Kauaʻi ʻamakihi
Species of bird
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
The Kauaʻi ʻamakihi (Chlorodrepanis stejnegeri) is a species of Hawaiian honeycreepers endemic[2] to Kauaʻi in the family Fringillidae. The species Hawaiian name is associated with is Kihikihi, or kihi, which stems from the word amakihi. Kihikihi, meaning curved, makes a reference to the bill of the Kauaʻi ʻamakihi.[3] The Kauaʻi ʻamakihi has similar physical features to an extinct species, the Kauaʻi nukupuʻu . When flying or feeding, the Kaua'i 'amakihi lets out a distinguishing tweet.[3]
| Kauaʻi ʻamakihi | |
|---|---|
| |
Scientific classification  | |
| Kingdom: | Animalia |
| Phylum: | Chordata |
| Class: | Aves |
| Order: | Passeriformes |
| Family: | Fringillidae |
| Subfamily: | Carduelinae |
| Genus: | Chlorodrepanis |
| Species: | C. stejnegeri |
| Binomial name | |
| Chlorodrepanis stejnegeri (Wilson, SB, 1890) | |
 | |
| Synonyms | |
|
Viridonia stejnegeri Wilson, 1980 | |
Distribution
This species is endemic to the island of Kauaʻi [3] The Kaua'i 'amakihi resides in the higher elevations of the Kaua'i mountains usually above 600 meters in elevation. They previously occurred at lower elevations,[4] but due to the loss of habitat, are now mostly found at elevations higher than 600 meters in mountainous areas.[5] They are known to be around 'ōhi'a and koa trees.[3] They are especially common in ōhi'a trees where they often nest and in ōhi'a forests.[6] They can be spotted at Waimea Canyon, Nā Pali Plateau, Alaka'i Swamp, and Makaleha Mountains.[4]
Anatomy
This species has a greenish-yellow with black lores and a large, sickle-shaped, down curved beak. Males usually have bigger beaks and more color compared to the females which have smaller beaks and a more dull color.[6] More dull feathers and a bigger beaks distinguishes the Kaua'i 'amakihi from the other ʻamakihi species.[4]
Conservation
The Kauaʻi ʻamakihi has been categorized as Endangered by the IUCN. As of 2023, this species has an estimated population of 2,200 – 4,400 mature individuals, which is decreasing. The Kauaʻi ʻamakihi is threatened by habitat loss, invasive species, and diseases such as avian pox and avian malaria.[1]
