The Hawaiʻi ʻākepa is an endangered ʻākepa native to Hawaiʻi in the Hawaiian Islands. The three ʻākepa species were considered monotypic before being split by the NACC of the AOU in 2015. The Hawaiʻi ʻākepa was first collected by western science during Captain James Cook's third voyage around the world. Several specimens were collected, as well as feather leis constructed by Hawaiian artisans. The specimens were classified when brought back to England several years later. The Latin name of the bird, Loxops coccineus, means "crossed" (Loxops) and "red" (coccineus).
Region
Hawaiian Islands
Typical Environment
Restricted to higher-elevation native montane forests on Hawaiʻi Island, especially where ‘ōhi‘a (Metrosideros polymorpha) and koa (Acacia koa) dominate. It favors intact, mature forests with abundant leaf buds and natural cavities for nesting. The species is largely absent from lower elevations where mosquito-borne disease is prevalent. Key strongholds include protected upland refuges and forest reserves with active habitat management.
Altitude Range
1200–2400 m
Climate Zone
Highland
Ease of Keeping
Beginner friendly: 1/5
The Hawaiʻi ʻakepa is a tiny Hawaiian honeycreeper found only on Hawaiʻi Island, and was split from other ʻakepa species by the NACC in 2015. Its delicate bill often has slightly crossed tips that help it pry open leaf buds to extract insects. It nests in natural cavities of native ‘ōhi‘a, making it sensitive to loss of old-growth trees. Major threats include avian malaria spread by mosquitoes and habitat degradation.
Temperament
social and active
Flight Pattern
short rapid wingbeats, agile in canopy
Social Behavior
Often travels in small, loose flocks and joins mixed-species foraging parties with other native honeycreepers. Pairs form in the breeding season, nesting in natural cavities and bark crevices of old ‘ōhi‘a trees. The female incubates while the male frequently feeds her; both parents feed the nestlings.
Migratory Pattern
Resident
Song Description
Song consists of high, thin trills and tinkling phrases delivered from the canopy. Calls include sharp, metallic chips and soft contact notes used within foraging groups.
Plumage
Males are bright orange to orange-scarlet with uniform coloration; females are olive-gray with a yellowish wash, especially on the head and breast. Plumage is smooth and compact, with no wing bars. The bill is fine and slightly decurved with tips that may cross.
Diet
Primarily small insects and spiders gleaned from leaf buds, flowers, and foliage, especially in ‘ōhi‘a. It uses its slightly crossed bill to pry open buds and extract concealed larvae. Nectar from ‘ōhi‘a blossoms is occasionally taken, particularly when insect prey is scarce.
Preferred Environment
Feeds high in the canopy and subcanopy of native ‘ōhi‘a-koa forests. Most active in intact, mature stands with dense foliage and abundant buds; rarely uses non-native plantations except where native trees persist.
