Hawaiʻi creeper

The Hawaiʻi creeper, Hawaii creeper or alawī is a species of Hawaiian honeycreeper endemic to the Big Island of Hawaiʻi. Its natural habitats are dry forests and montane moist forests at elevations of 1,000–2,300 metres (3,300–7,500 ft). There are a total of 12,000 birds separated into three populations. A fourth population on the western part of the island probably represents migratory birds from one of the existing population. The Hawaiʻi creeper measures 4.5 inches (11 cm) and has drab green plumage. In 2017 the traditional Hawaiian name was rediscovered as alawī.

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Distribution

Region

Hawaiʻi Island, Hawaiian Archipelago

Typical Environment

Occurs in native dry to montane wet and mesic forests dominated by ʻōhiʻa lehua (Metrosideros polymorpha) and koa (Acacia koa). It is most frequently found in intact, mid- to high-elevation native forest with complex canopy structure. Birds avoid lower elevations where mosquito-borne diseases are prevalent. Populations are fragmented, with strongholds in protected upland reserves and refuges.

Altitude Range

1000–2300 m

Climate Zone

Highland

Characteristics

Size11–12 cm

Wing Span18–20 cm

Male Weight0.012 kg

Female Weight0.011 kg

Life Expectancy6 years

Ease of Keeping

Beginner friendly: 1/5

Useful to know

The Hawaiʻi creeper (alawī) is a Hawaiian honeycreeper specialized for bark-gleaning, often moving methodically along trunks and branches like a nuthatch. It is restricted to Hawaiʻi Island and avoids lower elevations where avian malaria is common. Habitat loss, introduced predators, and disease have fragmented its range into several subpopulations. The traditional Hawaiian name alawī was formally restored in 2017.

Gallery

Hakalau Forest Nat'l Wildlife Refuge - Hawaii

Behaviour

Temperament

methodical and relatively quiet

Flight Pattern

short rapid wingbeats between trees

Social Behavior

Usually seen singly, in pairs, or small family groups, sometimes accompanying mixed-species native flocks. Pairs maintain small territories and nest in native trees, placing cup nests high in the canopy. Both parents typically participate in provisioning the young.

Migratory Pattern

Resident

Song Description

Song consists of soft, high-pitched trills and thin, sibilant notes delivered at intervals. Calls include quiet chips and seep-like notes used for contact within dense foliage.

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Identification

Comb Type

Plumage Description

Feather Color

Leg Color

Earlobe Color

Eye Color

Feeding Habits

Diet

Preferred Environment

Requires Supplement

Population

Conservation Status

Species Status

Wild Population

Total Known Population

Hawaiian coot

The 'ʻAlae keʻokeʻo, also known as the Hawaiian coot in English, is a bird in the rail family, Rallidae, that is endemic to Hawaiʻi. In Hawaiian, ʻalae is a noun and means mud hen. Kea or its synonym keo is an adjective for white. It is similar to the American coot at 33–40.6 cm (13–16 in) in length and weighing around 700 g. It has black plumage and a prominent white frontal shield. Its natural habitats are freshwater lakes, freshwater marshes, coastal saline lagoons, and water storage areas. The bird was federally listed in October 1970 as an endangered species and is considered both endemic and endangered by the state of Hawaiʻi. It is threatened by habitat loss and introduced predators such as the small Asian mongoose. The Makalawena Marsh on the Big Island of Hawaiʻi has been listed as a National Natural Landmark to preserve one of its last nesting areas.

Hawaiian crow

The Hawaiian crow or ʻalalā is a species of bird in the crow family, Corvidae, that is currently extinct in the wild, though reintroduction programs are underway. It is about the size of the carrion crow at 48–50 cm (19–20 in) in length, but with more rounded wings and a much thicker bill. It has soft, brownish-black plumage and long, bristly throat feathers; the feet, legs, and bill are black. Today, the Hawaiian crow is considered the most endangered of the family Corvidae. They are recorded to have lived up to 18 years in the wild, and 28 years in captivity. Some Native Hawaiians consider the Hawaiian crow an ʻaumakua.

Hawaiian duck

The Hawaiian duck or koloa is a species of bird in the family Anatidae that is endemic to the large islands of Hawaiʻi. Taxonomically, the koloa is closely allied with the mallard. It differs in that it is monomorphic and non-migratory. As with many duck species in the genus Anas, Hawaiian duck and mallards can interbreed and produce viable offspring, and the koloa has previously been considered an island subspecies of the mallard. However, all major authorities now consider this form to be a distinct species within the mallard complex. Recent analyses indicate that this is a distinct species that arose through ancient hybridization between mallard and the Laysan duck. The native Hawaiian name for this duck is koloa maoli, or simply koloa. This species is listed as vulnerable by the IUCN Red List of Threatened Species, and its population trend is increasing.