Akekee
A species of Akepas and allies Scientific name : Loxops caeruleirostris Genus : Akepas and allies
Akekee, A species of Akepas and allies
Botanical name: Loxops caeruleirostris
Genus: Akepas and allies
Content
Description General Info
Description
The ʻakekeʻe is a greenish-yellow bird with a black mask around the eye (especially prominent in the male) and a bluish bill, unlike the ʻakepa, which is usually red, canary-yellow or orange, without black, and has a horn-colored bill. The bill-tips are crossed over, though not bent as in the distantly-related crossbills (Loxia). The ʻakekeʻe uses its bill like scissors to cut open buds in search of insects to eat. It also feeds on the nectar of some trees. This bird builds nests primarily of twigs high up in trees, while the ʻakepa uses tree cavities as nest sites.
Size
8 - 13 cm
Nest Placement
Tree
Feeding Habits
Akekee primarily feed on spiders, psyllids, caterpillars, insects, and nectar, showcasing a varied diet. They exhibit specialized foraging techniques adapted to their unique dietary preferences, actively searching and hunting for food sources among the foliage.
Habitat
Akekee's habitat consists of mesic and wet forests at elevations of 600 to 1,600 meters, with the densest populations found above 1,100 meters. These areas are characterized by heavy rainfall, dense vegetation, and native flora such as 'o¯hi'a, koa, and lapalapa trees. They thrive in regions with extreme moisture, including wetlands like the Alaka'i 'Swamp', known for its exceptionally high rainfall.
Dite type
Insectivorous
General Info
Feeding Habits
Bird food type
Scientific Classification
Phylum
Chordates Class
Birds Order
Perching birds Family
Finches Genus
Akepas and allies Species
Akekee