Ka Wai Ola - Office of Hawaiian Affairs, Volume 8, Number 11, 1 November 1991 — ʻElepaio--a common native bird in Hawaii's forests [ARTICLE+ILLUSTRATION]

ʻElepaio--a common native bird in Hawaii's forests

Xatnrally Hawaiiau

by Patrick Ching artist/environmentalist

The 'elepaio, a decendant of old world flycatchers, is one of Hawaii's more eommon native forest birds. The species is endemic to the Hawaiian islands and there are at least three sub- I

species — one on O'ahu, one on Kaua'i and one on the Big Island. Some authorities recognize two additional sub-species on the Big lsland. With their erect posture, distinctive songs, and inquisitive habits these birds are easily recognized. The 'elepaio is a small bird, about five-and-a-half inches long, with its tail often cocked in an upright position. Though the color patterns of the various subspecies may differ, the bird is generally brown or rust colored with patches of white on the wings, rump, underparts and throat. The distinct bristles at the base of the bill aid in catching insects whieh make up the bulk of the 'elepaio's diet.

The calls of this bird are varied with its most recognizable song sounding like the name of the bird itself — "e-le-PAl-o." Bold and curious, the 'elepaio will often eome right up to hikers and may be easily attracted by a person mimicking their calls. Often, they will follow hikers along forest trails; juvenile birds are especially notorious for this. Though its feathers and flesh were not highly valued, the 'elepaio is an important bird to those

involved with the making of Hawaiian canoes. It was said that the goddess of eanoe building, Lea, took the form of the 'elepaio and helped the eanoe builder, kahuna kalaiwa'a, in selecting a suitable tree. If the 'elepaio ran across the bark of the koa tree without stopping, the tree was considered good. If the bird hesitated, or stopped and pecked at the bark, this told the kahuna kalawa'a that the tree was laden with insects or worms and therefore unsuitable for use as a eanoe.

Elepaio