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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. | 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== | ==Habitat== | ||
| − | + | Primarily inhabits native forests with numerous koa trees (Acacia koa) from 4000-7000 feet elevation, and until recently also dry forests up to 9000 feet elevation which are mostly mamane (Sophora chrysophylla), naio (Myoporum sandwicense) and pilo (Coprosma montana) trees. Usually nests in dense foliage and branches of 'ohi'a trees (Metrosideros polymorpha). | |
| + | |||
==Behaviour== | ==Behaviour== | ||
It creeps along trunks and branches. | It creeps along trunks and branches. | ||
Revision as of 00:14, 1 June 2013
- Hemignathus munroi
Identification
- Bright greenish-yellow plumage
- Black lores
- Dark bill, upper mandible extremely long and sharply curved
Distribution
Hawaii. Endemic. Currently only found above the elevation of approximately 5000 feet on the Island of Hawai'i (Big Island).
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
Primarily inhabits native forests with numerous koa trees (Acacia koa) from 4000-7000 feet elevation, and until recently also dry forests up to 9000 feet elevation which are mostly mamane (Sophora chrysophylla), naio (Myoporum sandwicense) and pilo (Coprosma montana) trees. Usually nests in dense foliage and branches of 'ohi'a trees (Metrosideros polymorpha).
Behaviour
It creeps along trunks and branches.
Breeding
They build their nests in branches of ohi'a-lehua trees.
Diet
The diet includes grubs and arthropods. They utilize a woodpecker-like foraging behavior. They peck at branches with the lower mandible to expose burrowing grubs. Once the grub's burrow has been opened with the lower mandible, they use the upper mandible to probe into the burrow and extract the grub. They can often be located by listening for the sound of their pecking on koa or ohia trees.
Vocalisation
Song is a loud, rapid-fire warble.
References
Audubon
