Many species of honeycreepers, including the crested honeycreeper, have been noted to be aggressive birds, and will drive off other birds while feeding. The crested honeycreeper is a stunning looking bird, as many are in Hawaii. The species has been described as quite noisy, singing a constant song and always chattering while feeding. In the last century, nearly one quarter of the various breeds of Hawaiian honeycreepers have become extinct. Years ago, Hawaiians used the feathers for cloak making.
Colonization is the real cause of their downfall.
Once abundant on Moloka'i and Maui, the exotic crested honeycreeper now only thrives on Maui. Their estimated population is about 3,800 birds. They are found today only on the windward slopes of Haleakla on Maui. These birds thrive in the 'ohi'a forests from 4,200 to 7,100 feet in elevation. Enough tropical flowers bloom year around in these forests to keep them constantly fed.