The Oʻahu ʻalauahio, also known as the Oʻahu creeper, is a small finch-like Hawaiian honeycreeper that is endemic to the Hawaiian island of Oahu. It is Critically endangered.
Region
Hawaiian Islands
Typical Environment
Formerly restricted to native mesic and wet forests on Oʻahu, especially in the Koʻolau and Waiʻanae mountain ranges. It frequented ʻōhiʻa lehua and koa forests where it searched bark, leaves, and twigs for arthropods. Historical accounts suggest it occurred from low to mid-elevations, with later remnant populations persisting higher where mosquitoes were fewer. Fragmentation of native forest and the spread of disease vectors contributed to its disappearance.
Altitude Range
200–1200 m
Climate Zone
Tropical
Ease of Keeping
Beginner friendly: 1/5
The Oʻahu ʻalauahio (Oʻahu creeper) was a small Hawaiian honeycreeper endemic to the island of Oʻahu. It specialized in gleaning insects from ʻōhiʻa and koa foliage with its fine, pointed bill. The species declined rapidly due to habitat loss, introduced predators, and mosquito-borne avian diseases and is now considered extinct. Its close relative, the Maui ʻalauahio, survives but is also threatened.
Temperament
social and active
Flight Pattern
short rapid wingbeats between trees
Social Behavior
Often moved in small family groups or mixed-species flocks while foraging through the canopy. Pairs likely maintained territories during the breeding season and built cup nests concealed in dense foliage. Both parents probably contributed to feeding nestlings, as in related honeycreepers.
Migratory Pattern
Resident
Song Description
A series of high, thin chips and short trills, interspersed with buzzy notes. Contact calls were sharp and sibilant, aiding cohesion while foraging in dense canopy.
Plumage
Olive-green above with yellowish wash on the face and underparts; juveniles duller with faint mottling. Plain wings and tail, overall a soft, uniform look suited to forest canopy camouflage.
Diet
Primarily small arthropods, including caterpillars, beetles, spiders, and other insects gleaned from leaves, bark, and twigs. It probed leaf clusters and chipped at flaky bark to expose prey. Occasional consumption of nectar or small fruits may have supplemented its insect diet but was not primary.
Preferred Environment
Foraged in native ʻōhiʻa and koa forests, especially mid- to upper canopy layers. It worked methodically along branches and foliage, often following fixed routes within territories.
