Adult Maui Alauahio in Ohia
Adult Maui Alauahios can be bright yellow.
The Maui Alauahio creeps along branches looking for insects to eat.
Here an Alauahio grabs an insect to eat.

Paroreomyza montana newtoni

Maui "Creeper" or Maui Alauahio creep along trunks, branches and twigs, flipping over bark and lichen in search of insects and grubs. Similar to Hawaii Amakihi in appearance and behavior, they can be distinguished by lack of prominent black lores, a straight bill, and brighter yellow color.

Habitat & Behavior

Alauahio forage among leaves and branches, but occasionally creep over bark of larger trunks. They can be found in native forests and to a lesser extent in exotic tree plantations such as Polipoli Springs State Park, and Hosmer's Grove at Haleakala National Park. They rarely forage in arid mamane and pukiawe scrub. They are bold and inquisitive, often approaching people in small flocks. Their contact call is a loud "cheep". Their song consists of a repeated whistled phrase "whichy-wheesee-whurdy-whew".

Past & Present

Extinct on Lanai, and extirpated from west Maui, Alauahio now remain only on east Maui. They are fairly common on forested slopes of Haleakala above 1500 m. Their future existence depends on conservation and restoration of malaria-free forest habitat. Watch a Maui Alauahio foraging (available fullscreen in 1080P HD).

Video by Paul Hugel.