Div. of For. This species is also listed by the U.S. in the Convention on Nature Protection and Wildlife Preservation in the Western Hemisphere Annex, 1970. The species was formerly important to forest ecosystems as an insectivore and pollinator. It is among the many rare birds sought on Maui by bird watchers. Cresteds will feed on understory flowers and fruits when 'ohi'a is not flowering.
Crested honeycreepers feed mainly on the nectar from 'ohi'a flowers.
They are aggressive over both i'iwi and 'apapane. In June and August, cresteds occur as low as 1,525 m elevation. This species is non-migratory. There is little known of specific cover requirements for the crested honeycreeper. There is nothing known of specific reproductive site requirements for the crested honeycreeper.