Parrots are present in Hawaii. While these islands are famed for their native biodiversity, the parrots seen flying freely are not indigenous to the Hawaiian archipelago. Their presence is a result of human activity, introducing a new element to Hawaii’s distinct ecosystems.
Parrot Presence and Origins in Hawaii
The parrots now found across the Hawaiian Islands are feral populations, meaning they are descendants of birds that either escaped from captivity or were intentionally released. Their establishment began primarily with the pet trade. The accidental release of a pair of Rose-ringed Parakeets on Kauai in 1968 marked an early instance of this phenomenon. Over time, events such as Hurricane Iwa in 1982 further contributed to the release of pet birds into the wild, bolstering these feral populations.
Their origins trace back to various regions, including sub-Saharan Africa, South Asia, and South America, where these species naturally occur. Once freed, these adaptable birds found Hawaii’s tropical climate and abundant resources suitable for survival and reproduction, leading to the establishment of self-sustaining colonies.
Identifying Hawaii’s Parrot Species
Several parrot species have established populations in Hawaii, with the Rose-ringed Parakeet being the most widespread. These bright green birds have long tails and a distinctive pink and black neck ring on adult males. Rose-ringed Parakeets are found on all major Hawaiian islands, including Oahu and Kauai, inhabiting various environments like urban gardens, agricultural fields, and even coastal regions.
Another commonly sighted species is the Red-masked Parakeet, also known as the Cherry Conure, which is seen on Oahu and Hawaii Island. These birds are mostly bottle-green with striking scarlet feathers on their face and wing-bend. They were first observed on the Big Island in 1988, likely originating from imported pet birds.
The Mitred Parakeet, native to the Andes Mountains, is also present on Maui and along the Kona Coast of the Big Island. These green parakeets feature red on their forehead and varying amounts of red around their eyes, with a broad white eyering. Introduced in 1986, their populations on Maui have been subject to control programs due to their impact.
Ecological Impacts of Introduced Parrots
The presence of introduced parrots in Hawaii poses several challenges to the islands’ ecosystems. These non-native birds compete with native Hawaiian birds for resources, including food and nesting sites. For example, Rose-ringed Parakeets are known to aggressively displace native birds from tree cavities, which are nesting resources.
Parrots can also impact agriculture, causing economic losses for farmers. Large flocks of Rose-ringed Parakeets can quickly consume entire crops such as lychee, papaya, passion fruit, and corn. Farmers on Kauai have reported losses ranging from 10% to 30% of their crops due to these birds.
Beyond competition and agricultural damage, these introduced parrots can contribute to disease transmission and noise pollution. They have the potential to spread avian diseases like psittacosis and avian pox, which can affect both other bird species and, in the case of psittacosis, humans. The sheer number of birds in large roosts can also create noise and accumulate fecal matter, affecting human health and property. There is concern that these parrots may aid in the spread of invasive plant seeds, compounding the issues faced by Hawaii’s native flora.