By Hawaii is home to two endemic species of hummingbirds: the ʻĀkohekohe (Palmeria dolei) and the Hawaiʻi ʻĀkepa (Loxops coccineus). The ʻĀkohekohe, also known as the Crested Honeycreeper, is found in high-elevation forests on the islands of Maui and Molokaʻi. It has a distinctive black crest and red plumage on its body, making it a striking sight.
The Hawaiʻi ʻĀkepa, on the other hand, inhabits montane forests on the Big Island and Maui. It has a vibrant yellow body with black wings and a curved bill. These hummingbirds play vital roles in pollinating native plants and are important symbols of Hawaii’s unique avian biodiversity.
7 Hummingbirds of Hawaii
I’iwi
Scientific name: Vestiaria coccinea
Weight: The weight of an I’iwi (Vestiaria coccinea) typically ranges from about 27 to 37 grams (0.95 to 1.31 ounces).
Lifespan: The lifespan of an I’iwi (Vestiaria coccinea) is typically around 5 to 9 years in the wild. However, in captivity, they may live longer, potentially reaching up to 14 years or more with proper care.
The I’iwi, also known as the Scarlet Hawaiian Honeycreeper, is a striking bird endemic to the Hawaiian Islands. With its vibrant red plumage and long, curved bill, it is a beloved symbol of the islands’ native avifauna. Unfortunately, the I’iwi faces numerous threats, including habitat loss, introduced predators, and diseases such as avian malaria.
Conservation efforts are underway to protect remaining populations and restore their habitats. These efforts include habitat restoration, predator control, and disease monitoring. Public awareness and community engagement are also crucial in ensuring the survival of this iconic species.
Apapane
Scientific name: Himatione sanguinea.
Weight: The weight of an Apapane (Himatione sanguinea) typically ranges from about 11 to 18 grams (0.4 to 0.6 ounces).
Lifespan: The lifespan of an Apapane (Himatione sanguinea) is typically around 5 to 7 years in the wild. However, in captivity, they may live longer, potentially reaching up to 10 years or more with proper care.
The Apapane, endemic to Hawaii, is a small, crimson bird known for its distinctive call and agile flight. Its vibrant red plumage and unique song make it a cherished symbol of the islands’ native avian diversity. Like many Hawaiian bird species, the Apapane faces threats from habitat loss, invasive species, and disease.
Conservation efforts focus on protecting and restoring native forests, controlling invasive species, and monitoring disease outbreaks. Community involvement and education are vital for raising awareness and garnering support for conservation initiatives.
Akepa
Scientific Name: Loxops coccineus.
Weight: The weight of an Akepa (Loxops coccineus) typically ranges from about 8 to 10 grams (0.28 to 0.35 ounces).
Lifespan: The lifespan of an Akepa (Loxops coccineus) is typically around 4 to 6 years in the wild. However, in captivity, they may live longer, potentially reaching up to 10 years or more with proper care.
The Akepa is a small, colorful honeycreeper native to the Hawaiian Islands. With its distinctive orange and black plumage, it is a beloved symbol of Hawaii’s unique avian diversity. However, like many Hawaiian birds, the Akepa faces threats from habitat loss, invasive species, and disease. Conservation efforts focus on protecting and restoring native forests, controlling invasive species, and monitoring disease outbreaks.
Community involvement and education play crucial roles in raising awareness and garnering support for conservation initiatives. By working together to address these challenges, we can help ensure the survival of the Akepa and other endemic Hawaiian birds for future generations to appreciate and enjoy.
Amakihi
Scientific Name: Chlorodrepanis virens.
Weight: The weight of an Amakihi (Chlorodrepanis virens) typically ranges from about 10 to 12 grams (0.35 to 0.42 ounces).
Lifespan: The lifespan of an Amakihi (Chlorodrepanis virens) is typically around 4 to 6 years in the wild. However, in captivity, they may live longer, potentially reaching up to 10 years or more with proper care.
The Amakihi is a small Hawaiian honeycreeper known for its vibrant green and yellow plumage. Endemic to the Hawaiian Islands, particularly on the islands of Hawaii, Maui, and Kauai, it primarily inhabits native forests and montane rainforests. Like many native Hawaiian birds, the Amakihi faces threats from habitat destruction, introduced predators, and avian diseases such as avian malaria.
Conservation efforts focus on protecting and restoring its forest habitat, controlling invasive species, and monitoring disease transmission. Community involvement and collaboration with local stakeholders are essential in these conservation endeavours.
Anianiau
Scientific Name: Maguuma parva.
Weight: The weight of an Anianiau (Magumma parva) typically ranges from about 5 to 7 grams (0.18 to 0.25 ounces).
Lifespan: The lifespan of an Anianiau (Magumma parva) is typically around 5 to 7 years in the wild. However, in captivity, they may live longer, potentially reaching up to 10 years or more with proper care.
The Anianiau is a small songbird native to Hawaii, specifically found in the forests of Maui and Hawaii Island. It belongs to the finch family and is known for its bright yellow plumage and distinctive song. Like many Hawaiian bird species, the Anianiau faces threats from habitat loss, invasive species, and diseases such as avian malaria.
Conservation efforts are underway to protect its remaining habitat, control invasive species, and mitigate disease transmission. Additionally, captive breeding programs and habitat restoration initiatives aim to bolster Anianiau populations and ensure their long-term survival.
Hawaii Akepa
Scientific Name: Loxops coccineus coccineus.
Weight: The weight of a Hawaii Akepa (Loxops coccineus coccineus) typically ranges from about 10 to 14 grams (0.35 to 0.49 ounces).
Lifespan: The lifespan of a Hawaii Akepa (Loxops coccineus coccineus) is typically around 5 to 7 years in the wild. However, in captivity, they may live longer, potentially reaching up to 10 years or more with proper care.
The Hawaii Akepa is a colourful bird species endemic to the Hawaiian Islands, specifically found in montane forests on Maui and Hawaii Island. It belongs to the honeycreeper family and is recognized for its distinctive orange plumage and curved bill. Like many native Hawaiian birds, the Hawaii Akepa faces threats from habitat loss, introduced predators, and diseases such as avian malaria.
Conservation efforts are essential to safeguard its remaining habitat, control invasive species, and prevent further decline. Initiatives such as habitat restoration, predator control, and captive breeding programs aim to conserve the Hawaii Akepa and ensure its long-term survival.
Oahu Alauahio
Scientific Name: Paroreomyza maculata.
Weight: The weight of an Oahu Alauahio (Paroreomyza maculata) typically ranges from about 8 to 12 grams (0.28 to 0.42 ounces).
Lifespan: The lifespan of an Oahu Alauahio (Paroreomyza maculata) is typically around 5 to 7 years in the wild. However, in captivity, they may live longer, potentially reaching up to 10 years or more with proper care.
The Oahu Alauahio, also known as the Oahu Creeper, is a small forest bird endemic to the island of Oahu in Hawaii. It belongs to the honeycreeper family and is characterised by its greenish-yellow plumage and slender bill. Once widespread across Oahu’s montane forests, the Oahu Alauahio is now critically endangered due to habitat loss, invasive species, and disease.
Conservation efforts, including habitat restoration and predator control, are underway to protect remaining populations and prevent extinction. Additionally, captive breeding programs and research initiatives aim to enhance our understanding of this species and develop strategies for its recovery.
Final Thoughts
In conclusion, the Oahu Alauahio serves as a poignant symbol of the challenges faced by Hawaii’s endemic bird species in the modern era. Its plight underscores the urgent need for comprehensive conservation measures to safeguard not only this species but also the unique biodiversity of Oahu’s montane forests.
By supporting habitat restoration, controlling invasive species, and promoting awareness and education, we can work together to ensure the survival of the Oahu Alauahio and preserve the ecological integrity of its native ecosystem. It is imperative that we act swiftly and decisively to protect this species and prevent its extinction, thereby honouring Hawaii’s rich natural heritage for generations to come.