‘Apapane

Description

The ‘apapane is a widespread nectarivorous honeycreeper found across the main Hawaiian Islands. They are excellent flyers and often range widely in search of nectar sources in native and non-native forest habitat utilizing native plants like ‘ōhi‘a as well as non-native species like black wattle.  ‘Apapane are abundant but are restricted to forested habitats and are dependent on nectar sources.  Adults are bright crimson with dark wings and tail and prominent white undertail coverts. The head is usually brighter than the rest of the plumage. Their brush-tipped tongues may protrude, making their bill tips look white. Juveniles are yellow-brown with white undertail coverts and gained the red plumage in the first two years. Like any good pollinator, their faces are often covered in pollen grains giving it a yellowish cast.

Habitat and Behavior

ʻApapane are found around flowering trees, particularly ʻōhiʻa lehua. They often perch conspicuously on the outer clusters of flowers to feed on nectar with brush-tipped tongues and assist with ʻōhiʻa pollination. The tail is characteristically cocked up. Small flocks of ‘apapane frequently fly high over forested ridges.

Past and Present

‘Apapane are the most abundant native honeycreeper in the Hawaiian Islands. They are found on all main islands in montane forests above 4,100ft in elevation. They are abundant on Kaua’i, Maui, and Hawai’i Island; locally common on O’ahu, scarce on Moloka’i and Lāna’i.

Conservation Efforts

The ‘apapane population in currently considered stable. However, it is vulnerable to the same threats as other Hawaiian honeycreepers. Fortunately, recent increased detections of ʻapapane in low-elevation forests suggest that this species may be developing a resistance to avian malaria.