‘I’iwi
Scarlet honeycreeper, Drepanis coccinea
Conservation Status:
Threatened
Food:
Nectar
Habitat:
4,500 ft +
Description
The ‘iʻiwi is a brilliant scarlet-red honeycreeper, about 6 inches in length. They have black wings and a black tail, with a conspicuous peach-colored decurved bill. The ʻiʻiwiʻs bright colors and unique bill make them one of the most recognizable honeycreepers. Their long, decurved bill is perfectly adapted to feeding on long, tubular flowers like the endemic Hawaiian lobelioids (Campanulaceae). However, they will drink nectar from a wide variety of plant species, including ʻōhiʻa lehua and ʻiliahi (Hawaiian sandelwood). Immature ʻiʻiwi are yellow and red with black spots.
Habitat and Behavior
ʻIʻiwi are often found in flowering ʻōhiʻa lehua, māmane, and ‘ākala. ʻIʻiwi often call while they forage and their wings produce an audible flutter in flight. ʻIʻiwi are loud and raucous and, like ʻākohekohe, are often aggressive to other species near nectar sources.
Past and Present
ʻIʻiwi are endemic to the main Hawaiian islands and now survive in native forests above 4,500 ft. They can be seen in th high elevation forests of Hawai’i Island and Maui, and are becoming rare on Kaua’i. They are extremely rare or extinct on Moloka’i and Oʻahu. Once widespread, ʻiʻiwi have suffered a drastic population decline because of disease from invasive mosquitoes.
Conservation Efforts
ʻIʻiwi are listed as Threatened under the Endangered Species Act (ESA). Like other native forest birds, ʻiʻiwi are highly susceptible to avian malaria from introduced/invasive mosquitoes. Working to restore healthy, high elevation forest and taking measures to control invasive species like feral cats, rats, mongooses, and mosquitoes is essential to ensure the survival of this iconic hoenycreeper.
Cultural Significance
ʻIʻiwi and other native birds are deeply revered in Hawaiian culture. The eye-popping crimson color of this unique honeycreeper’s feathers were used in regalia and the cloaks of Hawaiian royalty.
ʻIʻiwi listed as Threatened under ESA, (USFWS)
Once one of the most common native forest birds in the Hawaiian Islands, ʻiʻiwi populations have been devastated due to habitat loss and introduced predators and disease. They are now protected as a Threatened species under the Endangered Species Act.
Listen to ʻIʻiwi
ʻIʻiwi have a varied repertoire of creaks, whistles, gurgles and reedy notes, often joined together into a halting song. A loud rusty-hinge call is diagnostic. They sometimes produce whistles or imitate other native birds.
