Akohekohe

The ʻākohekohe, or crested honeycreeper (Palmeria dolei), is a distinctive and the largest honeycreeper found on the island of Maui. Adults exhibit a glossy black plumage adorned with white feathers and stripes along their sides. The underparts are a muted whitish black, while the upperparts boast striking orange feathers on the wings. A notable feature is the reddish feathers behind the eyes, complemented by a stream of cream-colored feathers extending from the eyes. The species is crowned with a whitish-gold feather crest, a characteristic that is particularly eye-catching. Juveniles, in contrast, are a more subdued brownish black and lack the vibrant orange feathers of their elders. Both young and adults have blackish legs and bills.

Identification Tips

When identifying the ʻākohekohe, look for the large size relative to other honeycreepers, the unique whitish-gold crest, and the combination of glossy black, white, and orange plumage. The cream-colored feathers trailing from the eyes are also a distinctive marker for this species.

Habitat

The ʻākohekohe is found in high-elevation wet forests, preferring habitats dominated by koa (Acacia koa) and ʻōhiʻa lehua (Metrosideros polymorpha) trees. These forests provide the necessary conditions for their survival, particularly above 1,715 meters where the threat of mosquito-transmitted diseases is reduced.

Distribution

Endemic to Maui, the ʻākohekohe's current range is restricted to the windward slopes of Haleakalā, between elevations of 4,200 to 7,100 feet. Historically present on Molokaʻi as well, the species has not been observed there since 1907. The population is estimated at around 3,800 individuals, divided into two groups separated by the Koʻolau Gap.

Behaviour

The ʻākohekohe is known for its assertive nature, particularly when feeding. It will not hesitate to drive away other nectarivores, such as the ʻapapane and ʻiʻiwi, to maintain access to its food sources.

Song & Calls

This bird has a repertoire of songs and calls, including a repeated "whee-o, whee-o" and a descending trill spaced about five seconds apart. Additionally, it produces a low chuckling "tjook, tjook, chouroup" and a less common "hur-hur-hur-gluk-gluk-gluk."

Diet and Feeding

Primarily a nectarivore, the ʻākohekohe feeds on the nectar of ʻōhiʻa lehua blossoms high in the canopy. It can also consume insects, fruits, and nectar from other plants when its preferred food source is scarce. The bird is known to forage in the understory when necessary, where it may feed on plants such as ʻākala (Rubus hawaiensis).

Conservation Status

The ʻākohekohe is classified as Critically Endangered by the IUCN Red List. It is protected under the Federal Endangered Species Act, and conservation efforts include habitat protection and management plans such as the Maui-Molokai Forest Bird Recovery Plan. These plans aim to monitor the species, control invasive species, and eradicate introduced ungulates that damage their habitat.