Chasiempis sandwichensis
The Hawaii Elepaio (Chasiempis sandwichensis) is a small, energetic monarch flycatcher endemic to the Hawaiian Islands, instantly recognizable by its lively demeanor and characteristic tail-flicking. Averaging 14 cm (5.5 inches) in length and weighing 10-15 grams, this passerine exhibits an upright posture and constant motion as it navigates the forest. Its plumage varies subtly across its three extant subspecies, generally featuring a dark brownish-black head and back, contrasting with a whi...
The Hawaii Elepaio primarily inhabits a variety of native forest types, from wet to dry, across a broad elevational range. It favors intact lowland and montane forests dominated by ʻōhiʻa (Metrosideros polymorpha) and koa (Acacia koa) trees, from sea level up to elevations exceeding 2,000 meters ...
The Hawaii Elepaio is primarily insectivorous, feeding on a wide range of arthropods including spiders, moths, beetles, and crickets. It employs active foraging techniques, gleaning prey from foliage and bark, and hawking insects in flight.
Hawaii Elepaios are highly active, diurnal insectivores, rarely pausing as they flit through the forest understory and mid-canopy. Their foraging strategy involves frequent gleaning of insects and spiders from leaves, bark, and branches, often employing characteristic aerial sallies to snatch fly...
The Hawaii Elepaio is endemic to the main Hawaiian Islands, with its historical distribution spanning several islands before human impacts. Currently, three recognized subspecies persist on distinct islands: *Chasiempis sandwichensis sandwichensis* on Hawaiʻi Island, *Chasiempis sandwichensis ibi...
Vulnerable
- The Hawaii Elepaio was considered a demigod by ancient Hawaiians, particularly by canoe builders, who believed its pecking indicated wood suitability. - Elepaios are famously curious, often approaching human observers closely and even perching on hats or shoulders without fear. - The species is...