ʻAkohekohe
NameʻAkohekohe
Common NameCrested Honeycreeper
Scientific NamePalmeria dolei
FamilyFringillidae
Wingspan (cm)22
Length (cm)17.5
Weight (g)33
Plumage DetailsPredominantly black body with distinctive orange-red patches on the back, flanks, and breast. White feather tips create a scaly appearance, especially on the back. Features a prominent, shaggy, spiky crest of white feathers on the head and a long, decurved black bill.
Vocalization / CallVocalizations include a distinctive 'chick-wheer' call, whistles, and trills. Often described as a series of squeaky, gurgling notes.
Primary Dietnectarivore
Primary Habitatsforest
Conservation Statuscritically-endangered
Geographic RangeEndemic to the island of Maui, Hawaii, restricted to a small area of high-elevation wet forest on the windward slopes of Haleakalā.
Identifying FeaturesProminent white, shaggy crest on the head, Black body with striking orange-red patches, Long, decurved black bill, White feather tips giving a scaly appearance
Description
The ʻAkohekohe is a large, striking Hawaiian honeycreeper known for its prominent white, shaggy crest. It is an active nectarivore, primarily feeding on the nectar of native ʻōhiʻa lehua flowers, and is endemic to the high-elevation wet forests of Maui.
