Maui Alauahio

Overview

The Maui ʻalauahio, also known as the Maui Nui ʻalauahio or Maui creeper, is an endangered species of Hawaiian honeycreeper. Endemic to the ancient Maui Nui region, it is currently restricted to higher elevations on east Maui.

Identification

• A brighter yellow coloration compared to the similar Hawaiʻi ʻamakihi.
• Possesses a less curved bill than its relative.
• Lacks prominent black lores between the bill and the eye.
• Emits a loud "cheep" call and a song consisting of a repeated whistled phrase "whichy-wheesee-whurdy-whew".

Habitat

Currently restricted to three populations above 900 m elevation on east Maui, restricted by susceptibility to avian malaria. These populations occupy diverse habitats within conservation-managed areas, including the rainforest belt of Haleakalā National Park, a forestry plantation, and a relic dry forest.

Diet

Insectivorous birds that forage along trunks and branches by flipping over lichen and bark to find prey. They consume moths, beetles, spiders, leafhoppers, lacewings, and ichneumonid wasps on native plants such as ʻōhiʻa, koa, and ʻōlapa.

Did you know?

Young Maui ʻalauahio may stay with their parents for up to 20 months and breed in their third year, with nest helpers assisting by regurgitating food to the female and chicks.