Birds of Hawaii: Stunning Native Species & Exotic Visitors to Spot (2024)

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Did you know that in Hawaii, there are over 300 species of birds, 60 of which are endemic? We will explore the impressive native and rare species that migrate to this tropical land.

From the shiny red plumage of the ‘I’iwi to the princely stature of the Nene, Hawaii’s birds put on a show of unique beauty for fans of the natural world.

Whether you’re an avid birder or a curious traveler, this guide will help you identify and appreciate bird life, making the Hawaiian archipelago a paradise for those with this hobby

Native Hawaiian Birds

You’ll find a diverse array of native Hawaiian birds, including the vibrant Apapane, the elegant Hawaiian Stilt, and the iconic Hawaiian Goose or Nene. These unique species have adapted to Hawaii’s diverse ecosystems, showcasing the islands’ rich biodiversity and conservation importance

Apapane

You’ll be captivated by the vibrant Apapane, a native Hawaiian forest gem. This crimson beauty, with its black wings and curved bill, is perfectly adapted to sip nectar from ohia flowers.

As you explore Hawaii’s lush forests, listen for their sweet chirps. Despite conservation challenges, these endemic birds continue to thrive, showcasing nature’s resilience.

Keep your eyes peeled for their acrobatic feeding displays!

Hawaiian Stilt

While the Apapane flits through the treetops, you’ll find the Hawaiian Stilt, or Ae’o, wading in shallow waters. This elegant native bird faces challenges due to habitat loss, but conservation efforts are underway. With its striking black and white plumage and long, pink legs, the Ae’o is a sight to behold.

• Perches on one leg in knee-deep water, scanning for prey
• Performs elaborate courtship dances, bobbing and bowing
• Builds nests on small islands or mounds to protect eggs from flooding

Hawaiian Goose (Nene)

You’ll be thrilled to spot the nene, Hawaii’s state bird and a conservation success story. These charming geese have adapted to life on volcanic slopes, sporting unique semi-webbed feet. Despite facing threats from predators and habitat loss, nene populations are slowly rebounding. Here’s a quick rundown of the nene’s journey:

Year	Population	Conservation Status
1950s	30	Critically Endangered
1980s	500	Endangered
2000s	2,000	Vulnerable
Today	3,000+	Near Threatened

Common Birds in Hawaii

You’ll encounter a variety of common birds during your visit to Hawaii, including the glossy Common Myna and the softly cooing Zebra Dove. Keep an eye out for the melodious Warbling White-eye, the spotted-winged Spotted Dove, and the colorful House Finch as you explore the islands

Common Myna

You’ll undoubtedly come across the common myna while exploring Hawaii’s birdlife. This introduced bird has undoubtedly made a name for itself among Native species. The dark, glossy plumage and distinctive yellow beak make mynas stand out in urban areas.

Zebra Dove

While the Common Myna’s bold presence catches your eye, you’ll soon notice the delicate Zebra Dove. This introduced species has made Hawaii its home, thriving in urban and backyard settings. With its soft cooing song and distinctive stripes, it’s a charming sight.

Characteristic	Description	Significance
Habitat	Urban areas, parks	Adaptability
Feeding	Seeds, small insects	Foraging skills
Predators	Cats, rats, mongoose	Survival challenges

Warbling White-eye

As you explore Hawaii’s avian diversity, you’ll likely encounter the Warbling White-eye. These small, olive-green birds are easily distinguished by their distinctive white eye ring.

Don’t confuse them with the Hawaii Amakihi, another green native species. White-eyes are common birds of Hawaii, enchanting visitors with their melodious warbling calls.

You’ll spot these agile foragers flitting through gardens and forests, adding a lively touch to the islands’ vibrant ecosystem

Spotted Dove

You’ll often spot the Spotted Dove in Hawaii’s urban and rural areas. These gentle birds, with their soft pinkish-gray plumage and distinctive black spots on wings and back, have adapted well to the islands.

They’re not native, but they’ve become a common sight. Listen for their soothing, repetitive cooing call as they forage on the ground for seeds and small insects

House Finch

You’ll often spot the charming house finch flitting about Hawaii’s urban areas. These adaptable birds, with their rosy red heads and melodious songs, have made the islands their home. While not native, they’ve become a common sight alongside other introduced species like the northern mockingbird and yellow-billed cardinal. Here’s what you should know:

• Males sport vibrant red plumage on their heads and chests
• They’re skilled vocalists, treating you to complex warbling songs
• House finches prefer human-modified habitats, thriving in gardens and parks

Iconic Hawaiian Birds

When you visit Hawaii, you’ll encounter some truly iconic birds that capture the essence of the islands. Among these are the vibrant I’iwi (Scarlet Honeycreeper), the graceful Nene (Hawaii’s state bird), the striking Red-crested Cardinal, and the regal Indian Peafowl with its dazzling plumage

I’iwi (Scarlet Honeycreeper)

Be charmed by the I’iwi, a lovely ruby-red honeycreeper endemic to Hawaii. Such a threatened native bird will afford you a personal view of the marvelous adaptive radiation that has taken place on the islands.

Its curved bill is just right for feeding on nectar and represents the extent of specialist adaptation undergone by the I’iwi.

Be able to identify it by its vocalizations as you explore the forests of Hawaii. These colorful birds flit around treetops in brilliant plumes, contrasting considerably with the greenery

Nene (State Bird of Hawaii)

As you explore Hawaii’s iconic birds, you’ll encounter the nene, Hawaii’s state bird and a conservation success story. Once critically endangered, nene populations have rebounded thanks to dedicated efforts.

Unlike their migratory cousins, nene are non-migratory, adapting to various habitats from coastal areas to high-altitude grasslands.

Watch for their distinctive honking calls and unique nesting habits as you explore the islands’ diverse landscapes

Red Crested Cardinal

You’ll be captivated by the Red Crested Cardinal, an exotic visitor that’s become a familiar sight in Hawaii. This introduced species, often mistaken for a native bird, boasts:

1. A striking red crest atop its head
2. A black face mask contrasting with its gray body
3. A melodious song that’ll catch your ear

While not a true cardinal, it’s become a beloved part of Hawaii’s avian tapestry alongside other introduced species like the rose-ringed parakeet and common waxbill

Indian Peafowl (Peacock and Peahen)

You’ll be amazed by the Indian peafowl, a stunning sight in Hawaii. These exotic birds, with their regal bearing and vibrant plumage, aren’t native but have become iconic.

Steeped in mythology and symbolism, peacocks represent beauty and pride in many cultures.

While not seabirds or game birds, they’ve found a home alongside Hawaii’s diverse avian residents like the red-billed leiothrix, adding a touch of majesty to the islands’ landscapes

Birds of Oahu

You’ll find two unique endemic birds on Oahu: the Oahu Amakihi and the Oahu ‘Elepaio. These species are found nowhere else in the world, making Oahu a special destination for birdwatchers seeking rare and localized avian treasures

Oahu Amakihi

As you traverse Oahu for its winged wonders, you’ll no doubt encounter the Oahu Amakihi. This small, olive-green honeycreeper has borne heavy burdens in habitat destruction and introduced predators.

It has been remarkably resistant to the transmission of diseases. The current status of conservation is still of concern.

Still, in the very adaptable nature of this bird, one finds it playing an essential ecological role within the forests of Oahu as it sips nectar and catches insects

Oahu ‘Elepaio

The Oahu Amakihi is, without a doubt, a nice treat, with birders keeping their eyes peeled for another island gem, the Oahu ‘Elepaio.

This diminutive flycatcher is endemic to Oahu, so birder sightings are a real thrill. You’ll find them flitting about in Oahu’s forested areas.

Still, their habitat is shrinking, and the key to ensuring such feathered friends stay for further generations to see is in conservation efforts

Birds of Kauai

KAUAI is known as the Garden Island, and here you’ll find a truly unique collection of avian treasures. Among the rarest of Hawaii’s birds is the ‘Akikiki, a critically endangered forest bird. And keep an eye out for the intensive red Apapane flashing among the native ohia of Kauai’s green valleys. The endangered Hawaiian Stilt—a striking black and white bird with long pink legs—will visit wetlands.

Kauai’s conservation work is vital because almost all native-ranging birds are found on this island. This involves protecting the misty mountain forests to the coastal wetlands: these habitats on Kauai support the forest and wetland birds. Listen to melodious love songs from the Kauai ‘election, a very curious flycatcher that can’t be found anywhere else on Earth. "While some of Kaua’i’s birds can hear a dog’s heartbeat or a cat purr at 30 feet away, a few of the other species face threats from habitat loss and invasive species, but with some real effort, and

Birds of Maui

When you visit Maui, you’ll encounter a fascinating array of avian life. The island’s forest birds include the vibrant Maui ‘Alauahio, a small honeycreeper with olive-green plumage. Keep an eye out for the endangered Maui Parrotbill, with its curved beak perfect for extracting insects from tree bark. Along the coastline, you might spot Maui’s seabirds like the graceful White-tailed Tropicbird or the Wedge-tailed Shearwater.

Conservation efforts on Maui focus on protecting endangered species like the Kiwikiu, formerly known as the Maui Creeper. These initiatives aim to preserve native habitats and control introduced predators. Speaking of introduced species, you’ll likely see the Red-crested Cardinal, a striking bird with a bright red head and crest.

Whether you’re hiking through lush forests or relaxing on the beach, Maui’s diverse birdlife offers endless opportunities for discovery and wonder

Birds of Big Island, Hawaii

When you visit the Big Island of Hawaii, you’ll have the chance to spot two unique bird species: the Palila and the Yellow-Billed Cardinal.

The Palila is a critically endangered Hawaiian honeycreeper found only on the slopes of Mauna Kea.

The Yellow-Billed Cardinal, also known as the Brazilian Cardinal, is an introduced species that’s now common in urban and suburban areas

Palila

While exploring the Big Island, be on the lookout for the critically endangered Hawaiian honeycreeper known as the Palila. This striking, bright yellow-headed bird is found in the mamane-naio forests of Mauna Kea.

With their specially adapted beak, they crack open the seedpods of the mamane tree that’s their primary food source. Listen for their distinctive calls echoing through the forest.

Protecting this unique species and their fragile habitat is one of the main goals of conservation efforts

Yellow-Billed Cardinal (Brazilian Cardinal)

Thoughts of the Palila aside, another bird you’ll encounter on the Big Island is the Yellow-Billed Cardinal. This beautiful bird, native to South America, has taken up residence in Hawaii and become a troublesome, invasive member of its avian community. Besides its beauty, it’s cause for distress among those concerned with the preservation of native habitats. Conservation actions focus on:

1. Monitoring population growth
2. Assessment of impact on indigenous species
3. Public education on invasive birds

Look out for the bright yellow bill with red and the elegant red crest!

Predatory Hawaiian Birds

You’ll find two noteworthy birds of prey in Hawaii: the Hawaiian Hawk and the Great Frigatebird. Both are accomplished predators playing critical roles in the islands’ ecosystems—the hawk over forests and the frigatebird above coastal waters.

Hawaiian Hawk

You’ll be captivated by the Hawaiian Hawk, or ‘Io, a fierce aerial predator native to the Big Island. Despite facing habitat loss and hunting pressure, conservation efforts are helping this magnificent bird make a comeback. Here’s a quick rundown of the ‘Io’s key features:

Characteristic	Description	Fun Fact
Wingspan	3 feet	Can soar for hours
Diet	Small animals	Skilled hunter
Conservation	Endangered	Restoration projects ongoing
Cultural Significance	Hawaiian symbol	Represents royalty

Great Frigatebird

You’ll be awestruck by the Great Frigatebird‘s impressive wingspan, stretching up to 7.5 feet! These coastal predators are masters of the sky, effortlessly soaring for days without landing. With their hooked beaks and keen eyesight, they’re adept at snatching fish from the ocean’s surface. Watch for their dramatic nest defense displays, where males inflate bright red throat pouches to attract mates

Invasive Birds of Hawaii

While Hawaii’s native birds struggle for survival, introduced species have thrived, often at the expense of endemic wildlife. These invasive birds, brought to the islands by humans, have become a significant concern for conservationists. You’ll often encounter these non-native avian residents during your Hawaiian adventures:

1. Common Myna: Known for its glossy black plumage and yellow beak, this intelligent bird has adapted well to urban environments.
2. Red-vented Bulbul: With its distinctive crest and red patch under its tail, this bird contributes to habitat destruction by spreading invasive plant seeds.
3. Japanese White-eye: This small, olive-green bird with a white eye-ring competes with native species for food resources.

These introduced species have dramatically altered Hawaii’s ecosystems, outcompeting native birds for food and nesting sites. As you explore the islands, you’ll witness firsthand the impact of these invasive birds on Hawaii’s delicate ecological balance

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)