Chasiempis sclateri
The Kauai Elepaio, Chasiempis sclateri, is a small, energetic passerine bird endemic to the Hawaiian island of Kauai, a striking emblem of the island's unique biodiversity. Measuring approximately 14 cm (5.5 inches) in length with a weight of about 12 grams (0.42 ounces), this engaging flycatcher presents a vibrant plumage: dark brown to black upperparts, pristine white underparts, prominent white wing-bars, and a distinctive, often cocked tail that is dark with white outer feathers. A crucia...
Found exclusively in native wet and mesic forests, primarily at mid to high elevations (above 300 meters or 1,000 feet) on Kauai.
Primarily insectivorous, feeding on a wide array of arthropods including caterpillars, beetles, spiders, and flies, primarily obtained by gleaning from foliage and hawking in mid-air.
Kauai Elepaios are highly active diurnal birds, constantly foraging and rarely remaining still, typically roosting singly in dense foliage at night. Their foraging strategy is characterized by an agile mix of gleaning insects from leaves and branches, sallying out to hawk flying insects, and occa...
The Kauai Elepaio is strictly endemic to the island of Kauai in the Hawaiian archipelago, with its current range significantly contracted from historical levels. Once widespread across the island's forests, its population is now largely restricted to the higher-elevation, wetter native forest rem...
Endangered
- The Kauai Elepaio's name is onomatopoeic, derived directly from its distinctive three-note whistled song, which sounds like "ele-pai-o. - Unlike many mainland birds, this species does not migrate; it lives its entire life within a relatively small territory on Kauai. - It is one of three distin...