Anianiau

The ʻAnianiau, known scientifically as Magumma parva, is a diminutive and vibrant bird, the smallest of the Hawaiian honeycreepers. It measures a mere 10 centimeters in length and weighs approximately 10 grams. Males are adorned with a brilliant yellow plumage, while females exhibit a more subdued yellow-green hue.

Identification Tips

When observing the ʻAnianiau, look for its slightly curved bill, a feature well-suited to its nectar-feeding habits. The male's bright yellow feathers are a distinguishing characteristic, contrasting with the female's more uniform and duller yellow-green coloration.

Habitat

The ʻAnianiau is endemic to the upper elevation forests of Kauai, preferring mesic and wet forests above 600 meters. The most substantial populations are found at altitudes exceeding 1,100 meters, amidst dominant tree species such as koa, ʻōhiʻa lehua, ʻōlapa, and lapalapa.

Diet and Feeding

This species primarily indulges in the nectar of ʻōhiʻa lehua, ʻōhelo, and ʻalani flowers. However, it also gleans arthropods from various trees, shrubs, and vines to supplement its diet.

Breeding

The breeding season for the ʻAnianiau spans from February to June. Females construct small, cup-shaped nests from twigs and lichens within ʻōhiʻa trees. Typically, a clutch consists of three eggs.

Song & Calls

The call of the ʻAnianiau is a distinctive two-note tew-weet, and its song is a trill composed of a repetitive wee-see, wee-see, wee-see.

Conservation Status

The ʻAnianiau is currently classified as Vulnerable. Its range has diminished by 85%, with its presence now restricted to certain protected areas such as the Alakai Wilderness Preserve, Waimea Canyon, and Kokeʻe State Parks. The primary threats to its survival include habitat degradation and invasive plant species. While diseases like avian malaria and fowlpox are rarely observed in this species, predation by rats and cats, though undocumented, remains a potential risk.