Hawaii Akepa

Basic Description

The Hawaii Akepa is a small, endangered Hawaiian honeycreeper restricted to wet mountain forests on the island of Hawaii. Males take three years to attain their vibrant orange breeding plumage, while grayish females have varying amounts of color washed across the breast. This restless finch uses its slightly crossed bill to pry open flower buds in search of caterpillars and spiders inside. Hawaii Akepa pairs form monogamous long-term bonds and are the only Hawaiian honeycreeper species to nest exclusively in tree cavities.