Its natural habitats are dry and montane moist forests, and the only bird species on the island to occupy the woodpecker niche.

[2] The bird is 5.5 inches (14 cm) in length, and has an unusually curved beak-(a specialist species).

It is the only member of the subgenus Heterorhynchus, which has a woodpecker-like feeding habitat and exclusively preys on insects, in contrast to the nukupu'us, which were both insect-eaters and also hummingbird-like nectarivores.

[5] The specific epithet, wilsoni, honours the British ornithologist, Scott B. Wilson, renowned for his monumental three-volume work, "Aves Hawaiiensis: The Birds of the Sandwich Islands" (1890-1899).

It formerly inhabited māmane (Sophora chrysophylla) -naio (Myoporum sandwicense) dry forests at elevations of 1,900 to 2,900 metres (6,200 to 9,500 ft) on Mauna Kea, but this population was extirpated in 2002.

[2] It feeds on insects which are found hidden within the branches of the trees, along with the nectar of flowers shaped like its bill.

Some efforts being made for this species include – aggressive reforestation, trying to get a captive population, the removal of feral ungulates, and collecting of data about its life to help with the three other plans.