The ʻApapane (Himatione sanguinea) is a small, crimson species of Hawaiian honeycreeper endemic to the Hawaiian Islands. They are the most abundant and widely distributed honeycreeper and are found on the islands of Hawaiʻi, Maui, Lānaʻi, Kauaʻi, Molokaʻi and Oʻahu.

ʻApapane are small at 13 cm (5.1 in) when fully grown. They are sexually dimorphic in size: male ʻapapane have a mass of 16 g (0.56 oz), while females average 14.4 g (0.51 oz). Adult ʻapapane are overall bright crimson, with distinct white undertail-coverts and lower abdomen feathers. They have black primaries and retricies. Juvenile ʻapapane are yellow-brown and gray, with the same white plumage as adults, and molt into crimson plumage over the course of two years. ‘Apapane are often seen in a tail-up posture, showing off their white feathers.

Himatione sanguinea

The ‘apapane is a common honeycreeper,  (population estimates of 87,613 (Paxton et. al. 2020)), and can be found on all of the major Hawaiian islands.  Adult males and females are similar in appearance, with сгіmѕoп red feathers, conspicuous white feathers under their tails, black wings and tail,  and a black dowпwагd curving bill.  Juveniles appear duller, and can range from a grayish-brown to yellow-brown in color; they also have white feathers under their tail.

‘Apapane are primarily nectivorous, feeding on nectar from flowers.  They are seen mostly in ‘ōhi’a trees, and are considered an important ‘ōhi’a pollinator.  ‘Apapane also forage on other flowering trees, and glean insects in the outer canopy.   The breeding season lasts from February to June, and females lay 2 to 4 eggs.  ‘Apapane have a very large vocal array, including at least six different calls and ten songs.  Noises they make include raspy notes, squeaks, clicks, trills and whistles.

Historically, the ‘apapane was common on all major Hawaiian islands, but is currently гeѕtгісted to native forest habitats at higher elevations. In those habitats, the ‘apapane is common on Hawai’i, Maui and Kaua’i, and becoming uncommon on O’ahu.