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==Distribution== | ==Distribution== | ||
| − | [[Hawaii]]. | + | [[Hawaii]]. Endemic to the Island of Hawai'i (Big Island). Currently only found above the elevation of approximately 5000 feet. |
==Taxonomy== | ==Taxonomy== | ||
Revision as of 02:21, 23 April 2009
- Hemignathus munroi
Identification
Bright yellow bird with black lores, sharply curving upper mandible.
Distribution
Hawaii. Endemic to the Island of Hawai'i (Big Island). Currently only found above the elevation of approximately 5000 feet.
Taxonomy
The strict SM intrepretation of this bird is as Akiapolaau (Hemignathus wilsoni). The use of wilsoni in a broader genus Hemignathus is already preoccupied as a subspecific taxon name of Hawaii Amakihi, i.e., Hemignathus virens wilsoni. Therefore, the use of wilsoni as a specific taxon name is incorrect. The consensus in taxonomic circles is to use the specific taxon name - munroi - for this bird.
Habitat
Forests with koa (Acacia koa) and ohi'a-lehua (Metrosideros polymorpha) trees.
Behaviour
It creeps along trunks and branches.
They build their nests in branches of ohi'a-lehua trees.
The diet includes grubs and arthropods.
Vocalisation
Song is a loud, rapid-fire warble.
