Chlorodrepanis flava
The Oahu Amakihi (Chlorodrepanis flava) is a charming and resilient member of the Hawaiian honeycreeper lineage, endemic to the island of Oahu. This small songbird typically measures around 11 cm (4.3 in) in length and weighs between 8 to 16 grams. Males are characterized by their vibrant yellow-green underparts, olive-green backs, and a distinct, slender, decurved black bill, while females are generally duller, often presenting a more olive-grey wash. A key field mark is their pronounced sic...
Found primarily in mesic and wet forests across Oahu, from sea level to the island's highest elevations (up to 950 meters), demonstrating adaptability to both native and introduced vegetation.
Their diet is omnivorous, consisting mainly of nectar from both native and introduced flowers, as well as a diverse array of insects and spiders, supplemented occasionally with small fruits.
Oahu Amakihi are highly active diurnal foragers, spending their days gleaning insects from foliage, probing bark crevices, and expertly extracting nectar from various flowers, often hanging upside down like a titmouse. Males are highly vocal during the breeding season, establishing and defending ...
The Oahu Amakihi is strictly endemic to the island of Oahu, Hawaii, where it is found throughout the remaining patches of forest. Historically, its distribution encompassed nearly the entire island, but habitat loss and disease have fragmented its population, primarily restricting it to higher el...
Vulnerable
- The Oahu Amakihi's distinctive decurved bill is a perfect adaptation for probing deep into tubular flowers to reach nectar. - Unlike many other native Hawaiian birds, it has shown remarkable resilience and adaptability, even thriving in some altered, human-dominated landscapes. - This species e...