Birds Name | Apapane |
Science Name | Himatione sanguinea |
Domain | Eukaryota |
Kingdom | Animalia |
Phylum | Chordata |
Class | Aves |
Order | Passeriformes |
Family | Fringillidae |
Genus | Himatione |
Species | H.sanguinea |
The ‘Apapane (Himatione sanguinea) is one of the most abundant and widely distributed species of Hawaiian honeycreepers, native to the Hawaiian Islands. Known for its vibrant crimson plumage and melodic song, the ‘Apapane plays a crucial role in the pollination of native flora, particularly the ‘ōhi‘a tree (Metrosideros polymorpha).
The ‘Apapane is a small honeycreeper, measuring approximately 13 centimeters (5.1 inches) in length. Adult ‘Apapane are strikingly crimson, with bright red feathers covering most of their body. Their undertail coverts and lower abdomen feathers are distinctively white, contrasting with their black primaries and retrices (tail feathers). Juveniles are more subdued, displaying yellow-brown and gray plumage with the same white undertail. Over the course of two years, juvenile ‘Apapane molt into their characteristic crimson plumage. Sexual dimorphism in the species is primarily seen in size, with males averaging 16 grams (0.56 ounces) and females slightly smaller at 14.4 grams (0.51 ounces).
Characteristic | Male ‘Apapane | Female ‘Apapane |
---|---|---|
Average Length | 13 cm (5.1 in) | 13 cm (5.1 in) |
Average Weight | 16 g (0.56 oz) | 14.4 g (0.51 oz) |
Plumage Color | Bright Crimson | Bright Crimson |
Underside Color | White | White |
Primaries and Retrices | Black | Black |
Taxonomy
The ‘Apapane belongs to the subfamily Carduelinae within the family Fringillidae, which includes finches and other small passerines. The species is closely related to other Hawaiian honeycreepers, a group that has undergone significant adaptive radiation to fill various ecological niches across the Hawaiian Islands. The scientific name Himatione sanguinea reflects the bird’s striking red color, with “sanguinea” derived from the Latin word for “blood.”
Taxonomic Classification
Kingdom | Animalia |
---|---|
Phylum | Chordata |
Class | Aves |
Order | Passeriformes |
Family | Fringillidae |
Subfamily | Carduelinae |
Genus | Himatione |
Species | H. sanguinea |
Distribution
The ‘Apapane is found on six of the Hawaiian Islands: Hawaiʻi, Maui, Lānaʻi, Kauaʻi, Molokaʻi, and Oʻahu. It is the most abundant honeycreeper in the region, with populations thriving in native mesic and wet forests. The bird is particularly common on the island of Hawaiʻi, where an estimated 86% of the population resides.
Range and Population
The ‘Apapane’s range covers a wide variety of elevations, though the highest densities are found above 1,200 meters (4,100 feet), where the prevalence of mosquitoes and the diseases they carry is lower. The species’ population is considered stable, with an estimated total population of over 1.5 million birds.
Island | Estimated Population | Year of Estimate |
---|---|---|
Hawaiʻi | 1,080,000 ± 25,000 | 1986 |
Maui | 228,480 ± 19,855 (East Maui) | 2017 |
Maui | 20,521 ± 1,687 (West Maui) | 2009 |
Kauaʻi | 98,506 | 2012 |
Molokaʻi | 38,643 ± 2,360 | 1979 |
Oʻahu | 24,000 ± 2,600 | 1991 |
Lānaʻi | 540 ± 213 | 1979 |
Total | 1,490,690 ± 51,715 | – |
Habitat
‘Apapane are primarily found in native mesic and wet forests dominated by ‘ōhi‘a and koa (Acacia koa) trees. These forests provide the bird with abundant food resources and nesting sites. The species is highly dependent on ‘ōhi‘a trees, whose flowers are their primary food source. While ‘Apapane can be detected at lower elevations on most islands, they are most commonly found at higher elevations, where the risk of avian diseases is reduced.
Behavior
‘Apapane are highly active and vocal birds. They are known for their complex and varied songs, which include a mix of squeaks, whistles, rasps, melodic trills, and clicking sounds. These birds sing from perches for 10-30 second intervals and even while in flight. Social by nature, ‘Apapane are often seen foraging in conspecific (same species) and mixed-species flocks.
The birds are particularly known for their “tail-up” posture, where they display their white undertail feathers prominently. This behavior is often observed while they are perched or singing.
Feeding
The ‘Apapane’s diet primarily consists of nectar from ‘ōhi‘a flowers, making them important pollinators for these native trees. The bird’s tubular, brush-tipped tongue and decurved bill are well adapted for nectar feeding. In addition to nectar, ‘Apapane also consume insects and spiders, which they glean from leaves and small twigs in the forest canopy. They do not forage on the ground.
A 1953 study of 63 ‘Apapane stomach contents revealed the following dietary components:
Dietary Component | Percentage of Birds |
---|---|
Butterflies and Moths | 87% |
Hoppers (Homoptera) | 75% |
Lacewing Larvae (Neuroptera) | 60% |
Spiders (Arachnida) | 43% |
Breeding
The breeding season for ‘Apapane typically begins between October and November, with a peak between February and June. Nests are often built at the terminal branches of ‘ōhi‘a trees, though they have also been found in tree cavities, lava tubes, and in the tops of koa, kāwa‘u (Ilex anomala), and hapu‘u (Cibotium tree ferns).
Females lay 1-4 eggs and incubate them for about 13 days. Interestingly, during the incubation period, the male does not visit the nest but will feed the female when she is away from it. Both parents are involved in feeding the nestlings, which are dependent on their parents for less than four months.
Threats
While the ‘Apapane population is currently stable, the species still faces several threats. The most significant of these is avian malaria, spread by mosquitoes, which has severely impacted many other Hawaiian honeycreepers. The risk of disease is particularly high at lower elevations, where mosquito populations are more prevalent. Habitat loss due to deforestation and land development also poses a threat, though the widespread distribution of ‘Apapane across multiple islands provides some resilience.
Threat | Impact on Population |
---|---|
Avian Malaria | Moderate to High |
Habitat Loss | Moderate |
Climate Change | Moderate |
Predation by Introduced Species | Low |
Migration
‘Apapane are not long-distance migratory birds, but they do undergo frequent temporal and seasonal migrations in search of flowering ‘ōhi‘a trees. These migrations are often short-range, with the birds moving between different elevations and forested areas as they follow the flowering phenology of their primary food sources.
Conservation Status
The ‘Apapane is currently classified as a species of “Least Concern” by the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN). This status reflects the species’ stable population and wide distribution across the Hawaiian Islands. However, ongoing conservation efforts are essential to monitor population trends and mitigate the risks posed by avian diseases and habitat loss.
Conclusion
The ‘Apapane is a vital part of Hawaii’s natural heritage, a colorful and active honeycreeper that plays a key role in the pollination of native plants. Its widespread distribution and stable population make it a symbol of resilience among Hawaiian birds. However, the ongoing threats of disease and habitat loss highlight the importance of continued conservation efforts to protect this iconic species and the ecosystems it inhabits.
Through sustained conservation initiatives and habitat protection, we can ensure that the ‘Apapane continues to thrive in the Hawaiian Islands, serving as a vibrant reminder of the islands’ unique biodiversity.
Rate this post