Bird Checklists of the United States

The 'akepa is an insect-eating bird with a short, straight bill. The male is blaze orange and the female is grey-green with tinges of yellow or orange on the breast. Using its crossed bill to open leaf beds, the 'akepa feeds on insects found among the leaves and flowers at the very top of 'ohi'a trees. It is the only Hawaiian honeycreeper that always nests in tree cavities. Although endangered, it is regularly observed within the Pua Akala Tract in the southern portion of the refuge.