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The species Oahu Nukupuu is extinct. |
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- Hemignathus lucidus
Identification
Last reported in the 1860s.
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 Kauai Nukupuu and Maui 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. (2025) Oahu Nukupuu. In: BirdForum, the forum for wild birds and birding. Retrieved 17 January 2025 from https://www.birdforum.net/opus/Oahu_Nukupuu
