Kauai Nukupuu vs Akiapolaau

In short

The Kauai Nukupuu and Akiapolaau are both midsized Hawaiian honeycreepers with distinct bill shapes. The Kauai Nukupuu has both mandibles decurved, while the Akiapolaau has a straight lower mandible. Males of both species are yellowish, but the Kauai Nukupuu has a bright orangish-yellow head and throat, contrasting with the more uniformly yellow face and underparts of the Akiapolaau.

Identification tips

1. Bill Shape: Kauai Nukupuu has both mandibles decurved; Akiapolaau has a straight lower mandible. 2. Male Plumage: Look for the bright orangish-yellow head and throat in Kauai Nukupuu males. 3. Female and Juvenile Plumage: Kauai Nukupuu females and young are more gray with whitish underparts, while Akiapolaau females and young are olive-green with pale grayish-yellow underparts.

Size

Both species are similar in size, with the Akiapolaau slightly larger.

Plumage

Male Kauai Nukupuu have a bright orangish-yellow head, throat, and breast with a white belly, while male Akiapolaau have a yellow face and underparts. Females and young of both species are more subdued, with the Kauai Nukupuu showing grayish upperparts and whitish underparts, compared to the olive-green upperparts and pale grayish-yellow underparts of the Akiapolaau.