Hawai'ian HoneycreepersHoneycreeper phylogeny

Hawai'ian Honeycreepers (Drepaninae)

Honeycreepers in the Hawai'ian Islands, like Darwin's Finches in the Galapagos Islands, have evolved a wide range of beak types suitable for different feeding niches. Note that the long curved beaks are most suitable for nectar feeding, whereas several species have evolved heavier bills for seed eating, and other flycatcher fills for insect prey.


Drawings by H. D. Pratt; text material © 2010 by Steven M. Carr