Habitat
Wet `ohi`a, `ohi`a/olapa and diverse mesic forest, apparently tolerating considerable habitat disturbance if sufficient `ohi`a remains. From 600 - 1,600 m, but mostly above 1,100 m.
Rarity Status
Currently this species is not classified as a rarity in this country OR information has not been updated.
Population
Estimated population is 2,500 - 4,566 (2010) and decreasing.
Status CR
Habitat destruction and degradation through spread of exotic plants and feral ungulates, avian pox and malaria from introduced mosquitoes, are the main threats.
For more information see BirdLife International Species Factsheet.
Food
Primarily spiders and insects, taking nectar very rarely.
Voice
Songs are lively trills that shift pitch and speed. Call is a piercing, upslurred 'szeet'.
Akekee (Loxops caeruleirostris) [XC174954]
by Ross Gallardy from Alaka'i Swamp trail, Kaua'i, Hawaii, United States (call)
Akekee (Loxops caeruleirostris) [XC174953]
by Dan Lane from Alaka'i Swamp trail, Kaua'i, Hawaii, United States (call)
Subspecies
Formerly considered conspecific with Hawaii Akepa (Loxops coccineus), but differences in coloration, voice, nest placement, ecology and genetics reveal it to be a separate species.
No subspecies.
Similar Species
All other "little green birds" on Kaua`i (Kauai Amakihi (Chlorodrepanis stejnegeri), Anianiau (Magumma parva), introduced Japanese White-eye (Zosterops japonicus)) have dark rumps. Oahu Nukupuu (Hemignathus lucidus), subspecies hanapepe, has yellowish rump, but is much larger with longer black bill.
References
See References.
BirdLife International Species Factsheet