The Maui Nui ʻakialoa or Lānaʻi ʻakialoa is an extinct species of Hawaiian honeycreeper in the subfamily Carduelinae of the family Fringillidae. It inhabited the islands of Maui, Lānaʻi, and Molokaʻi in Hawaii.
Region
Hawaiian Islands
Typical Environment
Historically occurred in native forests on Maui, Lānaʻi, and Molokaʻi. It favored ‘ōhi‘a lehua and koa dominated habitats, using its long bill to exploit nectar resources and glean arthropods from bark and epiphytes. As diseases and habitat degradation intensified, its range likely contracted to higher, wetter forests. It is now extinct and no longer occurs in the wild.
Altitude Range
Sea level to 1500 m
Climate Zone
Tropical
Ease of Keeping
Beginner friendly: 1/5
The Maui Nui ʻakialoa had an exceptionally long, decurved bill adapted for probing deep flowers and crevices for nectar and insects. It was confined to the former Maui Nui island complex (Maui, Lānaʻi, and Molokaʻi) in Hawaii. The species vanished in the late 19th to early 20th century, likely due to habitat loss, introduced diseases spread by mosquitoes, and invasive predators.
Temperament
solitary and secretive
Flight Pattern
short rapid wingbeats between trees
Social Behavior
Typically observed alone or in pairs while foraging through canopy and mid-story. Likely formed monogamous pairs during breeding, building cup nests in native trees. Territorial behavior around rich flowering resources was probable, as seen in related honeycreepers.
Migratory Pattern
Resident
Song Description
Calls were reported as thin, high-pitched chips and soft whistles. The song was likely simple and subdued, aiding contact in dense foliage.
