The Hawaii Akepa is an endangered Hawaiian honeycreeper endemic to Hawaii Island. Males are typically brilliant orange, while females are duller yellow-green, and both possess a conical, slightly crossed bill.
Where to spot
Endangered and restricted to high-elevation native 'ōhi'a and koa forests on Hawaii Island, particularly on Mauna Kea, Mauna Loa, and Hualālai.
How to spot
Focus on mature 'ōhi'a trees. Look for its distinctive orange (male) or yellow-green (female) plumage and note its unique bill shape. Listen for its soft, whistled 'swee-swee' calls and varied, musical songs.
When to spot
A year-round resident. Best observed during early mornings when actively foraging. Requires patience and often remote hiking due to its rarity and habitat.
Where to spot
Endangered and restricted to high-elevation native 'ōhi'a and koa forests on Hawaii Island, particularly on Mauna Kea, Mauna Loa, and Hualālai.
How to spot
Focus on mature 'ōhi'a trees. Look for its distinctive orange (male) or yellow-green (female) plumage and note its unique bill shape. Listen for its soft, whistled 'swee-swee' calls and varied, musical songs.
When to spot
A year-round resident. Best observed during early mornings when actively foraging. Requires patience and often remote hiking due to its rarity and habitat.
Credits:
Wikimedia Commons
Credits:
Wikimedia Commons
The Akepa has a unique foraging method, using its slightly crossed bill to pry open unopened leaf buds of 'ōhi'a trees to extract caterpillars and other insects.
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