16th Annual Smithsonian Magazine Photo Contest Natural World
BIRD ON THE EDGE

From just one species of finch-like bird finding its way to the Hawaiian Islands about 5.5 million years ago, more than 50 Hawaiian Honeycreepers species evolved. Those endemic birds have been subject of many scientific studies and represent a perfect demonstration of Darwin’s theory of evolution, evolution of many species from one common ancestor. Sadly, today there are only 18 honeycreepers species remaining, all in great danger of extinction. Hawaii Amakihi is one of them, a precious testimony of this bird living on the edge, pushed in its last refuge in high altitude rainforests. The perfect alliance between rarity and artistic view of this endemic bird.

Photo Detail
Date Taken: 01.2018
Date Uploaded: 11.2018
Photo Location: Hawaii, United States of America
Camera: NIKON D500
Copyright: © Dorota SENECHAL