The Maui "Creeper" or Maui Alauahio is so named because of its feeding habits. It creeps along trunks, branches and twigs, flipping over bark and lichen in search of insects and grub.
Habits: Usually forages among leaves and branches, but occasionally creeps over bark of larger trunks. Bold and inquisitive, often in small flocks.
Identification: Similar to Hawaii Amakihi in appearance and behavior, but distinguished by lack of prominent black lores, straight bill and (in adult males) brighter yellow color.
Occurrence: Endemic to the Hawaiian Islands (Maui and Lanai), but extinct on Lanai. Common on the slopes of Haleakala above 1000m in native forests and
exotic tree plantations (e.g. Polipoli Springs, Hosmer Grove), rare in arid mamane and pukiawe scrub. Extirpated from West Maui. Common in Hanawi and will approach
closely at times, especially juveniles and areas outside of the home ranges.
Voice: Call a loud cheep. Song a repeated whistled phrase whichy-wheesee-whurdy-whew.
