Ka Wai Ola - Office of Hawaiian Affairs, Volume 6, Number 12, 1 December 1989 — The bird that helps build canoes [ARTICLE+ILLUSTRATION]

The bird that helps build canoes

HTatxiral]y Hawalian

By Patrick Ching

The 'elepaio, a desdecendant of oīd world flycatchers, is one of the more eommon native Hawaiian forest birds in existence today. The species is endemic to the Hawaiian islands and there are at least five varieties or subspecies; one on O'ahu, one on Kaua'i and

With their erect posture, distinctive songs, and inquisitive habits these birds are easily recognized. The 'elepaio is a small bird, about five and a half inches long, with its tail often cocked in an upright position. Though the color patterns of the various subspecies may differ, the bird is generally brown or rust colored with patches of white on the wings, rump, underparts and throat. The distinct bristles at the base of the bill aid in catching insects whieh make up the bulk of the 'elepaio's diet. The calls of this bird are varied with its most recognizable eall sounding like the name of the bird itself; "e-le-PAI-o." Bold and curious, these birds will often eome right up to hikers and may be easily attracted by a person mimicking their caUs. Many times they will follow hikers along.forest trails; juvenile birds are especially notorious for this.

Though its feathers and flesh were not highly valued, the 'elepaio is a well-known bird to those who are familiar with the making of Hawaiian canoes. It was said that the goddess of eanoe builders, "Lea," took the form of the 'elepaio and helped the eanoe builder (kahuna kalaiwa'a) in selecting a suitable tree. If the 'elepaio ran across the bark of the koa tree without stopping, the tree was considered good. If the bird hesitated, or stopped and picked at the bark, this told the kahuna kalaiwa'a that the tree was laden with insects or worms and therefore unsuitable for use as a eanoe.

ELEPAIO

three on the Big Island.