Fauna
Bird

Oahu ʻElepaio

Chasiempis ibidis

Also known as Oahu Elepaio, Oahu Flycatcher

Oʻahu ʻElepaio are curious, territorial monarch flycatchers that actively defend their home ranges year-round in mesic and wet native forests. Adults forage acrobatically by snatching insects from leaves, twigs, and mid-air, frequently investigating hikers who pass through their territory. Nesting high in forest canopy trees, pairs suffer severe pressures from introduced predators and mosquito-borne diseases, making ongoing habitat management vital to their survival.

EndemicPasserineInsectivore
Oahu ʻElepaio reference1 / 7
(c) Damien Wallace, some rights reserved (CC BY) · cc-by
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VulnerableConservation statusIUCN Red List categoriesLCNTVUENCREWEXVulnerableRed List categories, explained →
Key facts
Diet & preyCaterpillars, Beetles, Spiders
Predators
  • Black Rat
  • Feral Cat
  • Small Asian Mongoose
ThreatsAvian malaria, rat predation, and habitat degradation
HabitatsSubtropical wet forests and mesic valleys
Life span10–15 years
Classification
  1. FamilyMonarchidae
  2. SpeciesChasiempis ibidis
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 a small monarch flycatcher with a brownish back, white rump patch, and streaked chest perching upright in native canopy trees.
Support conservation
Observe strictly from marked public trails, avoid using broadcast playback calls, and never disturb active nest sites.
Responsible observation
  • Listen for Calls: Search high-elevation forest trails on Oʻahu while listening for their distinct whistling whistle.
  • Maintain Distance: Give foraging birds ample space to avoid disturbing their natural behavior and nesting sites.
  • Stay on Trails: Protect fragile native Hawaiian forest understory by sticking strictly to designated paths.
Related species
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