The kākāwahie or Molokaʻi creeper is an extinct species of Hawaiian honeycreeper. It was found on the Hawaiian island of Molokaʻi in Hawaii.
Region
Hawaiian Islands (Molokaʻi)
Typical Environment
Historically occupied native wet to mesic forests on Molokaʻi, especially ʻōhiʻa–koa dominated habitat. As lowland forests were altered and disease spread, it retreated to higher-elevation, wetter forests on ridges and plateaus such as the Kamakou area. It foraged in mossy, mature forest with complex canopy and ample epiphytes. The species was never widespread beyond Molokaʻi and disappeared from remaining refugia by the mid-20th century.
Altitude Range
200–1500 m
Climate Zone
Tropical
Ease of Keeping
Beginner friendly: 1/5
Also known as the Molokaʻi creeper, the kākāwahie was a Hawaiian honeycreeper restricted to the island of Molokaʻi and is now extinct. Its name refers to a sharp, repeated call likened to the sound of chopping wood. The species declined rapidly in the 20th century due to habitat loss and mosquito-borne diseases such as avian malaria, compounded by introduced predators.
Temperament
active and somewhat territorial
Flight Pattern
short rapid wingbeats between trees
Social Behavior
Typically found in pairs or small family groups, moving methodically through mid- to upper canopy. Nests were cup-shaped and placed in native trees, with both parents involved in care. Territorial behavior was most pronounced around nesting areas, while foraging groups sometimes followed mixed-species flocks.
Migratory Pattern
Resident
Song Description
Vocalizations included sharp, repeated chips and metallic notes, often delivered in quick series. Trills and short phrases carried through wet forest understory, with a distinctive repetitive cadence reminiscent of tapping or chopping.
Plumage
Males predominantly flame-red to orange-red with slightly duskier wings and tail; females and immatures duller with olive or brownish tones. Plumage appears fairly uniform without wingbars, giving a compact, bright-bodied look.
Diet
Primarily arthropods gleaned from bark, leaves, and epiphytes, including caterpillars, beetle larvae, and spiders. It probed crevices and moss for hidden prey and occasionally sally-gleaned for insects. Nectar and small fruits may have been taken opportunistically but were not a major component.
Preferred Environment
Feeds in native ʻōhiʻa and koa forests, especially where mosses and lichens are abundant. Foraging occurs from lower trunks to mid- and upper canopy along branches and foliage clusters.
