Hawaii Akepa

The Hawaiʻi ʻakepa, Loxops coccineus, presents itself as a diminutive avian, measuring a mere four inches in length. The plumage of the male is a striking bright orange, while the female and juveniles don a more subdued dusty green. A distinctive feature shared with its Loxops kin is its small, crossbill, an adaptation that hints at its specialized feeding habits.

Identification Tips

When attempting to identify the Hawaiʻi ʻakepa, look for the male's vibrant orange plumage, which contrasts with the greenery of its habitat. Both sexes possess the characteristic crossbill, which is less pronounced than in some other crossbill species but still noticeable. Their calls can aid identification, with a slight quivering whistle that culminates in a prolonged trill.

Habitat

The Hawaiʻi ʻakepa is an inhabitant of old-growth forests, with a preference for the lofty reaches above 1,200 meters where the threat of avian malaria and pox is reduced. These forests are typically composed of ʻōhiʻa and koa trees, which provide the necessary cavities for nesting.

Distribution

This bird is endemic to the island of Hawaiʻi and is known to exist in a handful of locations, including the Hakalau Forest National Wildlife Refuge, the upper forest areas of Kau, and potentially the northern slope of Hualālai, though this population may be extirpated.

Behaviour

The Hawaiʻi ʻakepa forms permanent bonds with its mate, yet intriguingly, large courtship groups have been observed during the breeding season. This species is also unique in its nesting habits, as it is the only obligate cavity-nester among Hawaiian birds, relying on naturally occurring cavities in old trees for reproduction.

Song & Calls

The vocalizations of the Hawaiʻi ʻakepa are characterized by a soft, trembling whistle that crescendos into a sustained trill, a sound that resonates through the high-elevation forests it calls home.

Breeding

Breeding occurs in the spring, with the Hawaiʻi ʻakepa displaying a lower fecundity than other birds of similar size, typically laying only one or two eggs. The absence of other cavity-making birds in Hawaiʻi places a premium on available nesting sites, making the ʻakepa reliant on the scarce natural cavities found in ancient trees.

Diet and Feeding

The diet of the Hawaiʻi ʻakepa includes spiders and a variety of invertebrates. It also partakes in the nectar of several indigenous flowers, such as the ʻōhiʻa, naio, and lobelia, showcasing its role in the ecosystem as both predator and pollinator.

Conservation status

The IUCN Red List classifies the Hawaiʻi ʻakepa as Endangered. With an estimated population of around 14,000 individuals as of the year 2000, the species faces threats from habitat loss, disease, and the decline of old-growth forests. Conservation efforts are critical to prevent the extinction of this unique bird, which has already been listed as an endangered species since 1975.