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ʻAkekeʻe
Scientific Name: Loxops caeruleirostris
Found: Endemic to Kaua‘i; fossil record supports that it was only found on that island
Population Estimate as of 2024: <100 (decreasing)
IUCN Status: Critically Endangered
About: This olive green honeycreeper has a distinctive black mask and an offset beak. Much like the crossbills of the mainland US, the tips of its upper and lower beak do not sit perfectly straight. This unique adaptation allows its to pry open the buds of ‘ōhi’a leaves and flowers to search for insect prey.
Unfortunately, the 'akeke'e is one of the species most heavily and immediately impacted by avian malaria. As of 2024, best estimates place the number of wild birds at less than 100 individuals.
PC: Jim Denny
Its song is a quick, high-pitched trill, heard throughout the year. Can often be mistaken for other honeycreeper songs.
Not much is known about the breeding behavior of this species. Its nests are poorly described and hard to study due to their placement high in the canopy.