FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

Q. Is there a good birdfinding guidebook to Hawai'i's birds which will tell me good sites to visit and what I might see ? A. "Enjoying Birds and other Wildlife in Hawai'i" by H. Douglas Pratt is currently the best guide available and tells birders where and when to visit sites and what they might expect to see. The guide has maps and photographs of birds and habitats and is a great all-round guide that is easily carried out in the field. "The Birdwatchers Guide to Hawai'i" by Rick Soehren is also a very useful site guide and "Hidden Treasures of O'ahu" published by the Hawai'i Audubon Society is a very informative annotated map for wildlife watchers and sightseers on O'ahu - The Gathering Place. These and other titles are listed on the Recommended Reading Page.

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Q. What is the best fieldguide for identifying birds in Hawai'i ? A. For identifying the endemics and introduced residents "A field Guide to the Birds of Hawai'i and the Tropical Pacific" by H. Douglas Pratt et al. is the best and most complete guide available. It has color plates and an authoritative text, as well as a few habitat photographs. "Hawai'i's Birds" by the Hawaii Audubon Society is a great little pocket-sized guide full of color photographs of nearly all the birds you are likely to see and at less than $10 is excellent value for money. For migrants and vagrants the "National Geographic Guide to North American Birds" (3rd Edition) is a very useful and compact book.

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Q. What species are the Hummingbirds I have been seeing ? A. The "Hummingbirds" that are often reported from Hawai'i are in fact Hawk Moths (also known as Sphinx Moths) and some species look very like Hummingbirds when seen poorly and even sometimes when seen well. Hummingbirds do not occur in Hawai'i. Po'ipu and Koloa on Kaua'i have large populations of Hummingbird Hawk Moths and they are often seen along field edges and in exotic vegetation here. Most Sphinx Moths in Hawai'i are introduced species, but there are a couple of rare endemic species, such as the Green Sphinx Moth of Kaua'i which is only found in the mountains of Koke'e and the Alakai Swamp, and due to its rarity has not been seen that many times. A second species, Blackburn's Sphinx Moth is found only on Maui and the Big Island and has recently been observed on Kahoolawe. A great guide to help identify moths and butterflies in Hawai'i is "Hawai'i's Butterflies - A field guide to the Butterflies and Moths of Hawai'i" by Dean Jamieson and Jim Denny (Mutual Publishing Company, Honolulu. 2002). The book reveals the fascinating island micro-world of these beautiful, strange and exotic creatures. From the lovely Monarch and Kamehameha butterflies to the tiny Dancing Moth and amazing Carnivorous Caterpillar - here are the life cycles, habits and histories of Hawai'i's most easily observed species. Species descriptions and colorful photographs of caterpillars, cocoons, common plant habitats and full-grown adult butterflies and moths identifies over 30 species easily encountered in backyards and low-altitude hikes. Includes details of the two endemic Hawaiian butterflies, the Kamehameha and Blackburn's Blue and endemic moths. More details and review by Clicking Here.

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Q. I was walking on the beach the other day and I heard what sounded like a crying baby and some moaning coming from a rocky slope nearby, what made the noises ? A. These noises are coming from Wedge-tailed Shearwaters (Puffinus pacificus). They are the most common Shearwater species in Hawai'i and return to land at dusk to dig a burrow, mate and to tend to their chicks. The calls they give off can mean different things at different times of the year. The peak time when the birds are noisiest and most obvious is in March and April when the birds have just returned to the breeding grounds and they are "sorting out" who is going to live where and with whom! The species can often be seen gathering in large flocks at dusk offshore and can be seen well at Kilauea Point National Wildlife Refuge, Kaua'i.

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Q. What are the best places to see endemic birds in the Hawaiian Islands ? A. Check out the Annotated List to Hawai'i's Birds pages or the Where to Watch Birds in Hawai'i Pages.

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Q. Why are there no endemic forest birds in the lowland areas ? A. The first reason that native birds are confined to higher elevations is the clearance of much of the native forests of lowland Hawai'i by the Polynesian settlers and later by Westerners. This meant that there was not much suitable or enough habitat left to support these native forest species. The second reason is the presence of Mosquitoes in Hawai'i which can transmit Avian Malaria to birds. It is only at the higher and colder elevations that the Mosquitoes do not occur, although they are becoming more resistant. Good news is that some of the birds appear to be becoming immune to the Malaria and some such as 'Elepaio and 'Amakihi may be seen at much lower elevations than they were a few years ago, the bad news is that many species have already been wiped out. During Hurricane 'Iniki on Kaua'i in 1992 'Apapane were actually seen in several lowland areas, birds did what they had done for hundreds of years and resorted to flying to the lower more sheltered areas, although their outcome after the hurricane is unknown. Above left:: Diamond Head with Taro lo'i in 1910. Above right and below: Diamond Head, Waikiki and Downtown Honolulu in the 1990's. In just 80 years the area changed from being the largest wetland site in Hawai'i to one of the major cities of the Pacific, displacing many endemic waterbirds and denying habitat to migrant and vagrant birds.

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Q. Why are there so many introduced bird species in Hawai'i ? A. Different introduced birds are in Hawai'i for different reasons. The Moa or Red Junglefowl was originally brought to Hawai'i by the early Polynesians and provided food and eggs for them. Junglefowl can still be seen today on Kaua'i. Some species such as Barn Owl and Cattle Egret were introduced to try to control agricultural pests, with mixed success. Many species were brought to Hawai'i as pets and either escaped or were deliberately released by their owners and eventually built up self-sustaining populations. Other species were deliberately introduced to bring back birdlife to the lowland areas of the Islands, which were devoid of most birds due to habitat loss and disease, this was particularly prevalent in the early 20th Century. Some species simply escaped whilst being transported, and as these consignments were usually of many birds, a population could quickly establish in the wild. One species, the Mariana Swiftlet (previously known as Guam Swiftlet) from Guam and the Mariana Islands was released on O'ahu to provide an extra population of this endangered species, as many birds on its native islands were being wiped out, scientists think primarily by the Brown Tree Snake. A recent and worrying trend is the deliberate release of Parrots into forests, particularly on Hawai'i, Maui and O'ahu. These birds often carry disease and can compete with other species for food and nesting space.

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Q. The names of Hawaiian birds are very similar, what do their Hawaiian names mean in English? A. For a list of bird names in English, Hawaiian, Latin and their Hawaiian meanings go to the Hawaiian Bird Names page.

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Q. Many of the Hawaiian Forest birds look the same. Is there an easy way to try to distinguish between them in the field? A. Although there are several similar looking species fortunately only a few of each live on each island and so it is not as daunting as it first seems. It is best to get a field guide and spend a little time carefully studying the features of each bird such as bill color, length and shape; amount of black around the eye; leg color; brightness of plumage and especially important, the calls and songs. It is usually possible to quickly differentiate between the species on each island and no-one has yet recorded one species, such as 'Anianiau from Kaua'i on another island, and so if you think you have an 'Anianiau on Maui it is more likely to be a Maui Creeper. Of course there is always the remote chance that one island endemic could possibly occur on another island, but this would take a lot of convincing and proof such as video or photographs with a landmark in the background.

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Q. I am holidaying on Kaua'i and I found a Shearwater/Petrel on the side of the road, it appears uninjured but rather dazed, what should I do with it? A. Some seabirds which nest in the mountains such as Newell's Shearwater, Hawaiian Petrel and Band-rumped Storm Petrel are sometimes found beside the road on Kaua'i, O'ahu and Maui, especially under power cables. This usually occurs during the fall when young birds are leaving their nests for the first time and become disorientated by street and house lights, also as power lines often run alongside roads they are often the cause of "downed" birds too. If you do find a seabird on Kaua'i during the fall that appears uninjured or only slightly hurt put it in a box and take it to the nearest fire station where they have special cages to hold the birds until they can be collected for recuperation and release. Make sure that you don't add to the birds confusion or injuries by harassing or scaring it whilst you transport it. On O'ahu seabirds can be taken to the Sealife Park. Rehabilitation cages photo © Jim Denny.

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Q. I found an injured bird and I wondered where I could take it for rehabilitation. A. Unfortunately there are only a few places where injured birds are welcomed for treatment. Places such as National Wildlife Refuges are on the whole the first place many people think of taking such a bird, however the refuges are not equipped for wildlife rehabilitation, either equipment or staff-wise and most birds taken there will not be looked after properly. The best chance of saving a bird is to contact Hale Manu Aviaries (All species), The O'ahu Sealife Center (for seabirds) or the newly formed (2004) Wild Bird Rehab Haven: HALE MANU AVIARIES Wild and Exotic Bird Rescue and Rehabilitation. Contact: Chad Castle: State and Federal Wild Bird Rehabilitation Permits, Exotic Bird Rescue 391.0689 cell phone O'AHU SEALIFE CENTER Telephone: 1 808 259 7933 WILD BIRD REHAB HAVEN Wild Bird Rehab Haven, a newly formed non-profit dedicated to the care and release of Hawai‘i’s injured, sick and orphaned wild bird population is seeking funding and volunteers to help found Hawai‘i’s first wild bird rehabilitation center. Volunteers are needed for fundraising, wild bird care (State and/or Federal Wildlife Rehabilitators’ licenses must be obtained by each individual), grant writing and research, and publicity. Individual members who for years have been networking and caring for birds in their own homes recently located a house rental on 1.8 beautiful acres in Wai‘anae formerly used as a veterinarian clinic. Wild Bird Rehab Haven hopes to begin operations in late Spring. Recommendations for other potential sites (a private house with yard and supportive neighbors) closer to Honolulu are also welcome. Donations are appreciated (and tax deductible). Checks can be made payable to Wild Bird Rehab Haven, 2462 Kuhio Ave., #411, Honolulu, Hawai‘i 96815. For more information, please call Linda Leveen at 808-923-6034.

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Q. Why aren't there any Gulls in Hawai'i ? A. There are no indigenous or endemic gull species that nest in the Hawaiian Islands, although recent fossil evidence suggests that a gull species may have inhabited the Islands once. The position of the Islands means that there is very little "edge" to the island landmass, with the narrow strip of coastal reef and rock quickly falling away into the deep ocean and ocean trenches. Gulls are generally continental species which inhabit the shallow waters along the edges of the continental shelf of mainland areas, and as such their food preferences are reflected in the areas they usually inhabit. It is very difficult for gulls in Hawai'i to find the right type of foods to satisfy their dietary requirements. However, several gull species do visit the Islands each year, mainly during the winter months and mainly in juvenile plumages, although a gull might be observed at any time of the year. The most frequently occurring species are Ring-billed Gull (above) and Laughing Gull, but Franklin's Gull, Bonaparte's Gull, Herring Gull and Glaucous-winged Gull are also recorded in small numbers annually. Most gulls that arrive in Hawai'i take up residence at coastal ponds, lagoons, streams and beaches and may remain for several weeks or even months, however, due to the lack of suitable food individuals often end up emaciated and will starve to death. A large proportion of the gulls that arrive in Hawai'i never make it back to the mainland. Franklin's Gulls, which usually arrive in the spring, are almost always adults in summer plumage and appear to be just passing through and seldom stay for long at one site, and perhaps this is one species that does actually complete it's rather "off-course" migration. A full list of gull species that have been recorded from the Hawaiian Islands can be found in the State List.

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Q. What is Hawai'i's Rarest Bird? A. The Po'o-uli is Hawai'i's rarest native bird and numbers just three birds, one male and two females, which all live in separate areas in the forest of the East Maui Wilderness at Hanawi. A translocation project where one of the females was moved to the male's territory in early 2002 was unfortunately not a success, with the female bird flying back to her home territory the day after being moved. Scientists are now considering capturing the remaining three birds and taking them to San Diego Zoo where they will be placed in a captive breeding program. Will this spell the end for the most recently discovered Hawaiian endemic bird? Updates on Po'o-uli research can be found at the following link: Maui Forest Bird Group

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Q. What is Hawai'i's most common bird? A. The most common endemic bird is the 'Apapane (right), which occurs in native forest on Kaua'i, O'ahu, Maui, Moloka'i, Lana'i and Hawai'i, and it can be quite easily seen in upland regions of these islands above the "mosquito-zone". There is also a captive pair in Honolulu Zoo. The most common introduced bird species is the Japanese Whiteeye (left), which can be found on all the Main Islands in nearly all habitats, from coastal scrub to mountainous native forest.

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Q. Are there any tour companies or bird groups which do tours of the Islands? A. There are actually surprisingly few companies which are located on the Islands which do bird and wildlife tours, however there are several listed on the Contacts Page, as well as other useful contacts. Off-island companies also come to the islands and these can easily be found on the Web. The following local operators are highly recommended: Terran Tours David Kuhn P.O. Box 1018, Waimea, Kaua'i, Hawai'i 96796 E-mail: dkuhn99@hotmail.com Telephone: 1 808 335 3313 Koke'e Natural History Museum Click Here for calendar of events or above for full site. Koke'e Museum's "Wonder Walk" Guided Hikes take place every Saturday between June and September. Meet at Kokee Museum 12:15 pm. Book early as spaces are limited. P.O. Box 100, Kekaha, Kaua'i, HI 96752 Tel: 1 808 335 9975 Fax: 1 808 335 6131 E-mail: kokee@aloha.net Hawai'i Forest and Trail Rob Pacheco www.hawaii-forest.com E-mail: rob@hawaii-forest.com 1 808 331-8505 Fax: 1 808 331-8704 Oahu Nature Tours Online Reservations Pages Phone: 808-924-2473 Fax: 808-924-5395 General E-mail: natureguide@oahunaturetours.com Reservations E-mail: reservations@oahunaturetours.com

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Q. I saw a Mongoose on Kaua'i, who should I inform? A. The Indian Mongoose (Herpestes auropunctatus) is found on all the Main Islands except Kaua'i and Kaho'olawe and was introduced in the 1880's from India. Most are found below 3000 feet but may range up to 8000 feet. They are usually about 2-3 pounds in weight and live in rock crevices and are most active at during the day, especially in the afternoon. The fact that they hunt during the day is extremely important and noteworthy. Mongoose were introduced to try to control the rat population which was increasing at an alarming rate and was a serious threat to agriculture, but unfortunately as rats generally appear at night the two species "missed" each other and the Mongoose looked for different food sources. Although Mongoose will eat beetles, lizards and cockroaches they are very adept and keen on eating birds and eggs. The resulting tragedy is well known, many bird species populations have decreased alarmingly and the Mongoose is not about to stop eating any bird, nestling or egg it can find. Luckily at present they have not so far been established on Kaua'i and this provides an important Mongoose-free habitat for several endemic species, such as Nene, Hawaiian Petrel and Newell's Shearwater, as well as four endemic waterbirds. The exclusion and eradication of Mongoose is of prime importance in protecting Hawai'i's birds. Worrying news was that in early 2004 there were at least two Mongoose sightings on the eastern side of Kaua'i, hopefully the animal(s) responsible for these sightings will be eradicated quickly. Officials ask that if residents or visitors see a mongoose on Kaua'i, to call the Kaua'i Invasive Species Committee at 246-0684 with details of where and when the animal was observed.

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For General Questions about birds try: Click on a topic Birding Holidays, Optics, Bird ID for W.US, E. US, Europe, Photos, Trip Reports, Bird Guides, Checklists, Books, Software

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