Hawaii’s remote location and unique geological history have fostered an extraordinary array of life. Its isolation, thousands of miles from any major landmass, created a natural laboratory for evolution. This seclusion led to unique ecosystems, supporting a diversity of bird species found nowhere else on Earth. Birdwatching in Hawaii offers a captivating glimpse into the intricate processes of avian evolution.
Hawaii’s Endemic Avian Wonders
Endemic species are found exclusively in a particular geographic area, and Hawaii’s isolation has led to a high degree of avian endemism. These birds evolved over millions of years through adaptive radiation, where a single ancestral species diversified into many new forms, each adapted to a specific ecological niche. The Hawaiian honeycreepers are a prominent example, showcasing a wide range of bill shapes and sizes, reflecting their specialized diets and feeding behaviors.
The ‘I’iwi ( Drepanis coccinea), a vibrant scarlet honeycreeper, has black wings and a long, curved, salmon-colored bill. This distinctive bill is suited for extracting nectar from tubular flowers like those of the ‘ōhi’a lehua tree, making the ‘I’iwi a significant pollinator in native Hawaiian forests. Its bright coloration also plays a role in attracting mates and signaling to rivals.
The ‘Apapane (Himatione sanguinea) is another common honeycreeper, characterized by its crimson body, black wings, and a shorter, more generalized bill. These birds are active, fluttering among ‘ōhi’a blossoms, feeding on nectar, and contributing to pollination. They are known for their distinctive calls and are widespread across the islands’ forests.
The Nene (Branta sandvicensis), or Hawaiian Goose, is the state bird and the world’s rarest goose. Unlike most geese, the Nene is primarily terrestrial, possessing longer legs and reduced webbing on its feet, adapted for movement across volcanic terrain. Nene graze on grasses, seeds, and fruits, aiding in seed dispersal and influencing plant communities.
Naturally Occurring Birds
Beyond the endemic species, Hawaii is home to a variety of naturally occurring birds that arrived on the islands by their own means. These can be categorized into native resident species, which established breeding populations in Hawaii but are also found elsewhere, and migratory visitors, which use the islands as seasonal stops.
The Hawaiian Stilt (Himantopus mexicanus knudseni), or Ae’o, is a native resident wading bird with long pink legs and a slender black bill. This subspecies, distinct from its mainland North American counterpart, has more extensive black plumage on its face and neck. Hawaiian Stilts inhabit shallow freshwater, brackish, and saline wetlands, where they forage for aquatic invertebrates and small fish.
The Hawaiian Coot (Fulica alai), or ‘Alae ke’oke’o, is another native resident waterbird, similar in appearance to the American Coot but with a larger, prominent white frontal shield above its bill. These birds are found in freshwater lakes, marshes, and coastal lagoons, often seen feeding in open water or along the edges of emergent vegetation. Hawaiian Coots are omnivorous, consuming aquatic insects, small fish, and plant matter.
Migratory birds also play a significant role in Hawaii’s avian landscape, with many species using the islands as stopovers during their long journeys. The Pacific Golden-Plover (Pluvialis fulva), known locally as Kōlea, is a prime example, migrating thousands of miles from its Arctic breeding grounds to winter in Hawaii and other Pacific islands. These shorebirds forage in open grassy areas, including lawns and fields, during their winter stay. Their arrival in Hawaii signals the changing seasons, as they return to the same wintering territories year after year.
Common Introduced Species
Human activity has led to the introduction of numerous bird species to Hawaii. These introduced birds have often thrived in the islands’ altered landscapes, particularly in urban, agricultural, and disturbed areas, becoming common sights.
The Common Myna (Acridotheres tristis) is a widespread introduced species, originally brought from India in 1865 to control insect pests. Identified by its brown body, black head, and yellow bill and legs, mynas are active, vocal birds often seen hopping on the ground in search of food. They are omnivorous, consuming insects, fruits, and even human scraps, and are commonly found in parks and urban environments.
The Zebra Dove (Geopelia striata) is another ubiquitous introduced species, native to Southeast Asia and introduced to Hawaii in the 1920s. These small, gray-brown doves feature fine black and white barring on their neck and sides, giving them their name. Zebra Doves are highly adaptable, inhabiting parks, gardens, and farmlands, and are often seen foraging for seeds on the ground, even in populated areas.
The Red-crested Cardinal (Paroaria coronata), despite its name, belongs to the tanager family and not the true cardinal family. Introduced from Brazil around 1930, it is now a common sight, particularly on Kauai and other islands. This bird has a bright red head, crest, and throat, contrasting with a white breast and gray back and wings. Red-crested Cardinals are often found in semi-open areas, including parks and urban landscapes, where they feed on seeds, fruits, and insects.
Other commonly introduced birds include the House Finch (Haemorhous mexicanus), brought in the mid-1800s, now abundant in various habitats, and the Saffron Finch (Sicalis flaveola), introduced from South America in 1965, known for its bright yellow plumage. These species illustrate the significant impact human activities have had on Hawaii’s avian populations, altering the soundscape and visual presence of birds across the islands.