Honeycreepers

The smallest of the living honeycreepers is the anianiau (Loxops parva), only 4 in (11 cm) long. The largest species is the 8 in (20 cm) long Kauai akialoa (Hemignathus procerus). This species, and the closely related akailoa (H. obscurus), have long, downward-curving bills that are about one third of the total body length. The akiapolaau (H. wilsoni) has an especially strange bill, with the upper mandible being strongly down-curved, but the lower being straight, and only half the length of the upper mandible. This species uses the lower mandible to pry loose bark off trees, and the upper to probe and impale their food of insects.

The mamo (Drepanis pacifica) and the crested honeycreeper (Palmeria dolei) have relatively shorter, downward-curving beaks, useful in sipping nectar from flowers.

The liwi (Vestiaria coccinia) is a beautiful, crimson-colored bird with black wings. This species is particularly prized by aboriginal Hawaiians, who use the red feathers in the preparation of traditional garments.

The grosbeak finch (Psittirostra kona) has a massive bill, useful in cracking hard seeds to extract the edible matter inside.