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The species Maui Nukupuu is possibly extinct. |
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- Hemignathus affinis
Identification
Very scarce by the end of the 19th century, and believed to be extinct. Never photographed. Infrequent sightings throughout the 20th century remain controversial, even though some involved highly experienced observers. (Pratt & Pyle 2000, 'Elepaio 60:35-41) Experienced observers continue to stand by sightings reported in Maui's Hanawi watershed in the late 1990's, which ceased around 2000.
Nukupu'u are striking heterobills, with the upper half of their strongly decurved bills about twice as long as the lower half. 14-15cm long. Typical hemignathine coloration, similiar to closely related species of 'amakihi and 'akiapola'au. Males have greenish backs and bright yellow head, throat and breast, with paler yellow to white undertail coverts. Females and juveniles are more white and drab grey and green. Black lores.
Distribution
Taxonomy
This is a monotypic species.
Formerly regarded conspecific with Oahu Nukupuu and Kauai Nukupuu.
Habitat
Dense wet forest.
Behaviour
The lower beak is used to tap branches and dig at bark in search of wood boring beetles and moth larvae, while the long upper bill allows it do spear its prey and extract it from holes.
Diet included nectar, insects and spiders.
References
- Clements, J. F., T. S. Schulenberg, M. J. Iliff, D. Roberson, T. A. Fredericks, B. L. Sullivan, and C. L. Wood. 2015. The eBird/Clements checklist of birds of the world: v2015, with updates to August 2015. Downloaded from http://www.birds.cornell.edu/clementschecklist/download/
Recommended Citation
- BirdForum Opus contributors. (2024) Maui Nukupuu. In: BirdForum, the forum for wild birds and birding. Retrieved 5 May 2024 from https://www.birdforum.net/opus/Maui_Nukupuu
