Fauna
Bird · GBIF taxon 5231615

Iiwi

Vestiaria coccinea

Also known as Scarlet Honeycreeper, Hawaiian Scarlet Honeycreeper

ʻIʻiwi flash like living embers through high-elevation native canopy forests, flitting rapidly between blooming ʻōhiʻa blossoms. Their dramatically curved, salmon-colored bills evolved to siphon nectar from deep lobeliad flower tubes, while their creaky, rusty-hinge calls echo through the mountain mist. Now restricted largely to cool forest refuges safe from disease-bearing mosquitoes, these iconic honeycreepers play a critical role in pollinating native Hawaiian flora.

EndemicNectar-FeederVibrant
Iiwi reference
Licensed referenceHarmonyonPlanetEarth / CC BY 2.0 · cc-by
—observations
—countries
—peak records
VulnerableConservation statusIUCN Red List categoriesLCNTVUENCREWEXVulnerableRed List categories, explained →
Key facts
Diet & prey
  • ʻŌhiʻa Nectar
  • Lobeliad Nectar
  • Caterpillars
Predators
  • Introduced Rats
  • Feral Cats
  • Hawaiian Short-eared Owl
ThreatsAvian malaria, habitat loss, invasive mosquitoes, feral ungulates
HabitatsHigh-elevation native Hawaiian wet and mesic forests
Life span10–12 years
Classification
  1. FamilyFringillidae
  2. SpeciesVestiaria coccinea
Range & activity
Range data is not available yet.
Safe observation
Interaction riskLow
  1. Low
  2. Moderate
  3. High
  4. Very high
Why interaction risk is low
Safe to observe at a normal distance.
What to notice
Look for brilliant scarlet plumage, black wings, and a long, deeply curved orange bill.
Support conservation
Stay on designated forest trails and clean footwear to prevent spreading invasive pathogens.
Responsible observation
  • Listen for Calls: Search high in ʻōhiʻa canopies for their distinctive squeaky-hinge vocalizations.
  • Use Binoculars: Maintain a respectful distance to avoid causing stress to foraging adults.
  • Explore High Trails: Focus searches above 1,300 meters where cool temperatures limit mosquito activity.
Related species
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