Kauai Amakihi
Chlorodrepanis stejnegeri
An uncommon Hawaiian honeycreeper of forests on Kauai. Males are bright yellow and females are grayer. Larger and thicker-billed than amakihis on other islands. Occurs in native forest above 3,000 feet elevation in the understory and forest canopy where it searches for nectar, insects, and fruit. Song is a trill that does not change in pitch or speed. Call is a nasal “chee.”
Taxonomy
- Scientific name
- Chlorodrepanis stejnegeri
- Authority
- (Wilson, SB, 1890)
- Order
- Passeriformes
- Family
- Fringillidae
- Genus
- Chlorodrepanis
Range and habitat
This species is endemic to the island of Kauaʻi The Kaua‘i ‘amakihi resides in the higher elevations of the Kaua‘i mountains usually above 600 meters in elevation. They previously occurred at lower elevations, but due to the loss of habitat, are now mostly found at elevations higher than 600 meters in mountainous areas. They are known to be around ‘ōhi‘a and koa trees. They are especially common in ōhi'a trees where they often nest and in ōhi'a forests. They can be spotted at Waimea Canyon, Nā Pali Plateau, Alaka‘i Swamp, and Makaleha Mountains.
- Migration
- Resident species
Conservation
The Kauaʻi ʻamakihi has been categorized as vulnerable by Bird Life International. While their population numbers have been steady, like other honeycreepers, the Kauaʻi ʻamakihi is threatened by habitat loss, invasive species, and avian malaria, but has not been affected as strongly as other species in the subfamily.
- Population trend
- declining
Photos
Distribution
Bird Calls
Other Birds
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Horned Grebe
Podiceps auritus
Small, compact grebe with thin pointed bill. Breeding adults have long golden tuft behind red eye. Also look for rich chestnut neck and body contrasting with darker back. In winter, grayish overall with a black cap and contrasting white cheek. Red eye visible at close range. Breeds on marshy ponds; during migration and winter, often seen on large lakes, bays, and open ocean. Compare with Eared Grebe, especially in winter. Horned is thicker-necked and larger-headed. Also note Horned's flatter crown, white cheek contrasting with dark cap, and pale tip on bill.
Least Nighthawk
Chordeiles pusillus
Small nightjar of savannas and dry forests, where it forages for insects with characteristic erratic flight like other nighthawks. Key field mark is contrasting pale trailing edge of wings. Often seen in large groups at dusk; when foraging with other species, Least is noticeably smaller. Least Nighthawks and related nighthawks are told from other nightjars by active foraging behavior. Roosts during the day on ground or in small savanna trees.
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