MAUI AKEPA (AKEPUIE) Loxops coccinea ochracea (Rothschild) 



Order: PASSERIFORMES Family: DREPANIDIDAE 



Distinguishing characteristics : Small bird with short sharp-pointed bluish gray bill . 

 Some males are dull brownish orange or ochraceous, others are dull yellow washed with 

 olive above or intermediate between these two extreme color types . Females are yellowish 

 below and olive green above being duller and less yellowish than females of the Hawaii 

 akepa . 



Present distribution : If extant, confined to windward forest of Haleakala, island of 

 Maui, Hawaii. 



Former distribution : More widely distributed in native forest than at present . 



Status : Could possibly be extinct. Three birds reported between 2,000 and 3,000 feet on 

 the south slope of Haleakala on November 24, 1950, appear to be only records since 1894 

 (Richards and Baldwin, 1953). 



Estimated numbers : No estimate. 



Breeding rate in the wild : Unknown. No record of eggs or nestlings. 



Reasons for decline : Probably the effect of encroachment of civilization on the native 

 forest habitat, introduced diseases, and disease-carrying insects. 



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

 State and Federal Governments of introduction of foreign species of birds. Field 

 investigations are underway to develop guidelines for action programs . 



Measures proposed : More complete control of introduction of foreign species of birds and 

 mammals and reduction of those already present in range of this species . Restoration 

 and protection of natural forest habitat. Initiate or continue ecological and life history 

 research particularly to determine ecological requirements and limiting factors . 

 Publicize critical status and aesthetic and scientific values. Quarantine on all birds, 

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



Number in captivity : None known. 



Breeding potential in captivity : Unknown . 



References : 



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



Richards, L. P. and P. H. Baldwin. 1953. Recent records of some Hawaiian 

 honeycreepers . Condor 55: 221-222 . 



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