About the Project

The ZooTrophy Animal-a-Day project began on October 15th, 2013 as illustrator Angela "LemurKat" Oliver began working her way, systematically but selectively, through the alphabet and presenting, via social media, an illustrated animal to the world. Daily.

All pieces are drawn as 2.5 x 3.5 inch collectible cards, using a combination of polychromos and prismacolor pencils, along with other art materials. Many are still available for purchase ($10) or trade, so drop her an email if anything captures your eye or if there is an animal you wish to request.

It is predicted this project will take her at least two years to complete - with approximately 36 animals being drawn for each letter. She has also used the images to create a collectible hardback encyclopedia series, playing cards and a desk calendar, as well as the ZooTrophy collectible trading card game.

Sunday, September 21, 2014

Creature Feature #337: I'iwi

The beautiful little red I'iwi is another of Hawaii's unique honeycreepers. He is one of the most plentiful of this Family, but numbers are in decline. Vulnerable to bird malaria, I'iwi survive mainly at higher levels, where it is too cold for mosquitoes. They are able to migrate between the islands, but have become extirpated on Lānaʻi. With his long, slender bill he probes into flowers and laps up nectar. The curve allowed him to fed predominantly on the Hawaiian lobelioid, but as populations of this flower have decreased, he now feeds on the blossoms of ʻōhiʻa lehua trees. It is when these flowers are in bloom that breeding begins. Nests are cup-shaped and lined with tree fibers, petals and feathers. 

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