This printable coloring sheet features Ethan ʻIʻiwi, a cheerful depiction of the native Hawaiian bird Drepanis coccinea, perched near an ʻōhiʻa lehua blossom. The activity introduces keiki to the important ecological role of ʻiʻiwi as pollinators for ʻōhiʻa trees—helping spread pollen between lehua flowers to support seed formation and forest health.
Coloring: Students color the ʻiʻiwi bird and ʻōhiʻa lehua bloom using crayons or pencils.
Reading prompt: Includes a short narrative from “Ethan ʻIʻiwi” about his role in pollination and forest stewardship.
Extension ideas:
Write a short story from Ethan’s perspective about a day in the life of an ʻiʻiwi.
Pair with a real-world field trip or slideshow about native forest birds.
Integrate with lessons on mutualism or ecosystem roles.
Native Hawaiian species: ʻiʻiwi (honeycreeper) and ʻōhiʻa lehua
Pollination biology: role of birds in plant reproduction
Conservation awareness: learning how native birds help forests grow
Early literacy and science connection: coloring paired with ecological storytelling
