Now that my adopted state has gained both power and notariaty with a new President and new chairmanships for our ancient Senators I thought it would be a good time to so my long planned Birds of Hawai'i photo diary. Well that actually has less to do with it than general boredom and a desire to share. So here goes...
We will start with the birds that are most likely to see when you visit here as a tourist. Unfortunately these are generally birds that did not originate here. These are the common alien species.
One of the most widespread and common alien birds is the Common Myna. These noisy social birds were introduced from India in 1865. (All factual information from HAWAII'S BIRDS published by the Hawai Audubon Society.)
THE DOVES
Also very common are the Spotted Dove from Asia, introduced in the 1800's:
and Zebra Dove introduced in 1922:
THE BULBULS
The Red Vented Bulbul from Asia established by an unauthorized cage release in the 1950's it is now common on Oahu.
And the Red-Whiskered Bulbul, from Asia also an unauthorized cage release around 1965.
THE CARDINALS
The Northern Cardinal. Yes this is the familiar North American bird introduced to Hawaii in 1929.
and the Red-Crested Cardinal from South America introduced to Oahu around 1930
OTHER ALIENS
The White-Rumped Shama from Malaysia has penetrated into native forests on Oahu and Kauai.
and the very common Cattle Egret introduced from Florida in 1959.
There are many other alien species of birds not represented here including Rock Doves, Mourning Doves, Mockingbirds, and several sparrows, finches and waxbills.
SEABIRDS AND SHOREBIRDS
Brown Noddy
Wandering Tattler
Brown Booby
Red-Footed Booby
Laysan Albatross
Pacific Golden Plover or Kolea. This is a male in breeding plumage. These common and beloved birds winter in Hawaii and return to arctic breeding grounds every summer.
Black-Necked Stilt or Ae'o. This is threatened endemic species.
Common Moorhen or 'Alae 'Ula. Another endemic Hawaiian species.
There are many other species of sea and shorebirds including terns, tropicbirds, frigates, night herons and many ducks.
OUR STATE BIRD
The Nene or Hawaiian Goose. DNA studies show that these endangered birds are closely related to the Canada Goose which seems obvious from looking at them. They also had a larger flightless cousin that became extinct after the arrival of the Polynesians.
OWLS
Pueo or Hawaiian Short-Eared Owl. This endemic owl is endangered on Oahu but more common in open forestland on Hawaii, Maui and Kauai.
The introduced Barn Owl is also common on all islands.
HONEYCREEPERS
These birds deserve their own diary but I have very few photos of them. The Hawaiian honeycreepers are a spectacular example of adaptive radiation with dozens of species evolved from an original finch like ancestor. Many have been driven extinct and many more are threatened. Threats include introduced feral cats, mongoose, rats and mosquito borne diseases avian malaria and avian pox.
The I'iwi or Scarlet Honeycreeper
'Amakihi
There are many more birds in Hawaii for the interested. I hope you have enjoyed this little distraction diary. Please feel free to post your photos in this space.
I have much more of my photography posted HERE
Aloha