The Maui ʻākepa is an extinct species of ʻākepa that was endemic to Maui in the Hawaiian Islands. It was once common throughout the island, but introduced mosquitoes and other animals to Maui contributed to the declining population, and the bird has been listed as extinct by the IUCN Red List of Threatened Species since 2024. The latest confirmed sighting of this bird was in 1988, and in 2021 the United States Fish and Wildlife Service proposed declaring it extinct. The species was delisted from the Endangered Species Act on October 16, 2023 citing extinction.
Region
Hawaiian Islands (Maui)
Typical Environment
Historically found in montane wet forests of East Maui, the species became increasingly restricted to high-elevation ʻōhiʻa (Metrosideros) and koa (Acacia koa) forests on the windward slopes of Haleakalā. As mosquito-borne avian malaria spread upslope, its range contracted to the coolest, wettest forests. It foraged primarily in the upper canopy where leaf buds and blossoms are abundant. After the late 20th century, no confirmed populations persisted despite targeted surveys.
Altitude Range
1200–2100 m
Climate Zone
Highland
Ease of Keeping
Beginner friendly: 1/5
The Maui ʻākepa was a tiny Hawaiian honeycreeper endemic to the island of Maui and closely tied to high-elevation ʻōhiʻa–koa forests. It specialized in prying open leaf buds to glean insects, a foraging style shared with few other birds. Disease carried by introduced mosquitoes, habitat loss, and forest degradation drove its rapid decline. It was last confirmed in 1988 and is listed as Extinct by the IUCN (2024) and delisted from the U.S. Endangered Species Act in 2023 due to extinction.
Illustration
Temperament
social and active
Flight Pattern
short rapid wingbeats
Social Behavior
Often foraged in small groups or loose mixed-species flocks with other Hawaiian honeycreepers. Likely formed monogamous pairs during breeding. Nests were believed to be in natural cavities or crevices in large ʻōhiʻa or koa, a relatively unusual strategy among passerines on the islands.
Migratory Pattern
Resident
Song Description
A thin, high-pitched series of tsee and trill notes, delivered rapidly from the canopy. Calls were delicate and can be difficult to detect in wind or heavy rain.
