Why Hawaii’s birds are different
The Hawaiian Islands are remote, and their native birds evolved in isolation. Many species found there live nowhere else, including the Hawaiian honeycreepers, a group that diversified into many forms. Habitat loss, introduced predators and avian disease have reduced native bird numbers, and a number of species are rare or have been lost. At the same time, many birds from other parts of the world have been introduced.
The practical result for identification is that the birds you see around towns, resorts and lowland yards are mostly introduced species, while native forest birds are mainly found in higher-elevation forests, often in protected areas.
Native vs. introduced
- Lowlands, towns, gardens, parks: Almost entirely introduced birds.
- Mid and upper elevation native forest: More likely to have native honeycreepers and other native species, though you may need a guide or a reserve visit.
- Coasts and ocean: Native seabirds, such as shearwaters, boobies and albatrosses, depending on island and season.
Common introduced birds in yards and towns
- Common Myna: Brown body, black head and a yellow bill and eye patch. White wing patches show in flight. It is bold and often walks on the ground.
- Red-crested Cardinal: Gray back, white belly and a bright red head and crest. It is not related to the Northern Cardinal.
- Northern Cardinal: Present on some islands. Males are fully red with a crest.
- Zebra Dove: Small, slim dove with fine barring on the neck and chest and a blue-gray patch around the eye.
- Spotted Dove: Larger dove with a dark collar covered in white spots.
- Japanese White-eye: Small, olive-green bird with a white ring around the eye. It often visits flowering trees and nectar feeders.
- House Finch and House Sparrow: Familiar from the mainland. Male House Finches are red on the head and chest.
- Java Sparrow: Gray with a black head, white cheek and a thick pink bill.
- Yellow-fronted Canary: Small yellow finch with a gray back and a black face pattern.
- Red-vented Bulbul: Brown bird with a dark head and a red patch under the tail.
Native birds
- Nene (Hawaiian Goose): The state bird. A gray-brown goose with a black head, buff cheeks and a neck with deep furrows. It is native only to Hawaii and has been the focus of conservation efforts. Wild birds should not be fed, as it can cause problems for them.
- I’iwi: A scarlet honeycreeper with a long, curved salmon-colored bill and black wings and tail. It is found mainly in high-elevation forest.
- ’Apapane: Red honeycreeper with a white underside and dark wings, more widespread than some other honeycreepers in native forest.
- ’Amakihi: A greenish-yellow honeycreeper that can still be found in several habitats.
- Hawaiian Hawk (’Io), Pueo (Hawaiian Short-eared Owl) and seabirds: Other native species, seen in specific habitats.
What is the Hawaiian bird symbol?
The Nene is Hawaii’s state bird, so it is the closest thing to an official bird symbol. Other native birds, such as the I’iwi, are widely recognized as symbols of Hawaiian forests and culture.
Are there toucans in Hawaii?
Toucans are not native to Hawaii and are not a normal sight there. You may see them in zoos, bird parks or private collections, but bright, large-billed birds in the wild are more likely to be something else. If you are unsure, check the bill shape and color against a field guide.
Tips for identifying birds in Hawaii
- Start with the island and elevation. Species differ between islands.
- Assume introduced for lowland birds, then check the lists above.
- Use a local checklist or app. Merlin Bird ID has Hawaii bird packs that can help.
- Respect native birds. Keep distance, stay on trails, and do not feed wildlife.