The Kauaʻi ʻamakihi is a species of Hawaiian honeycreepers endemic to Kauaʻi in the family Fringillidae. The species Hawaiian name is associated with is Kihikihi, or kihi, which stems from the word amakihi. Kihikihi, meaning curved, makes a reference to the bill of the Kauaʻi ʻamakihi. The Kauaʻi ʻamakihi has similar physical features to an extinct species, the Kauaʻi nukupuʻu. When flying or feeding, the Kaua'i 'amakihi lets out a distinguishing tweet.
Region
Hawaiian Islands
Typical Environment
Endemic to the island of Kauaʻi, it occupies native wet and mesic forests dominated by ʻōhiʻa (Metrosideros) and koa (Acacia koa), as well as regenerating and mixed forests. It forages from understory shrubs to the canopy, often along forest edges and in gaps. The species has expanded from high-elevation refugia back into some lower-elevation areas as disease tolerance has increased. It occasionally uses non-native plantings and gardens near native forest.
Altitude Range
Sea level to 1600 m
Climate Zone
Tropical
Ease of Keeping
Beginner friendly: 1/5
The Kauaʻi ʻamakihi is a resilient Hawaiian honeycreeper that has shown notable tolerance to avian malaria, allowing it to persist and even reoccupy lower elevations on Kauaʻi. It frequently visits ʻōhiʻa lehua blossoms and is an important pollinator in native forests. Males are brighter yellow than females, and the species’ slightly decurved bill is adapted for both nectar feeding and gleaning insects.
Temperament
active and adaptable
Flight Pattern
short rapid wingbeats
Social Behavior
Often seen in pairs or small family groups and may join mixed-species foraging flocks. Territorial around rich nectar sources during breeding. Nests are cup-shaped and placed in trees or tall shrubs, with both parents contributing to care.
Migratory Pattern
Resident
Song Description
A varied series of sweet trills, chips, and buzzy notes delivered in short phrases. Calls include sharp metallic 'tzip' and soft twittering while foraging.
Plumage
Olive to yellow-olive overall with brighter yellow on the underparts and face in males; females and immatures duller and greener. Plumage is plain without wing bars, with a clean, smooth texture and faint facial contrast.
Diet
Feeds on nectar from native blossoms such as ʻōhiʻa lehua and also takes insects and spiders gleaned from leaves, bark, and twigs. It probes flowers and foliage with its slightly decurved bill. Fruits and the nectar of some introduced plants are also consumed, especially when native flowers are scarce.
Preferred Environment
Primarily forages in native ʻōhiʻa–koa forest, using both canopy flower clusters and mid-story foliage. It also visits forest edges, shrubs, and occasionally gardens adjacent to native habitat.
