Hawaii Elepaio

The Hawaiʻi ʻelepaio (Chasiempis sandwichensis), a member of the Monarchidae family, is a small and nimble bird endemic to the Big Island of Hawaii. This monarch flycatcher is known for its distinctive appearance and behavior, a true jewel of the island's avian community.

Identification Tips

To identify the Hawaiʻi ʻelepaio, look for its whitish forehead and supercilium, with some individuals sporting rusty feathers. The bird's head coloration varies among the subspecies, with the Mauna Kea ʻelepaio (C. s. bryani) having a head heavily washed with white.

Habitat

The Hawaiʻi ʻelepaio is found in diverse habitats across the Big Island. The Kona ʻelepaio (C. s. sandwichensis) prefers mesic forests with koa and ʻōhiʻa lehua trees, while the volcano ʻelepaio (C. s. ridgwayi) is a denizen of the rainforest, thriving among ʻōhiʻa lehua and hāpuʻu tree ferns. The Mauna Kea ʻelepaio is adapted to the dry forest on the leeward slopes of Mauna Kea, dominated by māmane and naio trees.

Distribution

This species is confined to the Big Island of Hawaii, with each subspecies occupying a distinct range within the island's varied landscapes.

Behaviour

The Hawaiʻi ʻelepaio is a lively and active bird, often seen flitting about in search of insects. Its behavior is emblematic of the flycatcher family, with quick movements and an alert demeanor.

Similar Species

The Hawaiʻi ʻelepaio can be distinguished from other similar species by its unique head coloration and habitat preferences. It was once considered conspecific with the Kauaʻi ʻelepaio (Chasiempis sclateri) and the Oʻahu ʻelepaio (Chasiempis ibidis), but these are now recognized as separate species.

Diet and Feeding

As a flycatcher, the Hawaiʻi ʻelepaio's diet consists primarily of insects, which it catches with remarkable agility. The bird's Greek-derived genus name, Chasiempis, alludes to its insectivorous habits, combining the words for "to gape" and "gnat."

Conservation status

The Hawaiʻi ʻelepaio is currently listed as Vulnerable on the IUCN Red List. The Mauna Kea ʻelepaio, in particular, faces challenges due to habitat destruction, making it the rarest subspecies on the Big Island with a population of only 2,000–2,500 birds. Conservation efforts are crucial to ensure the survival of these unique flycatchers.