‘Elepaio are one of the most curious and approachable birds in the forest.  They will often follow hikers and come within just a few feet of them.  This bird is from the subpopulation found only in the sub-alpine forests of Mauna Kea.  While ‘elepaio look cute and harmless, males have been known to fight to the death when an intruder enters their territory.  The ‘elepaio’s song is the first heard at daybreak and the last song heard at sunset.  These birds are also an important species for wa’a or canoe builders because these little birds serve as guides helping these craftsmen choose the best koa trees for building the canoe hulls.

The Hawai’i Audabon Society puts out a monthly newsletter keeping bird lovers and bird aficionados abreast of the latest developments in Hawai’i’s fight to save it’s endangered avian friends.

Upload and Read the May/June 2018 edition here.