A rare Hawaiian honeycreeper of native forests above 5,000 feet elevation on Hawaii Island. Appears bigger-headed and shorter-tailed than other honeycreepers. The long, thin upper bill can be hard to see. The stout lower bill is used to hammer like a woodpecker, making an audible tapping sound. Forages for insects on large branches. Male song is a loud, complex warble. Its “Chu-wee” and “Teedle-oo” calls are lower-pitched and louder than those of other honeycreepers.