Eggs, nests, and nesting behavior of Akiapolaau (Drepanidinae)

Author:

Banko, Paul C., Williams, Julia

Title:

Eggs, nests, and nesting behavior of Akiapolaau (Drepanidinae)

Periodical:

Wilson Bulletin

Year:

1993

Volume:

105

Pages:

427-435

Subject:

Akiapolaau Birds nests Endangered species birds Hemignathus munroi

Summary:

While the eggs of 16 species and subspecies of extant, endemic Hawaiian passerines, that includes the Akiapolaau, have yet to be described, this document describes the first positively identified egg and the fifth known active nest of the endangered Akiapolaau, a Hawaiian honeycreeper (drepanidine), which was found to inhabit dry to wet forests on the Island of Hawaii. (However, this disputes the validity of three eggs and two nests that were previously found and described by others). The active nest was discovered in a mesic koa-ohia (Acacia koa)-(Metrosideros polymorpha) forest that had a 15 meter tall canopy near the Puu Kipu. This forest was located on the eastern flank of Mauna Loa at the 1750 meter elevation. Since little is known about Akiapolaau breeding biology, limited observations of the nesting behavior of this bird is given in some detail. The goal in doing this study was to help biologists recognize other Akiapolaau nests and to stimulate more research on the ecology of this rare species.

Label:

Birds - Akiapolaau

URL:

https://digitalcommons.unl.edu/usgsstaffpub/649/

Date:

1993

Collection:

Periodicals