Hawaii Creeper
Loxops mana
A small, rare Hawaiian honeycreeper of native forests above 5,000 feet elevation on Hawaii Island. Its black mask is broader than that of the male amakihis. The bill is straighter than that of Amakihi, but longer than that of Hawaii Akepa. Searches for insects by creeping on tree trunks and branches, usually high in the forest canopy. May join mixed-species foraging flocks from late summer through the winter. Song is a trill that descends in pitch; several songs usually given in succession. Call is a soft “squeet.”
Taxonomy
- Scientific name
- Loxops mana
- Authority
- (Wilson, SB, 1891)
- Order
- Passeriformes
- Family
- Fringillidae
- Genus
- Loxops
Range and habitat
- Migration
- Resident species
Conservation
The Hawaiʻi creeper was put on the endangered species list in 1975; however, it was unknown whether the bird was uncommon or endangered [1]. Although this species has been put into full view of habitat degradation, it has been able to reproduce, so it's not thought to be a serious problem to this species. It has also been found in lower elevations in areas like the common ʻamakihi and apparently handles the diseases better than other species just like it. Introductions of alien animals however have caused this bird to be put under pressure. This pressure includes the bird having competition for food. The other pressure is the fact that these birds are being eaten by rats which cause the populations to drop very quickly. The nests of the Hawaiʻi creepers are low to the forest floor which leave the bird vulnerable to predators such as rats [2] The species is eaten as eggs, chicks, and even as full-fledged adults. Now its northern population is being protected in the same area as is the ʻakiapolaʻau and other native birds: Hakalau Forest National Wildlife Refuge. It is threatened by disease and habitat loss. Also, the Hawaiʻi creeper has probably benefited from the conservation of other endangered birds in Hawaii [3]
- Population trend
- declining
Photos
Distribution
Bird Calls
Other Birds
Pale-eyed Bulbul
Pycnonotus davisoni
Distinctive bulbul endemic to the Irrawaddy River delta in southern Myanmar. Note namesake white irises, as well as the yellow facial stripes. Gray-brown body contrasts with olive wings and bright yellow vent. Inhabits lowland evergreen broadleaf and swamp forests in its restricted range. Formerly treated as the same species as Stripe-faced Bulbul (under “Stripe-throated Bulbul”), with which it overlaps in far southeastern Myanmar; note present species’ pale eyes and darker body. Song is throaty and melodious.
New Britain Boobook
Ninox odiosa
A small brown owl confined to New Britain with a dark brown head, prominent white eyebrows and throat patch, and orange-yellow eyes. Broad brown chest band contrasts with pale mottled whitish underparts. Upperparts and wings dark chocolate brown with scattered white markings. Occurs in forest and in modified patches and clearings, in the lowlands and foothills. Distinctive: the only small brown owl on New Britain. Song is a distinctive, incessant series of “whoo” notes, rising in volume toward the end.
Usambara Double-collared Sunbird
Cinnyris usambaricus
A medium-sized sunbird. Males are colorful, green and red, and females drab olive-brownish. Males have yellow shoulder tufts that are usually hidden. Found in montane forest, forest edge, and gardens. Similar to other double-collared sunbirds, but separated by range. Female is plainer than female Banded and Amani Sunbirds, with a longer bill. The calls include “tsik” and “tseet” notes, and the song is a long, rapid jumble.
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