Maui ‘Alauahio
Maui Creeper; Paroreomyza montana newtoni
Conservation Status:
Endangered
Food:
Insects
Habitat:
3,000 ft +
Description
Maui ‘alauahio or Maui “Creeper” creep along trunks, branches and twigs, flipping over bark and lichen in search of insects and grubs Similar to Hawai’i ‘amakihi in appearance and behavior, ‘alauahio can be distinguished by their brighter yellow color, lack of prominent black lores, and a straight bill.
Habitat and Behavior
‘Alauahio forage among leaves and branches but occasionally explore the bark of larger trunks. They are bold and inquisitive, often moving through the canopy in small flocks. They can be found in high elevation native forests of Haleakalā above 5,000ft and, to a lesser extent, in exotic tree plantations such as Polipoli Springs State Park and portions of Hosmer Grove in Haleakalā National Park.
Past and Present
‘Alauahio are now only found on the slopes of East Maui. They are extinct on Lāna’i and extirpated from West Maui. Maui ʻalauahio are impacted by loss of forest habitat, disease from invasive mosquitoes and introduced predators like feral cats, rats and mongoose.
Conservation Efforts
Their future existence depends on conservation and restoration of malaria-free forest habitat. Click here to watch on Youtube.
Non-native Forest Use by Maui ‘Alauahio
Graduate student Peter Motyka investigated the use of non-native forest by native birds, like ‘alauahio, in the Kula Forest Preserve where introduced conifer tree species dominate the landscape.
Helpers
Alauahio ‘helpers’ are usually offspring from the previous year and feed the female (their mother), nestlings, and fledglings. Fledglings are fed for two to three months, and young remain with their parents in family groups for 18 – 20 months!
Listen to ‘Alauahio
The ‘alauahio contact call is a loud “cheep”. Their song consists of a repeated whistled phrase “whichy-wheesee-whurdy-whew”.
