grey and red, patch of yellow feathers behind the eye, light-blue facial patch, tuft of whitish feathers extending upward from the upper mandible, red nape, black tail with prominent white markings at the tip. Immature birds lack the crest and colourful plumage of adults, and have an overall greyish appearance.
Distribution
Hawaii. The high windward forests of East Maui, particularly near the Nature Conservancy's Waikamoi preserve.
Taxonomy
Habitat
High-elevation rainforest.
Behaviour
The diet includes nectar; caterpillars, flies, spiders, and other invertebrates can comprise 10-40% of the diet.
are the only known nesting site for these birds. Females build nests in 'ohi'a trees; 1-2 eggs are laid, and then incubated for about 17 days. Both parents feed the young birds. The young leave the nest after 21 days.
