Hawaii Creeper
Loxops mana
Overview
The Hawaiʻi creeper, also known as the alawī, is a Hawaiian honeycreeper endemic to the Big Island of Hawaiʻi. It inhabits dry forests and montane moist forests, with a total population of approximately 12,000 birds separated into three main populations.
Identification
- Measures approximately 4.5 inches (11 cm) in length.
- Features drab green plumage.
- Possesses a short, sharp beak used for probing bark.
Habitat
This species is found in dry forests and montane moist forests at elevations of 1,000–2,300 metres. It is restricted to the Big Island of Hawaiʻi, where its northern population is protected within the Hakalau Forest National Wildlife Refuge.
Diet
The bird forages by climbing up and down trees to use its short, sharp beak to probe bark for insects. It also sips nectar from koa and ʻōhiʻa lehua flowers when available.
Did you know?
The traditional Hawaiian name for this bird, alawī, was rediscovered in 2017.