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Also known as the Kauai Akepa.
From the series of thirty-three prints, Living Endemic Birds of Hawaii, by Marian Berger.
From audubon2.org: "This small, finch-like bird is found only on the island of Kaua'i, where it is commonly seen in native, high-elevation rainforest. 'Akeke'es have unique bills with lower mandibles bent to one side, allowing them to pry open flowers and leaves in search of arthropods. This species, along with other forest dwellers on Kaua'i, is faced with the threat of newly-introduced diseases, disease-carriers, and predators, as well as habitat degradation and destruction. Endangered.
The bill of the 'Akeke'e is crossed at the tip, with the lower mandible bent to one side. This adaptation allows it to pry open leaf and flower buds to uncover the insects and spiders it eats. The 'Akeke'e is also known as the Kauai 'Akepa, because from 1950 to 1991, it was believed to be a type of 'Akepa based on its bill structure. However, closer examination revealed more differences than similarities, including nesting habits: 'akepa nest in tree cavities while 'akeke'e nest on branches. Found only on Kauai, 'Akeke'e are classified as critically endangered due to the extremely rapid decline in their numbers over the last 10 years. This is due in large part to human developments that have greatly impacted habitat availability."
Copyright Marian Berger. All rights reserved; images are protected under US copyright laws and may not be copied or reproduced in any manner.