CRESTED HONEYCREEPER (AKOHEKOHE) Palmeria dolei (Wilson) 



Order: PASSERIFORMES Family: DREPANIDIDAE 



Distinguishing characteristics : A medium-sized perching bird, generally black, with 

 orange-tipped feathers above and below; patch of reddish-orange feathers at back of 

 neck; prominent gray or white crest on forehead . 



Present distribution : Very restricted; confined to rain forests on the northeast slopes 

 of Haleakala between 6,000 and 7,000 feet. Island of Maui, Hawaii. 



Former distribution : Mountain forests of Molokai and Maui, Hawaii. 



Status : Vulnerable because of very limited distribution and numbers . Seen by a number 

 of ornithologists in 1965-67 near Wai Anapanapa and Puu Alaea and in upper Kipahulu 

 Valley, Maui. Habitat very limited. 



Estimated numbers : Unknown . 



Breeding rate in the wild : Unknown . 



Reasons for decline : Probably adversely affected by introduced birds diseases and 

 encroaching civilization on the forest habitat. Noted to have deserted forests opened by 

 invasion of cattle . 



Protective measures already taken : Protected by State law . Selective limitation by 

 State and Federal Governments of introduction of foreign bird species. Acquisition and 

 protection of large area in Kipahulu Valley, Maui, by The Nature Conservancy for 

 inclusion in Haleakala National Park as a wilderness area . 



Measures proposed : Preservation of additional natural environment, including establish- 

 ment of needed refuges . Prevent introduction of harmful insects, plants, and animals. 

 Control of feral grazing animals. Initiate ecological and life history research of the 

 species. Publicize critical status and aesthetic and scientific values. Quarantine on all 

 birds, including cage birds brought into the State to prevent introduction of disease. 

 Initiate propagation program and develop techniques which may be applied to Hawaiian 

 forest birds . 



Number in captivity : None known. 



Breeding potential in captivity : Unknown . 



References : 



Bureau of Sport Fisheries and Wildlife Administrative Reports 

 Greenway, J. C. 1958. Extinct and vanishing birds of the world; 

 Hawaii Division of Fish and Game Administrative Reports. 

 Munro, G. C. 1960. Birds of Hawaii. 



178 



