Tag Archives: bird

Hawai’i ʻAmakihi and Māmane

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Hawaiʻi ʻAmakihi, pronounced “ah-mah-kee-hee”
Chlorodrepanis viren

The ʻamakihi is a Hawaiian honeycreeper forest bird. Like the ʻiʻiwi, they feed on nectar from māmane and ‘ōhiʻa flowers. Both the ʻamakihi and māmane, pictured above, are endemic to Hawaii. The Hawaiʻi ʻamakihi is found on the Big Island, Maui and Molokaʻi. They were last seen on Lanaʻi in 1976.

Until 1995, the Hawaiʻi, Oʻahu (C. flava) and Kauaʻi (C. stejnegeri) ʻamakihis were believed to be the same species. Based on genetic studies, they are now classified as three separate species.

Feathers of the Hawaiʻi ʻamakihi are yellow-green to olive with males sporting brighter colors and darker lores than females. A lore is the region between the eye and bill. Their bill is decurved which distinguishes them from the ʻalauahio.

The Hawaiʻi ʻamakihi is believed to have developed some resistance to avian malaria.

Native Birds of Hawaii

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Birds are jewels of the animal kingdom and forest birds in Hawaii are no exception. The ʻiʻiwi (pronounced ee-ee-vee), a Hawaiian Honeycreeper, is a striking bird with orange, black and white feathers. They are endemic to Hawaii where they evolved into unique species. They were once common in the islands, but today they are only found at higher elevations due to the deadly avian malaria. This disease is spread by mosquitos who thrive in warmer climates. The mortality rate of ʻiʻiwis infected with avian malaria is 95%. Unfortunately, climate change is enabling mosquitos to move further up the mountains.ʻIʻiwis are listed as threatened under the Endangered Species Act.

It is an honor and joy to photograph these beautiful birds. They are only found in Hawaii and I hope they will be around for future generations to enjoy.