The Hawaiʻi ʻelepaio, also Hawaiian ʻelepaio, is a monarch flycatcher found on the Big Island of Hawaii. Until 2010, all three ʻelepaio species, the Kauaʻi ʻelepaio, the Oʻahu ʻelepaio and this species were considered conspecific.
Region
Hawaiian Islands
Typical Environment
Occurs only on the Island of Hawaiʻi, where it inhabits native forests dominated by ʻōhiʻa lehua (Metrosideros polymorpha) and koa (Acacia koa). It uses wet and mesic forests as well as patches of drier woodland and forest edges, provided there is sufficient native understory and barky substrates for foraging. Birds are most common in mid-elevation forests but can persist in lower elevations where disease pressure is reduced. It readily occupies a mosaic of native forest, old lava flows with regenerating vegetation, and riparian corridors.
Altitude Range
Sea level to 2000 m
Climate Zone
Tropical
Ease of Keeping
Beginner friendly: 1/5
The Hawaiʻi ʻelepaio is a small, bold monarch flycatcher endemic to the Island of Hawaiʻi. In Hawaiian tradition it was an aumakua (guardian) of canoe builders, said to help select sound koa trees. It often fans its tail and closely inspects visitors, making it one of the more approachable native forest birds. Once grouped with the Kauaʻi and Oʻahu ʻelepaio, it is now recognized as a separate species.
Temperament
bold, curious, and territorial
Flight Pattern
short rapid wingbeats with agile sallies
Social Behavior
Typically found in pairs that defend territories year-round; monogamous with strong pair bonds. Nests are cup-shaped and placed on horizontal branches or forks, often in ʻōhiʻa or koa. Adults frequently fan and flick the tail while foraging and when approaching intruders.
Migratory Pattern
Resident
Song Description
A varied series of sharp chips, whistles, and short trills delivered frequently, especially at dawn. Scolding call notes are given in rapid sequences when alarmed or when closely inspecting intruders.
Plumage
Upperparts brown to gray-brown with a contrasting white throat and belly; fine mottling on breast in some birds. Bold white wing patch and white outer tail edging are prominent when the tail is fanned. Feathers appear slightly fluffy on the head and mantle, giving a soft-textured look.
Diet
Primarily feeds on arthropods such as beetles, caterpillars, flies, spiders, and other insects gleaned from bark, twigs, and foliage. It hawks small flying insects and probes crevices in rough bark, behaving like a blend of flycatcher and creeper. Occasional small berries or other plant matter may be taken but form a minor part of the diet.
Preferred Environment
Forages on native trees, especially ʻōhiʻa and koa, using trunks, branches, and leaf clusters. Often hunts along forest edges and gaps where insect activity is concentrated.
