The 'akeke'e is a critically endangered native bird that is endemic to Kaua'i. Like many other honeycreepers, they can only be found in high elevation forests, where cool temperatures ward off mosquito populations.
Credit Ann Tanimoto-Johnson taken at the Keauhou Bird Conservation Center, San Diego Zoo Global
'Akeke'e were once thought to be a subspecies of the native '?kepa and are still sometimes referred to as Kaua?i ??kepa. Both birds have a slightly offset crossbill, which helps them topry open '?hi'a leaves and flower buds in search of arthropods.
As the number of 'akeke'e in the wild continue to decline, these rare birds are singing less and less.
To listen or read more about the birds of Hawai'i, check out our Manu Minute page.
