Iiwi Similar Species Comparison

Main SpeciesIiwi

Adult

A spectacular songbird endemic to the Hawaiian Islands. Adult is brilliant vermilion with a heavy, strongly downcurved bill.

Immature

Immature shares adult’s sickle-shaped bill and black wings and tail, but is mostly yellowish overall, with black spotting and some vermilion splotches.

Adult

A small, stunning songbird with a vermilion body, black wings and tail, and a salmon-colored, sickle-shaped bill.

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Adult

Inhabits mountain forest, mostly between 1,300 and 1,900 meters (4,300 to 6,200 feet)—above the range of malaria-carrying mosquitos.

Adult

A vocal species, with both sexes singing and calling frequently.

Adult

Feeds primarily on the nectar of native plants, typically visiting a flower for only a few seconds before moving onto the next.

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Adult

Feeds mainly on nectar from the flowers of ohia, mamane, and other native plants.

Immature

Feeds mainly on nectar, using its long, curved bill to reach into flowers. Immature has a patchy appearance—mostly yellow (with black feather tips that fade over time) and varying amounts of vermilion splotches.

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Adult

A noisy species, with both sexes singing and calling frequently.

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Similar SpeciesApapane

Adult

Apapane is slightly smaller than Iiwi, with a much shorter, straighter black bill. Adult Apapane is a deeper red than Iiwi, and has white undertail coverts.