ANNOTATED
LIST OF HAWAI'I'S BREEDING BIRDSANNOTATED
LIST OF HAWAI'I'S BREEDING BIRDS
The Annotated List of Hawai'i's Breeding Birds gives details of where to find all the regular Breeding Hawaiian
Species - Endemic, Indigenous and Introduced. All status notes at the head of each species refers to the species
breeding status, for example, Pied-billed Grebe has only nested on Hawai'i but is recorded occasionally on other
Islands as a migrant, thus its status is listed as resident on Hawai'i. All photographs
© by Christian Melgar, Jack Jeffrey and Jim Denny, unless otherwise stated. Some additional
information shown here supplied from the USFWS website. Also see the Annotated List of Hawai'i's Regular Non-Breeding Migrants and the Sightings Archive. Due to
the large amount of information this page may take a while to download completely.
The following Taxonomic List generally follows the American Ornithologists' Union (AOU)
United States Bird Species List and incorporates changes made in the 42nd, 43rd and 44th Supplements to the Check-list,
as published in The Auk 117: 847-858 (2000); 119:897-906 (2002); 120:923-932 (2003). Alternative taxonomic orders
and nomenclature for most species occurring in Hawai'i can be found on the Avibase Website.
The following information is included for each species at the head of each account:
Species Status: E = Endemic; I = indigenous; * = Introduced.
Island Occurrence: Each Island is named individually.
Time of Occurrence: e.g. Migrant nester, Introduced Resident
Habitat Occurrence: e.g. Pelagic, Open Country, Upland Forest.
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| Hawaiian Crow ('Alala) - Corvus hawaiiensis Kaua'i 'Elepaio - Chasiempis sandwichensis sclateri O'ahu 'Elepaio - Chasiempis sandwichensis gayi Hawai'i 'Elepaio - Chasiempis sandwichensis sandwichensis Eurasian Sky Lark - Alauda arvensis Red-vented Bulbul - Pycnonotus cafer Red-whiskered Bulbul - Pycnonotus jocosu Japanese Bush-Warbler - Cettia diphone Nihoa Millerbird - Acrocephalus familiaris kingi White-rumped Shama - Copsychus malabaricus Oma`o - Myadestes obscurus Puaiohi - Myadestes palmeri Greater Necklaced Laughing-Thrush - Garrulax pectoralis Grey-sided Laughing-Thrush - Garrulax caerulatus Melodious Laughing-Thrush (Hwamei) - Garrulax canorus Red-billed Leiothrix - Leiothrix lutea Japanese White-eye - Zosterops japonica Northern Mockingbird - Mimus polyglottos Common Myna - Acridotheres tristis Yellow-faced Grassquit - Tiaris olivacea Saffron Finch - Sicalis flaveola Red-crested Cardinal - Paroaria coronata Yellow-billed Cardinal - Paroaria capitata Northern Cardinal - Cardinalis cardinalis Western Meadowlark - Sturnella neglecta House Finch - Carpodacus mexicanus Yellow-fronted Canary - Serinus mozambicus Common Canary - Serinus canaria Nihoa Finch - Telespiza ultima |
Laysan Finch - Telespiza cantans Palila - Loxioides bailleui Maui Parrotbill - Pseudonestor xanthophrys O`ahu `Amakihi - Hemignathus chloris Hawai'i `Amakihi - Hemignathus virens Kaua'i `Amakihi - Hemignathus kauaiensis `Anianiau - Hemignathus parvus `Akiapola`au - Hemignathus munroi `Akikiki (Kaua'i Creeper) - Oreomystis bairdi Hawai'i Creeper - Oreomystis mana O'ahu Creeper - Paroreomyza maculata Maui `Alauahio (Maui Creeper) - Paroreomyza montana Hawai'i `Akepa - Loxops coccineus coccineus `Akeke`e - Loxops caeruleirostris I`iwi - Vestiaria coccinea `Akohekohe - Palmaria dolei `Apapane - Himatone sanguinea Po`ouli - Melamprosops phaeosoma House Sparrow - Passer domesticus Red-cheeked Cordonbleu - Uraeginthus bengalus Lavender Waxbill - Estrilda caerulescans Orange-cheeked Waxbill - Estrilda melpoda Black-rumped Waxbill - Estrilda troglodytes Common Waxbill - Estrilda astrild Red Avadavat - Amandava amandava African Silverbill - Lonchura cantans Nutmeg Mannikin - Lonchura punctulata Chestnut Munia - Lonchura atricapilla Java Sparrow - Padda oryzivora |
Endemic Kaua'i; Maui; Hawai'i Resident Endemic Wetland; Open
Country Adults are medium-sized with a black
face, crown and rear neck. The cheeks and neck are yellowy-cream with distinct dark markings on the neck sides.
The upperparts are brown with pale feather edgings. Underparts are paler buff with distinct dark barring. The bill
and legs are dark. Juveniles are
similar to adults but less well marked. Chicks are gray and downy. (22-26 inches. Males slightly larger than females) Calls: Honking similar to Canada Goose but shorter and
deeper pitched. Also a low "nah" or "nay" quietly uttered. The Hawaiian name for this species is NENE, and comes from the species call. Fossil records show that the Hawaiian Goose used to live on all the main Hawaiian islands.
It is believed that they were abundant (about 25,000 birds) on the Big Island before the arrival of Captain James
Cook in 1778. Today, the Big Island is the only place where they are found naturally in the wild, although reintroduced
populations exist on Kaua'i and Maui. Scientists believe that the Maui population became extinct before 1890. The
State bird of Hawai'i, the Nene underwent a dramatic population crash, but through captive breeding programs and
predator control the species is doing well, although its long-term future is still not secure. Birds were re-introduced
to Maui and Kaua'i. Birds can be observed on Hawai'i, Maui and Kaua'i. On Hawai'i it can be found on Mauna Loa, Mauna Kea
and Hualalai Volcanoes as well as at Kilauea Crater in Volcanoes NP, and often found on Volcanoes Golf Course.
On Maui they are most easily observed at Haleakala, and can often be seen from the Visitor Center. Nene frequent scrubland, grassland, golf courses, sparsely vegetated slopes and on Kaua`i,
in open lowland country. The Nene's vegetarian diet consists of seeds of grasses and herbs as well as leaves, buds,
flowers and fruits of various plants. The Nene does not appear to need fresh water but will use it when available.
Although Nene are found mostly in the rugged lava fields of the Big Island, this is probably the only place they
have survived rather than their preferred habitat. The breeding season is from November to June. The decline in numbers was accelerated during the period of 1850 to 1900 due to aggressive
hunting of the birds and collecting of their eggs. In 1951, the Nene population was estimated at only 30 birds.
Their continued decline was attributed to the introduction of alien plants and animals. Approximately 500 Nene
exist in the wild today. Many public and private organizations have been actively operating and supporting propagation
programs to reestablish the Nene in the wild. The State of Hawai`i reintroduced them to Kilauea Point and Hakalau
Forest National Wildlife Refuges. The National Park Service has rearing programs at Hawai`i Volcanoes National
Park and Haleakala National Park. The Wildfowl Trust in England has also played a major role in the survival of
the Hawaiian Goose. The Hawaiian Goose was listed as an endangered species in 1967 under the Federal Endangered
Species Act. The Hawaiian Goose Recovery Plan was published in 1983. It outlines the essential elements to accomplish
a goal of establishing 2,000 geese on Hawai`i and 250 on Maui. These elements are to minimize the mortality rate
in the wild, continue release of captive-bred birds, and to protect and improve habitat where the Nene can maintain
their populations naturally. Link: Hawaiian Goose: Distribution, Population, History & Ancestry
Back to Species List
HAWAIIAN GOOSE (NENE) (Branta sandvicensis)
On Kaua'i birds
can be encountered almost anywhere. particularly favored sites include Kilauea
Point NWR, where up to 120 birds are present. Dusk during the Spring and Summer
here can reveal a flock feeding at the Lighthouse of up to 90 birds. During the day there are usually a few hanging
around the refuge and most visitors have at least one encounter with them at this site. Elsewhere birds are easily
seen at Kilauea Farms Ponds (East of Kilauea),
Kaua'i Lagoons, Koke'e
and a newly established group at Hanalei NWR. Birds from Kaua'i Lagoons Golf Course often fly to Kipu Kai, a private land area on South Kaua'i, where up to 200 birds live and although the area is not
open to the public, birds can often be seen flying over Huleia NWR and the Hokulei Peak in the Hoary Head Mountain
Range, South of Lihue. Present all year, but more elusive in the winter months when birds have goslings.
 HAWAIIAN DUCK (KOLOA MAOLI) (Anas wyvilliana)Endemic Kaua'i; O'ahu; Hawai'i Resident Endemic Wetland;Upland Forest and Lowland Forest streams Males are brown overall with various subtle shades of black and buff and resemble female Mallards. They have darker heads and tails than females in general and sometimes show a green sheen on the head. Females are similar to males but even less well-marked. Both sexes exhibit a blue-green speculum bordered by white on both sides. The feet and legs are orange. Bills are brown or greeny, with males having brighter colored bills. Some males show black undertail coverts. Juveniles are similar to adults but less marked. Chicks are yellow and black/brown. (male 19 inches, female 17 inches) Calls: Mallard-like quack but softer. The Hawaiian name is KOLOA MAOLI and means "native duck".  The Hawaiian Duck is most easily seen on Kaua'i, although small numbers are found on O'ahu and The Big Island. On O'ahu many birds are hybrids with feral Mallards, but "pure" birds can be seen at and near James Campbell NWR and Pearl Harbor NWR. On Hawai'i they are usually encountered on ponds in ranch land, rather than coastal ponds. the ponds near Haleakala NWR usually have a few present. On Kaua'i the species can be seen on almost any body of water, especially in the evenings when birds fly down from the mountain streams to feed in the lower elevation areas. Particularly good spots to see this speci  es are Hanalei NWR, Huleia NWR, Wailua Reservoir,
the Koloa Reservoirs (near Koloa Town) and the
wetlands of the Mana Plain still hold small numbers.
The population at Hanalei NWR fluctuates according to the season and weather, but remains the easiest place to
see them on Kaua'i, with up to 300 birds sometimes present. Birds are also frequently seen in the mountainous river
valleys in the interior of the island, and have been recorded way up in the Alakai Swamp. Easily seen all year-round.Koloa eat mollusks, insects, and freshwater vegetation. They can begin breeding at one year old and nest year-round, but the main breeding season is between January and May. Two to ten eggs are laid in a well concealed nest lined with down and feathers. The incubation period is 30 days. Because their nests are established on the ground, they are highly vulnerable to mongoose, pig, and dog attacks. The chicks are sometimes eaten by bullfrogs and bass. The primary cause for the historical decline in numbers is loss of wetland habitat and hunting. Other factors include predation by introduced animals (e.g., rats, dogs, cats), hybridization (mating with other duck species), invasion of wetlands by alien plants, disease, and sometimes environmental contamination. A Koloa restoration program was initiated in 1962 by the World Wildlife Fund and the State through the Federal Aid to Wildlife Restoration Act. By 1979, 350 Hawaiian ducks had been released on O`ahu and Hawai`i as part of this program. Current estimated populations are 2,000 Koloa on Kaua`i-Ni`ihau, 300 on O`ahu, 25 on Maui, and 200 on the Big Island. Captive propagation and release programs have partly been successful at re-establishing Koloa populations on O`ahu and the Big Island. State waterbird surveys show the three island populations to be maintained at a steady level, but the species is still vulnerable due to hybridization. State and Federal efforts in protecting wetlands, enforcing strict hunting laws, educating, and working with private organizations and landowners play an important role in ensuring the livelihood of the Koloa and many other waterbirds. The Hawaiian Duck was listed as an endangered species in 1967 under the Federal Endangered Species Act. Link: Hawaiian Duck Link: Hawaiian Duck: Distribution and Population Status |
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Endemic NW Chain Resident Endemic Coastal; Wetland Males are dark brown with a white patch around the eye, blackish head and occasionally a green sheen. The bill is blue-green and shows some black spots on the upper mandible. Females are similar but exhibit more white on the face and a duller brown-yellow bill. Both sexes have orange legs and a bright green-blue speculum. Chicks are brown with buff markings. (17 inches) Calls: Males squeak and whistle, females quack like Mallard. Although unlikely to be seen by many people this species is included for completeness. Found now only on the Island of Laysan in the NW Chain, this was once the most widespread duck in Hawai'i. the population is currently estimated at c. 500 birds. They spend their whole lives on the Island, centered mainly around the saline lagoon feeding on insect larvae and brine flies. Before the breeding season (February through August), one can observe ducks running on the mudflats of Laysan to snap flies from the disturbed cloud of insects. Nests are built on the ground under thick vegetation where four to six pale ivory eggs are laid. Humans came to Laysan in the 1890s to mine guano, killing 300,000 seabirds in six months and eventually eliminating three endemic landbirds (Laysan Rail, Laysan Honeycreeper, and the Laysan Millerbird). The Laysan Duck was hunted for sport and for food. Humans also introduced rabbits that devastated the vegetation, turning the island into a desert-like terrain. The Laysan Duck was very close to extinction with the lowest recorded number of 11 in 1911. In 1993, an alarming population decline on Laysan Island occurred due to drought conditions during El Nino and introduced insects reducing the duck's food source. Numbering about 300 today, they are at high risk of extinction due to severe weather, disease, accidental introductions, and habitat degradation. The Laysan Duck was listed as an endangered species in 1967 under the Federal Endangered Species Act. Laysan Island is part of the Hawaiian Islands National Wildlife Refuge created in 1909 and has very restricted public access. The island is also designated as a Research Natural Area where state and federal biologists work closely together to ensure the well being of the island ecosystem. The Laysan Duck Recovery Plan was published in 1982. In the fall of 2004 20 Laysan Duck were translocated successfully to Midway Atoll to provide a secondary population. The species has a quite remarkable life history, which can be read in the Articles on Hawai'i Birds and Birdwatching section. Link: Laysan Duck |
Back to Species List
CHUKAR (Alectoris chukar)
*Introduced
Kaua'i; O'ahu; Moloka'i; Lana'i; Maui; Hawai'i
Introduced Resident
Open Country
Sexes alike. Pale gray and brown
above and below with distinct black and white flank barring. Black face line runs from upper mandible around cheek
and joins on breast. Pale cheeks and throat. red bill and legs. (14 inches) Calls:
Loud repeated "chukk". Female also clucks like a chicken.
This introduced Asian and European bird is found on all the Main
Islands but is only common on Hawai'i, Maui and Lana'i. On O'ahu and Kaua'i it
is decidedly scarce. On Maui it is easily seen
at Haleakala NP, especially near the road from
the Visitor Center to the summit, although they are also frequently seen further down towards Hosmer Grove. On
Hawai'i it can be seen in many areas where there
is suitable habitat, such as the Waimea Plains,
but is easily overlooked or may not be present even though the habitat appears suitable. On O'ahu the species is only found in the Waianae Mountains. On Kaua'i it is extremely elusive,
but the most likely locations are Waimea Canyon, Polihale and
sugar cane fields near Kekaha. An introduced resident
likely to be seen at any time of the year.
Back to Species List
GREY FRANCOLIN (Francolinus
pondicerianus)
*Introduced
Kaua'i; O'ahu; Moloka'i; Lana'i; Maui; Hawai'i
Introduced Resident
Open Country
Sexes alike. Brown plumage with
barring across back and wings, fine barring below. Throat is buff. Tail is rusty/rufous. Brownish legs. (12 inches)
Calls: Repeated and piercing
"titur-titur".
The Grey Francolin of Asia is found on all the Main
Islands, but is regularly seen only on Maui and Hawai'i. On O'ahu they are most readily seen on the slopes of Diamond Head.
On Maui they are common in lowland areas and can
often be seen on watered lawns in the Kihea area. On the Big Island they can be seen in widespread areas from sea level up to Mauna
Loa, and frequently feed along road edges and in the evenings especially can be
seen near watered areas such as golf courses and estate lawns. On Kaua'i the species is very scarce with few recent records, the best places to look would be the West
end of the island, from Polihale up to Kokee and in Waimea Canyon. Likely to be seen at any time of the year.
 BLACK FRANCOLIN (Francolinus
francolinus) *Introduced Ni'ihau; Kaua'i; Moloka'i; Maui; Hawai'i Introduced Resident Open Country; Lowland Forest Male is black below with variable amounts of chestnut sheen and white spotting on lower belly and undertail. Above is dark with white spots. Head shows a large white rear cheek patch. Bill is dark. Female is brown with rusty orange nape. (13 inches) Calls: Series of metallic buzzes and insect-like rasps. This Asian gamebird is found on all the Main Islands except O'ahu and Lana'i. On Kaua'i they are most easily observed near Kekaha, Waimea, Barking Sands and Polihale where they can often be seen right by the road. Birds are occasionally seen elsewhere on the Island, with records from as far North as Kilauea. On the Big Island they are regularly found in the South Kohala region and on Maui can be seen near Pukalani. Birds may be present in any dry area habitat with scrub on these Islands but can remain elusive for long periods, often being heard and not seen. Seen all year-round. |
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ERCKEL'S FRANCOLIN
(Francolinus erckelli)
*Introduced
Kaua'i; O'ahu; Lana'i; Hawai'i
Introduced Resident
Open Country
Sexes alike. Brown overall coloration
with black and white streaks above and below. Chestnut cap and white throat. Legs pale. (16 inches) Calls: Male gives a loud, far-carrying series
of laughing cackles.
This East African species is common on Kaua'i, O'ahu,
Hawai'i and Lana'i.
On the Big Island they are frequently seen in
North Kona, South
Kohala and along the Saddle Road. On Kaua'i they are most easily
seen on the road from Waimea and Kekaha to Kokee State Park, often feeding along the edge of the road, especially near the bottom. Birds can also be seen
at Polihale and near Barking
Sands. Locations where the habitat is dry with nearby wooded areas are favored
haunts of Erckel's Francolins. Observed year-round.
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FRANCOLIN (Francolinus adspersus) *Introduced Hawai'i Introduced Resident Open Country Sexes alike. Pale brown overall with some streaks above and finely barred underparts. Shows a yellow eye-patch and red bill and legs. (15 inches) Calls: Cackles and rasps. This Asian species is present in small numbers on the South side of the Big Island. Birds have been reported from The Chain of Craters Road in Volcano National Park , between Kilauea Caldera and the end of the road to the South and the Ainahou area, but sightings are few and far between. Sometimes called Close-barred Francolin. Present All Year. |
 JAPANESE QUAIL (Coturnix japonica)
*Introduced Kaua'i; O'ahu; Maui; Hawai'i Introduced Resident Open Country Tiny size. Male is brown and buff with pale unmarked belly and streaked breast, back and flanks. Black throat and pale supercilium. Female similar to male but pale throat and less marked breast. (7.5 inches) Calls: A sneeze-like "whicka- wheer", similar to other small Quail species. This Japanese and Asian species is present on several of the Main Islands but is regularly seen only on Kaua'i, and occasionally on the Big Island. On Hawai'i they are sometimes seen near Hakalau Forest NWR, Pu'u La'au road area, along the Saddle Road between Waiki'i Ranch and the top of the hill to the east of the ranch, but west of the entrance to Pu'u La'au Road. They are present on Kaua'i on the North Shore from Anahola to Hanalei. Reliable sites in the past have been the sub-divisions between Anahola and Kilauea, the Polo ground at Anini Beach and recently at Hanalei NWR, although it is unlikely that a sighting will be made from the public areas at this latter site. As the species prefers habitat with short grass any area with this type of habitat on the North Shore may have some birds, however, due to the birds small size and their elusiveness birds may not be seen despite being present. Birds in the Anahola area often fairly easy to see on the ground, whereas most other locations require a "walk through" to flush them. The population of this Quail might be expected to increase in the next few years as the North Shore of Kaua'i is developed and more suitable meadows and lawns are created. A resident species likely to be encountered at any time of the year. |
 RED JUNGLEFOWL (Gallus
gallus) *Introduced Ni'ihau; Kaua'i; reintroduced O'ahu, and on other islands in smaller numbers. Introduced Resident Open Country; Upland Forest; Lowland Forest; Urban Male is like a domestic cockerel with iridescent golden plumage on the back and underparts and a large green-black tail. Red wattles on head and green sheen to darker areas of plumage. Female is brown or buff with some streaking. (Male 30 inches, female 17 inches) Calls: Like domestic chicken calls and crows. Known as MOA in Hawaiian and is named after the Maori word for a large flightless bird in New Zealand and was presumably adopted by the Polynesians. This is the "original chicken" of Asia brought to Hawaii by the Polynesians and the very distant ancestors of these birds roam free on Kaua'i today. Although Junglefowl-type birds can be seen in almost any location, to see "pure and countable" birds a visit to Koke'e or the higher elevations forests is recommended. At Koke'e State Park birds are usually numerous by the Museum, awaiting handouts from tourists, although the pureness of these birds appears to have been greatly diluted in recent years and it may be that a re-appraisal of the species status is needed. Birds seen further into the forest in Koke'e and Waimea Canyon may be a little more "wild" and perhaps more countable. The birds in lowland Kauai, of which some appear to be pure birds are hard to miss, a statement borne out by the number of birds seen squashed on the road! Today the birds that roam O'ahu and other islands in the chain are probably as countable as most of the Kaua'i birds, however, these birds are almost entirely purely introduced chicken-type birds, rather than Junglefowl-type birds and it seems unlikley that any genes would be present to tie these individuals with original Junglefowl, which may be the case with the Kaua'i birds - perhaps a case study could clarify the situation? Present all year. |
 KALIJ PHEASANT (Lophura
leucomelana) *Introduced Hawai'i Introduced Resident Open Country; Upland Forest; Lowland Forest Male is metallic blue-black with white barring on back and rump and gray feathering on breast. Red face. Tail is made of many feathers in a bushy "v" shape. Females are mottled with light and dark brown. More limited red face. (33 inches) Calls: Male utters a crowing call and during courtship a pig-like squeal. Found only on the Big Island this Himalayan species is increasing its range and can be easily seen in Volcanoes National Park and in forested areas near Hakalau NWR. The birds like forested areas with open rides, a particularly favored site is the Bird trail in Volcanoes NP as well as Mauna Loa Road. Birds have recently been seen nearer the coast too, on the Western and South-western sides of the Island. Present all year. |
 RING-NECKED PHEASANT (Phasianus colchicus) *Introduced Kaua'i; O'ahu; Moloka'i; Lana'i; Maui; Hawai'i Introduced Resident Wetland; Open Country; Upland Forest; Lowland Forest Male is chestnut all over marked with black spots. Long brown/chestnut tail. Head is green with red facial wattles and a broad white neck ring. Females are brown and streaked. (Male 33 inches, female 23 inches) Calls: Male gives a crowing "kok, kok, kok" usually given in a series of notes. The familiar Ring-necked Pheasant of Asia is found on all the Main Islands and can be seen in a wide variety of habitats such as wetlands, forests, dry grassland and sugar cane fields. Although not always easy to see, searching in these suitable areas will usually produce a sighting. Present all year. The GREEN PHEASANT (Phasianus colchicus versicolor)* has at various times be  en treated as a full species, distinct from Ring-necked Pheasant, and is included here for completeness,
although there seems to be little to warrant specific status. It is an Introduced
Resident and individuals
can be observed on the slopes of Mauna Loa and
Mauna Kea on the Big
Island. Deliberate releases are likely to be encountered on other islands in the
future too. The Male is green below and green-brown
above and lacks a white collar. The Female is very similar to the female Ring-necked Pheasant. (Male
33 inches, female 23 inches). Calls: Same as Ring-necked Pheasant.Other birds encountered which appear very dark are "melanistic mutant Pheasant" from a different province in China than the ring-neck. They are considered a sub-species and will interbreed with the ring neck (Patrick Fisher, Parker Ranch Biologist). |
 COMMON
PEAFOWL (Pavo cristatus) *Introduced Ni'ihau; Kaua'i; O'ahu; Hawai'i Introduced Resident Open Country; Lowland Forest Male is unmistakable with blue-green iridescent plumage and long flowing tail with "eye spots" at the tips. Female is dark above and pale below and has a short crest. (Male 100 inches with tail, female 30 inches) Calls: Call is a loud "kee-ah" with a cat-like quality. The best place to see this Indian species in Hawai'i is on the Big Island, where birds can often be seen from the roads to the East of Kona. They frequent pastures along the road and can often be seen standing on dry stone walls. Their cries are often the first sign of their presence. Birds are present on other Islands too, but are usually presumed to be non self-supporting or may be feral birds. On O'ahu birds are commonly seen in the Waianae Mountains, with Makaha Valley and Kaneaki Heiau area holding a large population (3000 individuals estimated in the early 1990's!). On Kaua'i birds are sometimes seen on the road to Wailua Reservoir and at Smith's Tropical Paradise, the latter are captive/feral and the former are probably feral. Also on Kaua'i a group is present on a private ranch in the South of the Island and young are born naturally every year, and this may become a countable fully self-supporting population in the future (if it is not already). In late 2002 two birds were recorded on Maui in the South Kihei area, but it seems likely that these were simply wandering captive/feral birds as the species is not known to be present on the Island in a "wild state". Present all year. |
 WILD TURKEY ( Meleagris gallopavo) *Introduced Ni'ihau; Kaua'i; Moloka'i; Lana'i; Hawai'i Introduced Resident Open Country; Lowland Forest Male is brown, black and gray plumaged with a broad tail and long neck. Head has no feathering and a large naked wattle is present on the face. Females are smaller but similar. Some male birds are very large and more impressive and are of a form sometimes known as "Rio Grande" Turkey. (Male 48 inches, Female 36 inches) Calls: Gobbles in a low tone as well as a sharp "pit". In flocks utters a loud "keow" call. This North American species is present on the Big Island in good numbers and can usually be easily seen along the roads from Kona to the Saddle Highway. The roads near Puu Laau, the Northern end of the Saddle Highway and Mauna Kea Road are all reliable sites. Birds are particularly approachable in the early morning or late evening, when small groups can be seen quietly feeding along the grassy verges. On Moloka'i and Lana'i large numbers can be found throughout the Islands in suitable habitat, and in fact by 2002 the turkeys on Lana'i had apparently reached nuisance status on the resorts and golf courses, and large numbers were being removed, although birds can still be found in many areas, even by beaches such as Shipwreck Beach. Turkeys were the second bird introduced to Hawaii (after Red Junglefowl) and they profited from the same kapu that enabled feral cattle to gain a foothold in the early 19th Century and were also brought by Captain Vancouver as a gift to Kamehameha I. The original stock would have been domestic, with white tail tips, descended from M. g. merriami from Mexico. In recent times, the state has released turkeys of the northeastern subspecies with chestnut tail tips. Nowadays, most Hawaiian turkeys are a subspecific amalgam with intermediate tips to the tail feathers. Present all year. |
 CALIFORNIA QUAIL (Callipepla
californica) *Introduced Kaua'i?; Moloka'i; Lana'i; Maui; Hawai'i Introduced Resident Open Country; Upland Forest Male is gray-brown with white streaks on the flanks and a scaled or spotted lower breast and belly. The face is black with a white supercilium and face surround and there is a drooping head "top-knot" from the forehead. Female is similar but duller and with a smaller head plume. Juvenile like adult but less marked and short plume. (10 inches) Calls: Tri-syllabic call, sometimes said to resemble "Chi-ca-go". Also a soft "pit". Although present on several of the Main Islands (excluding O'ahu) the most reliable sites to see this North American species are on the Big Island. Birds are quite easily seen in Volcanoes National Park, along Mauna Loa Road and at Volcanoes Golf Course. The approach roads to Hakalau NWR are also a reliable site, with birds often being seen along the road edges, upon flushing they will often fly into a nearby tree or bush. On Kaua'i the species is extremely elusive in the Waimea Canyon and Koke'e regions, but sightings are few and far between. A resident species seen all year-round. |
| GAMBEL'S QUAIL (Callipepepla gambelli) *Introduced Lana'i; Kaho'olawe; Hawai'i Introduced Resident Open Country; Lowland Forest Very similar to California Quail but much paler. Males have an unscaled belly and exhibit a black belly patch. The crown is cinnamon colored. Females are similar to female California Quail but paler. Juveniles are similar to adults but less well marked and with a short plume. (11 inches) Calls: Similar to California Quail. This North American species is seen irregularly in mixed flocks with California Quail on the Big Island and is best looked for on Mauna Kea and in the Hakalau NWR Forest area, but it is always very local and hard to find. Puu Laau is also a site where birds have been sighted. Birds have also been sighted at Keanakolu Road and nearby in the Pohakuloa military facility area: in September 2003 birds were seen at the Pohakuloa Unit of Mauna Kea State Park. They are established on Kaho'olawe, which is at present not open to the public and on Lana'i. Thorough searching through flocks of California Quail is the best chance to see this species in Hawai'i. Resident but local, likely to be found at any time of year. |
 PIED-BILLED
GREBE (Podilymbus podiceps) Indigenous and Winter visitor Hawai'i Resident Wetland Male and Female similar. Adult is brown-gray with a deep-based short bill which is pale in color and a dark band in summer plumage. Also during the summer the species exhibits a black throat. The undertail coverts are white. Juveniles have streaked heads and necks. (13 inches). Calls: A variety of cackling or hooting notes. Also sounds like a distant barking dog. This North American species started breeding at Aimakapa Pond, on the Kona side of the Big Island in 1985. This recent colonist's numbers appear to have peaked and the population has dwindled to just a few birds and it is unclear whether the species will survive as a breeding Hawaiian bird, as of 2001 no birds are known to be nesting at Aimakapa. Individuals are occasionally seen on other islands, such as at Hanalei NWR on Kaua'i, but it may be that these birds are vagrants from the U.S. mainland, rather than wandering birds from Aimakapa. The future outcome of the Kona population is being closely monitored, as the Pied-billed Grebe is one of only two natural colonists in modern times in Hawai'i (excluding seabirds). Birds were usually present at Aimakapa all year round, but are very occasional now. Vagrant birds are most likely in fall or Winter, as are wandering birds. |
 LAYSAN
ALBATROSS (Diomedia immutabilis) Indigenous NW Chain; Ni'ihau; Kaua'i; O'ahu; Pelagics Migrant nester Pelagic/Coastal Adults are white below with a black upperwing surface. The tail is white with a black terminal band. The eye has a dark surround and the face has a dusky wash on the cheeks. The bill and legs are pinky-yellow. Juveniles are very hard to tell apart from adults but in some the eyebrow is less pronounced. Chicks are downy and grey. (31-32 inches, wingspan 80 inches) Calls: Calls like Black-footed Albatross but are less harsh. The Hawaiian name is MOLI and is derived from the name given to a bone tattoo needle used by the ancient Hawaiians which was made from the bone of an Albatross.  This is the species of Albatross
most likely to be encountered in Hawai'i and the North Pacific. Although hundreds of thousands of birds breed in
the NW Chain, including Midway, there are several
small colonies in the Main Islands. On Kaua'i
the species can best be seen at Kilauea Point NWR,
Barking Sands and headlands on the North Shore. Princeville often has a few nesting pairs, especially around the
main green, opposite the Golf Course. At sea birds may be encountered from any of the headlands, but are more commonly
seen from the North and West shores. On O'ahu a
couple of pairs usually attempt to nest at Ka'ena Point,
although there is frequently disturbance at this site. Occasionally pairs will also nest on some of the islands
on the Eastern side of O'ahu. Pelagics are again usually a good way to see this species, especially near to Kaua'i.
Best time to observe this species is November to August, although earlier in the season birds are more predictable,
as they are still sitting on eggs, later when the chicks hatch it can be up to two weeks between visits by the
parents. A few nest on the northern end Ni'ihau.
Occasionally hybrids between Black-footed Albatross and Laysan Albatross are recorded and these can vary greatly
in their plumage and can sometimes be hard to identify to species. Right: Variant Laysan Albatross on Midway Atoll, Fall/Winter 2001. © Christie Donnelly 2001. The dark pigment usually seen in the upperpart feathers of Laysan Albatross have been replaced here with silvery-grey feathers. Normal plumaged birds can be seen in the background.  Right: Albino
Laysan Albatross chick, Midway Atoll, Fall/Winter 2001. © Christie Donnelly
2001.This downy chick shows completely white plumage and the typical pink bare parts (bill, legs and eye) of albino individuals. Link: The Albatross Project Link: Save the Albatross campaign Link: Laysan Albatross |
 BLACK-FOOTED ALBATROSS (Diomedia nigripes)
Indigenous NW Chain; Ni'ihau; Pelagics Migrant nester Pelagic/Coastal Adults are sooty brown in color with variable amounts of white at the bill base and tail base. Bill and legs are grey-black. Juveniles lack the white markings of adults. Chicks are downy and dark brown. (27-29 inches, wingspan 76-84 inches) Calls: Whistles, whines, whinnies and moaning. Also bill clapping. The Hawaiian name for the species is KA'UPU. The Black-footed Albatross of the North Pacific is a fairly common nester in the NW Hawaiian Islands and can easily be observed at Midway.In the Main Islands the best chance of seeing this species is probably from Kaua'i. Seawatching from any prominent headland in favorable wind conditions might produce this species. Ha'ena Point, Kilauea Point, Nawiliwili and Polihale are all good spots with records from all these locations. Occasionally a bird will come to land at such spots as Kilauea Point or Barking Sands, but usually do not stay for long. A greater chance for seeing this species would be from a pelagic trip, with birds frequently being seen between Kaua'i and Ni'ihau, up to 50 pairs breed on Lehua Rock just NE of Ni'ihau. Elsewhere in the Main Islands the species is rare. Best time to observe this species is November to May in the NW Chain and February to August from the Main islands. Occasionally hybrids between Black-footed Albatross and Laysan Albatross are recorded and these can vary greatly in their plumage and can sometimes be hard to identify to species. Link: Save the Albatross campaign Link: Black-footed Albatross Article |
 SHORT-TAILED ALBATROSS (Diomedia albatrus)Winter visitor Winter Pelagic/Coastal Adults are large with white underparts and back and black and white upperwings. The tail is white with a narrow black terminal band. The head is golden washed and the bill is pink. Sub-adults are blotchy and have brown hindnecks and wings. Juveniles are all-dark with pink bill and legs. (36 inches, wingspan 82 inches) Calls: Like other Albatross makes whinnying and moaning noises at nesting grounds. The second rarest Albatross in the World is a regular but extremely rare visitor in the winter months to Midway Atoll in the North West Chain and between one and three birds are usually present between November and March, although their visits can be erratic. Although birds have been sighted at sea on numerous occasions off North America and Alaska, there is only one modern-day record from the Main Hawaiian Islands, one seen at Barking Sands, Kaua'i in March 2000. Midway remains only one of three regularly occurring places where this species can be seen, the other being its Japanese nesting grounds at Tori-shima Island and Minami-kojima, although public access to these Japanese sites is nearly impossible. In early 2002 a pair were seen incubating an egg at Midway Atoll. Link: Short-tailed Albatross Link: Short-tailed Albatross Link: Short-tailed Albatross: Information and Recent Sightings in North Pacific Link: Short-tailed Albatross History |
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Endemic Kaua'i; Maui; Hawai'i; Pelagics Endemic Migrant Pelagic/Coastal Adults are white below and dark gray-black above with pale gray breast sides. The back is slightly paler than the upperwings and the forehead is white. The tail is wedged-shaped and dark except for a narrow white base. The feet are usually pinky colored. The "tubed" bill is dark and strongly hooked. Chicks are gray and downy. (16 inches, wingspan 36inches) Calls: A repeated moaning "oo-a-oo". At the nest birds also make barking noises, yaps and squeals. The Hawaiian name is 'UA'U and is derived from the calls and noises the birds make on their nesting grounds. This endemic Pterodroma Petrel nests on Kaua'i, Maui and Hawai'i and Moloka'i. The Dark-rumped Petrel is a bird of the open Pacific seas and has a high and steep flight pattern. Adults feed on squid, fish, and crustaceans and pass food to chicks by regurgitation. Breeding season is from March to October, during which time they nest in some of the main Hawaiian Islands. They nest in burrows along large rock outcrops, under cinder cones, or under old lichen-covered lava at elevations above 7,200 feet. The burrows are generally three to six feet long (from entrance to nest chamber), although some may be as long as 15 feet. One white egg is laid deep within the burrows.
On Hawai'i they are best seen at higher elevation on Mauna Kea and Mauna Loa, rather than coming in off the sea. Pelagics off the Main Islands frequently turn up Hawai'ian Petrels and they are particularly prominent off Kaua'i. Threats to this endangered seabird include predation by introduced mammals, development, ocean pollution, and disturbance of their breeding grounds. The petrel does not have any natural defenses against predators such as rats, feral cats, and mongooses, and their burrows are very vulnerable. The Hawaiian Dark-rumped Petrel and Newell’s Shearwater Recovery Plan was published in 1983. The `Ua`u was listed as an endangered species on March 11, 1967. Formerly considered conspecific with the Galapagos Petrel (Pterodroma phaeopygia) and known as Hawaiian Dark-rumped Petrel (Pterodroma phaeopygia sandwichensis), but given specific status in 2001. At present however there seems no way of telling the two species apart at sea, although it is unlikely that Galapagos Petrel would be found near the Hawaiian Islands. Link: Hawaiian Dark-rumped Petrel Link: Hawaiian Petrel: Distribution, Population and Species Status |
 BONIN
PETREL (Pterodroma hypoleuca) Indigenous NW Chain Migrant nester Pelagic/Coastal Adults have white underparts except for a gray half-collar which extends from the dark upperparts. The underwings are white with dark edges and a black wrist mark. An obvious "M" pattern can be seen on the upperparts in flight. The tail is dark with white undertail coverts. Chicks are gray and downy. (12 inches, wingspan 31 inches) Calls: Moans, squeals and a loud chatter at nesting sites. This species breeds on islands in the NW Chain, such as Midway and can be observed there whilst nesting, around Christmas time. They are sometimes seen from Pelagics in the North West Chain but are rare in waters around the Main Islands. Probably the most likely sites in the Main Islands would be from Kaua'i's South and West shores. A lucky pelagic around Kaua'i or Ni'ihau might also turn up this species. The best time to look for Bonin Petrels away from the nesting colonies would be in the Fall and Spring. |
 BULWER'S PETREL (Bulweria
bulwerii) Indigenous NW Chain; Kaua'i; O'ahu; Moloka'i; Maui; Pelagics Migrant nester Pelagic/Coastal Adults are small and all dark, sooty-brown with a long tail which appears tapered in flight. The upperwing surface exhibits a distinctive lighter brown band. Chicks are sooty brown. (11 inches, wingspan 23 inches) Calls: A raspy dog-like yapping at the nest site. Also sometimes a moaning. Hawaiian name is 'OU, and probably derives from the birds mating calls. This species is most easily observed in the NW Hawaiian Islands, such as Midway, but also nests on rocky islands off the Main Islands. The species certainly nested on Moku'ae'ae Island, off from Kilauea Point NWR in 1998, as nests with eggs were found, unfortunately at least five birds were killed by Owls that year and the species has not been seen there since. Birds nest on some of the islands on the East side of O'ahu, such as Moku Manu and Manana and from Maui on Molokini, but are extremely difficult to observe as they rarely come in sight of land before dark. Apart from a trip to Midway the best chance of seeing this species is on a pelagic, sightings are regular off the Big Island, perhaps indicating an unknown colony, as well as from Kaua'i. The species nests almost certainly on Lehua Rock, Ni'ihau and a trip from Kaua'i to Ni'ihau will probably turn up one or two individuals. From land the South and West shores of Kauai and South side of Maui are the most likely spots. In the NW Chain the winter months are best and Spring and Fall are the best months for sightings in the Main Islands. |
 WEDGE-TAILED SHEARWATER (Puffinus pacificus)Indigenous NW Chain; Kaua'i; O'ahu; Moloka'i; Maui; Pelagics Migrant nester Pelagic/Coastal Adult: A large shearwater which has two distinct adult color phases, one is pale off-white below and dark brown above and the second is dark all over. The darkness of the plumage varies greatly and it can sometimes be more difficult to identify the species from others. The back usually exhibits pale edging to the feathers. The tail is wedge-shaped and this can easily be seen when spread. Chicks are pale gray and downy. The pale phase far outnumbers the darker phase. Leisurely flight. (17 inches, wingspan 38 inches) Calls: Moans and groans and wheezes and wails on the nesting sites and is sometimes alikened to a baby crying. The Hawaiian name is 'UA'U KANI and is derived from the calls that the species makes on the breeding grounds "oo-ah-ooh", and kani means to "cry out".  The Wedge-tailed Shearwater
is the most common Shearwater in Hawaiian waters, and between March and November can be easily seen from shore
from most of the Main Islands as well as in the
NW Chain. Birds gathering offshore just before
dark can number many thousands of birds, with well over 10,000 being recorded regularly from Kaua'i, although it
would appear that many of these must either be non-breeders or visitors from colonies further afield. In the Main
Islands the best location to see the species is at Kilauea Point NWR on Kaua'i. Here the birds can
be seen just a few feet away from the paths, and often in the full open. Adults arrive in early March and numbers
increase before a pre-breeding exodus of about two weeks, after this time thousands of birds return just before
dark and their loud moaning and groaning noises, likened to a crying baby, can be heard all around. Once the chicks
are hatched the adults continue to feed them until late October/early November every couple of days, until the
chicks leave the nest at this time. In the fall birds are sometimes picked up on coastal roads and released, although
as would be expected of a coastal nester, the number of birds picked up is less than the number of Newell's Shearwater.
Other colonies exist on Kaua'i, but are severely threatened and so the areas are not disclosed here. Dogs, cats
and rats are a major threat to this burrow nesting species on Kaua'i, as well as Barn Owls.On the other islands birds nest on rocky islets offshore, as well as several areas on the Main Islands themselves. On the remaining Main Islands the Shearwaters also have to contend with Mongoose and so as birds are easily observed from land around the Islands, these sites are also not disclosed, as human visitation to these sites may encourage mongoose to seek out the colonies even more than they do now. Any prominent Point in Hawai'i should reveal Wedge-tails offshore, but certainly Kilauea Point is the place to go for a close encounter with one! On pelagic birding this is most likely to be the most common species encountered, and it is not infrequent to see "bird piles" of thousands of these birds on such a trip, often in large rafts on the water's surface. |
 NEWELL'S
SHEARWATER (Puffinus newelli)Endemic Kaua'i; O'ahu; Hawai'i; Pelagics Endemic Migrant Pelagic/Coastal; Upland Forest Adults are black above and pure white below with the white underparts extending onto the rump sides, which is often visible from above on flying birds. Rapid wingbeats in flight alternated with short glides. Chicks are gray. Calls: On the nesting colony various jackass-like braying, wailing and crow-like calls. Also a repeated "ah-oh". Unmistakable. The Hawaiian name is 'A'O and is derived from its calls, which sounds like a braying donkey gone mad! This species was once considered a race of the Townsend's Shearwater, but is now treated as a Hawaiian endemic. Newell's are most easily seen on Kaua'i, although smaller colonies exist on Oahu and possibly Moloka'i and Maui. They are smaller than Wedge-tails and have a Black and White appearance, as opposed to Brown and White or all Brown of the former. The Newell’s Shearwater or `A`o is a bird of the open tropical seas and offshore waters near breeding grounds. During their nine-month breeding season from April through November, `A`o live in burrows under ferns on forested mountain slopes. These burrows are used year after year and usually by the same pair of birds. Although the `A`o is capable of climbing shrubs and trees before taking flight, it needs an open downhill flight path through which it can become airborne. The `A`o primarily feeds on squid. The Newell’s Shearwater was once abundant on all main Hawaiian islands. Today, they only nest in the mountainous terrain between 500 to 2,300 feet on Kaua`i, and probably O'ahu and Hawai'i. Newell's Shearwaters nest high in the mountains like Hawaiian Petrel, although usually at slightly lower elevations, but as with that species it is very hard to witness birds on the nesting ground and the best way to see the species is to watch the sea from a prominent headland. On Kaua'i they can easily be seen, flying low and fast across the water, from Kealia Beach, Wailua Beach, Nawiliwili, Makahuena Point, Polihale and Kilauea Point, it is worth remembering though that at the last site the viewing is hard, as birds stay close to the water and the viewing after hours from here is rather distant. However, having said that Kilauea Point is the best place to hear them!!  After dark between April and
September at least two Newell's Shearwaters can be regularly heard from the overlook at the end of Lighthouse Road
at Kilauea Point at the entrance to the refuge. The strange donkey-like braying and groans coming from above are
being delivered by birds that were released here several years ago in an attempt to provide a new colony of birds.
Every year (so far) two pairs have returned, and although nesting and egg laying has been recorded no confirmed
fledging has taken place. If there is a full moon it may be possible to get the odd flash of a bird as it flies
maniacally around the refuge. It is worth noting that flashlights should not be used to try and see the birds here
as it can disorientate the birds.This seabird was reported to be in danger of extinction by the 1930s. The introduction of the mongoose, black rat, and Norway rat may have played a primary role in the reduction of ground nesting seabirds such as the `A`o and the `Ua`u (Hawaiian Dark-rumped Petrel). A second threat to the `A`o is its attraction to light. Increasing urbanization and the accompanying manmade lighting have resulted in substantial problems for fledgling shearwaters during their first flight to the ocean from their nesting grounds. When attracted to manmade lights, fledglings become confused and may suffer temporary night blindness. They often fly into utility wires, poles, trees, and buildings and fall to the ground. Between 1978 and 1981, more than 5,000 Newell’s Shearwaters fell on Kaua`i’s highways, athletic fields, and hotel grounds. Predator control in key habitat areas, the establishment of Bird Salvage-Aid Stations, nest translocation, and light attraction studies have been initiated to help save the Newell’s Shearwater. Outreach to Kaua`i’s local community has resulted in people picking up and bringing them to aid stations for care and release, giving the seabirds a chance to live. If you find a stranded bird it should be taken to the nearest fire station, where it will be collected and released. The Newell’s Shearwater was listed as an threatened species by the Fish and Wildlife Service in 1975. The Hawaiian Dark-rumped Petrel and Newell’s Shearwater Recovery Plan was published in 1983. Link: Newell's Shearwater Link: Newell's Shearwater: Distribution and Population Status |
 CHRISTMAS SHEARWATER
(Puffinus nativitatus) Indigenous NW Chain; O'ahu; Pelagics Migrant nester Pelagic/Coastal Adults of this species are all-dark and smaller than Wedge-tailed Shearwater. The tail is quite short and rounded helping in identification. The chicks are black. (15 inches, wingspan 32 inches) Calls: Similar to Wedge-tailed Shearwater calls but more nasal. This small all-dark Shearwater nests on a couple of small islets off O'ahu, such as Moku Manu, on Lehua Rock off Ni'ihau and in the NW Chain. It is more easily observed in the Main islands though from headlands such as Kilauea Point, Nawiliwili and Makahuena Point on Kaua'i, Laie Point and Kahuku Point on O'ahu. Birds have been seen regularly from the vantage point just past Hanauma Bay (heading east) where the road curves sharply and begins to descend. Usually the birds will be quite distant but occasionally birds will approach the land and even fly over, with birds doing this on several occasions at Kilauea Point, sometimes even seen flying around the lighthouse. Birds are usually seen just before dark. Pelagic trips frequently turn up this species, especially those out of Kaua'i. Spring, summer and fall are the best times to see Christmas Shearwater from the Main Islands and Winter in the NW Chain, such as Midway. |
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Indigenous NW Chain; Kaua'i; Pelagics Migrant nester Pelagic/Coastal; nesting in canyons Adults are small sized and dark all over except for a broad white rump. The wings are rounded and the tail is forked. Little contrast in upperwing colors. Chicks are dark brown-black and downy. (8 inches, wingspan 17 inches) Calls: Squeaks which sound like a wet finger being rubbed on smooth glass are uttered at and over the nesting sites. The Hawaiian name is 'AKE 'AKE.
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On
Maui birds nest at Haleakala
NP and can be seen and heard from March until August/September. For the best places
to view or listen to the Petrels at Haleakala it is best to ask at the Visitor Center for details.
