'Akē'akē (Oceanodroma castro) are native highly pelagic storm petrels to Hawaiʻi and are the smallest and rarest seabirds that nest on the Hawaiian Islands. The current federal status of the 'Akē'akē is listed as endangered.
What do 'Akē'akē look and sound like?
'Akē'akē are black or brownish colored with a prominent white band around their rump area. They are very small oceanic birds, weighing from 44-49g. They are silent at sea foragers but call at night when close to their breeding colony. Their most prominent call sounds like a wet finger rubbing against glass, making a squeaky "whikka-whikka...". What are the current threats to 'Akē'akē?
Cover © Andre Raine
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Where do 'Akē'akē nest?
'Akē'akē nests in burrows or rock cervices on remote and often inaccessible high elevation inland habitats on Hawaiʻi, Maui, Kauai, and Lehua Islet. The first confirmed burrow was found last year, 2015, on Hawai'i Island. Breeding season occurs in Spring, with eggs laid in May and June.
How many' Akē'akē are in Hawaii? The number of 'Akē‘akē breeding in Hawaiʻi is unknown, although it is thought to be in the low hundreds.
How can I help the conservation of 'Akē'akē?
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