Oahu Amakihi

The Oʻahu ʻamakihi is a small, vibrant bird, a member of the Hawaiian honeycreeper family. Males boast a rich yellow underbelly, starkly contrasted with greenish upper parts, while females present a more subdued coloration accompanied by two notable wing-bars. This bird measures approximately 4.5 inches in length and is endemic to the island of Oʻahu in Hawaiʻi.

Identification Tips

When attempting to identify the Oʻahu ʻamakihi, look for the male's striking yellow and green plumage and the female's less vivid hues and distinctive wing markings. Their small stature and active foraging behavior are also key characteristics to observe.

Habitat

The Oʻahu ʻamakihi is typically found in the wetter southern regions of Oʻahu, as well as valleys near Wahiawa and Mililani. It is a forest dweller that has shown some adaptability to non-native forest types, though it shows a preference for native habitats dominated by koa trees. The species is generally found at altitudes above 1,650 feet but can also be seen at lower elevations in certain valleys.

Distribution

This bird is endemic to Oʻahu, meaning it is found nowhere else in the world. It can be spotted in areas such as the Honouliuli Preserve and the Wa'ahila Ridge State Recreation Area.

Behaviour

The Oʻahu ʻamakihi is known to pair off during the breeding season. It exhibits a degree of adaptability, being able to nest and forage in wooded urban areas, though it shows a preference for native forests.

Breeding

Breeding season for the Oʻahu ʻamakihi spans from mid-December to early March. The female constructs a small nest, laying one to two eggs. After a fortnight, the eggs hatch, revealing hatchlings adorned with brown down feathers. The young are ready to leave the nest after three weeks.

Diet and Feeding

The Oʻahu ʻamakihi's diet consists of insects, which it obtains by scraping off pieces of bark with its specially shaped bill. It also consumes nectar from ʻōhiʻa lehua trees and may occasionally visit sugar feeders.

Conservation status

The Oʻahu ʻamakihi is currently classified as Vulnerable. It faces threats from habitat loss, introduced predators, and avian malaria. However, some populations have shown resistance to avian malaria, which has allowed them to expand into lowland areas where the disease-carrying mosquitoes are more prevalent. Compared to other Hawaiian honeycreepers, the Oʻahu ʻamakihi is less threatened.