The ‘Akiapola’au was also known as Nukupu’u in early Hawaiian literature. The ’Akiapola’au is critically endangered with less than 1,200 mature individuals left at last count.

It is found around the base of Mauna Kea in Hawai’i (primarily at Hakalau National Forest Preserve.) It lives in ancient Koa tree forests where it’s primary nesting areas and food sources are found. Older Koa trees are excavated for nesting cavity. Insects and beetle larvae are the main food source for the bird as creeps down tree limbs in the forest canopy. It has an unusual bill. The lower bill is shorter than the top— it’s a specialized beak than allows the bird to hammer and drill into the wood with the lower “woodpecker-like” bill and then spear insects with the top portion of the beak.

This image was created using the artist’s digital models from the Songbird Remix series. More information can be found at songbirdremix.com