S p e c i e s o f t h e M o n t h
OAHU APAPANE
Photo Michael Walther
The Apapane is the most abundant species of Honeycreeper and is
perhaps best known for its wide-ranging flights in search of localized blooms of ohia (Metrosideros polymorpha) flowers, its primary food
source.
Apapane are common in mesic and wet forests above 1,000 m elevation on the islands of Hawaii, Maui, and Kauai; locally common at higher elevations on Oahu; and rare or absent on Lanai and Molokai. In Koolau Range on Oahu, locally common from about 300-400 m elevation to summit at 946. Generally less common and found only above 600 m. in Waianae Range on Oahu.
The Apapane is probably the most notable endemic Hawaii bird, not just because of its vast numbers, but because of the songs they make during flight. Many of the songs contain "calls", "whistles", "chucks", and "squawks". Like its relatives in the Drepanididae (Hawaiian Honeycreeper) family the Apapane's wings, while in flight, create a loud and distinct sound. Honeycreepers have nine functional primary flight feathers instead of the ten found in other bird families. The staple of an Apapane's diet is nectar from plants and insects.
Description: 5.25inches; sexes similar. Adult birds are crimson with black wings and tail. The crimson tends to be noticeably brighter around the head. The undertail is mainly white.
The Apapane on Oahu is becoming more difficult to observe in areas where it was once plentiful. In the past the Poamoho,Kipapa and Aiea loop trails had large populations of this beautiful honeycreeper. Surveys conducted on these trails during the last year were disappointing. Oahu has had a four year drought and perhaps this is causing a decline in this species population.On the bright side the Oahu Apapane show signs of malaria resistance and the ability to adapt to introduced food sources. It is extremely important that the remaining population of Apapane on Oahu receive the protection they need to survive.
