Loxops


Loxops is a Hawaiian honeycreeper genus in the finch family, Fringillidae.
The genus contains the following species:
Loxops average the size of 11 cm. They are considered a finch-like bird that also have a notched tail. Their bills have a cone shape to them and they are pale blue with a dark tip. They are also hard to find in the field. Males typically are a darker shade of green on the top while their belly-side is yellow. They also have a black mask that covers their face up until behind its eye while its forehead, forecrown, and backside is also yellow. Females resemble the same colors as the males, but the colors are muted and less vibrant.

Breeding

The Loxops commonly breed during the months of March and April and possibly during the months of February to June. The nests of the Loxops are found in the ōhia trees.

Information

Loxops species are considered endangered as their populations have been declining rapidly over the last ten years. The Loxops are mainly located in Kaua`i in the Hawaiian Islands, USA. Modern developments that take over the environment are threatening the Loxops and reducing their habitat availability in the Kokee region. A lot of the current region of the Loxops is protected by Alakai Wilderness Preserve and, to some extent, by Kokee State Park.