The greater ʻamakihi is an extinct species of Hawaiian honeycreeper in the subfamily Carduelinae of the family Fringillidae.
Region
Hawaiian Islands
Typical Environment
Endemic to native Hawaiian forests, it was associated with mid-elevation wet to mesic woodlands dominated by ʻōhiʻa (Metrosideros polymorpha) and koa (Acacia koa). It likely foraged from understory to canopy, gleaning arthropods and probing blossoms for nectar. Prior to widespread mosquito invasion, it probably occupied a broader elevational range. Habitat fragmentation and loss of native forest would have further restricted its distribution over time.
Altitude Range
Sea level to 1800 m
Climate Zone
Tropical
Ease of Keeping
Beginner friendly: 1/5
The greater ʻamakihi was a large Hawaiian honeycreeper, now extinct, formerly part of the remarkable adaptive radiation of finches on the Hawaiian Islands. It likely fed on a mix of insects and nectar taken from native trees such as ʻōhiʻa lehua and koa. Like many Hawaiian forest birds, it was probably vulnerable to habitat loss and introduced diseases spread by mosquitoes. Much of what is known comes from historical accounts and subfossil remains.
Illustration by John Gerrard Keulemans.
Temperament
active and alert
Flight Pattern
short rapid wingbeats with quick darts between branches
Social Behavior
Likely occurred singly or in small loose parties while foraging through the canopy. Breeding would have involved cup nests placed in native trees, as in related amakihi. Territorial behavior around rich nectar sources and insect-rich foliage was probable.
Migratory Pattern
Resident
Song Description
A bright, warbling series of chips and trills, similar in character to other amakihi. Calls likely included sharp contact notes used while moving through foliage.
Plumage
Olive-green to yellow-olive overall with slightly paler underparts and a clean, unspotted finish typical of amakihi. Feathers appeared smooth and compact, suited to active canopy foraging.
Diet
Took small insects and spiders from leaves and bark, gleaning and probing with its slightly decurved bill. Also visited flowers for nectar, especially ʻōhiʻa lehua, and occasionally consumed small fruits. This mixed diet provided flexibility across seasons and habitat conditions.
Preferred Environment
Foraged in native ʻōhiʻa–koa forests, using the mid-story and canopy. Often worked branch tips and leaf clusters where arthropods and blossoms are most abundant.
