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Hawaiian Exclusive...

EXPLORE: January 25, 2012

We had a great time photographing the elusive Hawaiian I'iwi Honeycreeper. The hot spot on Maui is Hosmer Grove in Haleakala National Park. They are found at higher elevations (above 4,000 feet) and are one of Hawaii's remaining native species. Hawaii is the only place in the world where these beauties reside. Managed to catch this one feeding on the nector in these beautiful flowers.

 

I'iwi feed on insects but depend more on nectar for sustenance. Their long, decurved beak can reach the nectar stored in deep-throated flowers. 'I'iwi feathers were used in ancient Hawaiian feather work for the Hawaiian royalty, or ali'i.

 

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Uploaded on January 25, 2012
Taken on January 17, 2012