Description about Akiki Birds

                                                                                          Source: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/%CA%BBAkikiki

Domain:      Eukaryota

Kingdom:   Animalia

Phylum:      Chordata

Class:          Aves

Order:         Passeriformes

Family:       Fringillidae

Subfamily:  Carduelinae

Genus:        Oreomystis

Species:O. bairdi

Binomial name :Oreomystis bairdi

The akikiki (Oreomystis bairdi), also called the Kauai creeper, is a critically endangered Hawaiian honeycreeper endemic to Kauai, Hawaii. It is the only member of the genus Oreomystis. Of the Hawaiian birds known to be extant, it is thought to be the most endangered, with only 454 wild individuals known as of  2018. A survey report in 2021 estimated the population at 45 with a 5 percent annual decrease, and in July 2023 the remaining number of wild birds was estimated to be just 5 individuals. This species is predicted to be extinct in the wild in 2023.

RELATED SPECIES

Black Crake (Zapornia flavirostris): A small, adaptable rail found in wetlands, with a similar body shape and foraging behavior.

Purple Swamphen (Porphyrio porphyrio): A larger, colorful bird found in wetland areas, known for its striking blue plumage and red bill.

 American Coot (Fulica americana): A common waterbird with a distinctive white bill and a rounded body, often found in freshwater habitats.

  Sora (Porzana carolina): A small, secretive rail that inhabits marshes and wetlands, recognized for its distinctive call.

Baillon's Crake (Zapornia pusilla): A small and elusive rail found in reed beds, known for its cryptic coloration and shy behavior.

 Gallinule (Gallinula chloropus): A common rail species with a greenish-black body and a prominent frontal shield, often seen in marshes.

DESCRIPTION

The akikiki is small (13 cm length; 12-17 g mass), The most distinctive feature of the Akiki is its striking white brow, which contrasts with its generally brown plumage. The upper parts of its body are brown and mottled, providing excellent camouflage in its natural habitat. Its underparts are lighter, with a grayish tone. The bird has a stout body, long legs, and a short, pointed bill, which it uses to forage for food.

Habitat

Akiki birds are primarily found in wetlands, including freshwater marshes, swamps, and rice paddies. They prefer dense vegetation, where they can hide from predators and easily navigate through the thick cover.

Behavior

These birds are generally secretive and shy, making them difficult to spot. They are more active during the early morning and late afternoon. The Akiki is known for its distinctive calls, which are often heard in the twilight hours. They primarily feed on insects, seeds, and small aquatic invertebrates.

Breeding

The breeding season typically occurs during the rainy months, when their habitat is abundant with food. The female lays a clutch of eggs in a hidden nest built among dense vegetation near water.

Diet/Feeding

The akikiki is often compared to the nuthatches of North America because it forages by hopping along the trunks and branches of both live and dead trees, picking off arthropods.Akikiki often forage in pairs, family groups, or mixed-species flocks.

ENDANGERED

An extremely steep decline was noted between 2018 and 2021 in Halehaha, one of the species' former strongholds, with the population declining from 70 to 5 individuals, leaving only 45 wild individuals overall. This decline has been blamed on climate change allowing the mosquitoes carrying avian malaria to invade higher elevations. In addition, it has been predicted that at the current decline rate, the species will likely go extinct in the wild by 2023. About 41 captive individuals exist, although only a limited amount of offspring have been produced. It is currently planned to keep a significant number of akikiki in captivity until landscape-scale control of mosquitoes using Wolbachia can be performed starting in 2024 at the earliest, after which the birds could be reintroduced to their habitat.

The akiki bird predators

The Akiki bird (White-browed Crake) faces several predators in its natural habitat, including:

1.Birds of Prey: Raptors such as hawks and eagles may hunt Akiki birds, especially when they venture out into open areas.

2.Snakes: Various snake species, particularly those that inhabit wetlands, can pose a threat to young or unsuspecting Akiki birds.

3.Mammals: Small mammals, such as feral cats and mongooses, may prey on Akiki birds, especially their eggs and chicks.

4.Larger Birds: Other larger bird species, including herons and larger rails, may also prey on juvenile or vulnerable Akiki birds.

5.Humans: Habitat destruction and hunting can significantly impact Akiki populations, leading to increased vulnerability to natural predators.