Hawaii Amakihi

The Hawaiʻi ʻamakihi, or common ʻamakihi, is a diminutive bird, a mere 10 centimeters in length. Its plumage is a vibrant yellow-green, and it sports a modest black bill, just 1.3 centimeters long. This bird's eyes are a rich brown, each centered with a black pupil, giving it a keen gaze as it flits through the foliage.

Identification Tips

When attempting to identify the Hawaiʻi ʻamakihi, look for its yellow-green feathers which blend harmoniously with the verdant canopy. The small black bill is distinctive, as are the brown eyes with their dark centers. Its size is also a clue, as it is one of the smaller birds you'll encounter in its habitat.

Habitat

The Hawaiʻi ʻamakihi is an adaptable species, thriving in a variety of environments from dry māmane forests to the more lush mesic and wet forests. It is found at altitudes ranging from sea level to the impressive heights of 8,000 feet.

Distribution

This bird is a resident of the Big Island, Maui, and Molokaʻi in Hawaii. It was once a common sight on Lānaʻi, but the last confirmed sighting there was in 1976.

Behaviour

The Hawaiʻi ʻamakihi is a versatile and resilient bird, seemingly unaffected by the habitat alterations that have challenged other species. It is suspected to be developing resistance to avian diseases such as malaria, which has decimated many other avian populations.

Song & Calls

The Hawaiʻi ʻamakihi's vocalizations are characterized by a rapid trill, a sound that punctuates the air of its native forests.

Breeding

With a breeding season that spans approximately 9 months, the Hawaiʻi ʻamakihi is a prolific breeder. The timing of the breeding season may align with the flowering of the māmane in dry forests. Nests are constructed high in the tree canopy, and the species is capable of producing two broods within a single season. Chicks fledge the nest after 15-21 days and gain independence from their parents at 2-3 months of age.

Diet and Feeding

The Hawaiʻi ʻamakihi boasts a diverse diet, utilizing its tubular tongue to sip nectar from flowers like the ʻōhiʻa lehua, ʻākala, and māmane. It also adapts to changes in food availability by consuming fruit juices and hunting for spiders and insects among the trees and shrubs.

Conservation status

The Hawaiʻi ʻamakihi is currently listed as Least Concern by the IUCN. It is one of the most common honeycreepers and has shown remarkable resilience in the face of environmental changes.