Hawaiian ‘i‘iwi: An evolving story (with music and lyrics)

Descended from a flock of finches that arrived in the islands from Asia more than 5 million years ago, Hawaiian honeycreepers are among the best-known groups of birds in the world.

The Hawaiian honeycreeper, or ‘i‘iwi, represent a spectacular example of adaptive radiation, whereby a single species evolved into at least 55 wildly different species and subspecies.

Until recently, however, very little was known about their song. How many songs does each species sing? Do they sing differently in different parts of the island?

Dr. Patrick Hart, chairman of University of Hawaii at Hilo’s Department of Biology, has spent considerable time studying local birdsong. At 7 p.m. June 15 at the Lyman Museum, Hart will share his findings, reviewing the diversity of songs and calls of many of Hawaii Island’s native birds through spectrograms — sound pictures that convey the beauty and variability of avian vocalizations.

The Lyman Museum, 276 Haili St., showcases the natural and cultural history of Hawaii. The museum is open 10 a.m.-4:30 p.m. Monday through Saturday. For additional information, call 935-5021 or visit www.lymanmuseum.org.