There are DOZENS of endemic birds in Hawaii!
As a result of there are such a lot of, I attempted to characteristic among the commonest under. Additionally, you will see which islands you’ll find them.
Sadly, most of the endemic birds in Hawaii are VERY endangered or threatened, largely on account of invasive species and deforestation.
In case you didn’t know, “endemic” means it ONLY lives in that location. So, the birds under are solely present in Hawaii. 🙂
#1. ‘Apapane
- Himatione sanguine
- Discovered on Maui, Kauai, Oahu, Molokai, and the Large Island.
- They’re most populous on Maui, Kauai, and Hawaii Island (Large Island).
- ‘Apanane have shiny scarlet plumage.
- They’ve black wingtips and white under-wings and tails.
- They’ve pretty lengthy, downward-curved beaks for consuming nectar and bugs.
‘Apapane are a species of Hawaiian honeycreeper. They’re lovely little scarlet birds that primarily eat nectar. They largely feed on the flowers of native Ohia timber.
‘Apapane Vary Map
Though these endemic birds are pretty considerable in Hawaii, they face threats.
Apapane are closely contaminated with avian malaria and avian pox, each of that are unfold by mosquitoes. Mosquitoes can not dwell in high-elevation forests as a result of the temperature is simply too chilly. That is why Apapane inhabit high-elevation forests. Nevertheless, they’re susceptible to mosquitoes when foraging looking for meals.
On the brilliant facet, increasingly more observations of ‘Apapane are being made in low-elevation forests. This will counsel that ‘Apapane are creating malarial resistance.
One other vital risk to Apapane is the lack of Ohia timber to feed on. Ohia timber are a keystone species within the Hawaiian forest ecosystem. Sadly, they’re dying in nice numbers on account of an infection with fungal illness. This phenomenon is known as “Fast Ohia Demise,” or “ROD.”
‘Apapane have candy, songlike calls. They make a variety of sounds! Hearken to ‘Apapane singing within the video under.
#2. ‘I’iwi
- Drepanis coccinea
- Discovered on Maui, Kauai, Oahu, Molokai, and the Large Island.
- ‘I’iwi are small birds with a shiny scarlet physique and black wings.
- They’ve purple, downward-curving beaks for feeding on nectar.
- Men and women look related.
‘I’iwi are lovely endemic birds in Hawaii which are simply noticed towards the inexperienced forest.
They feed on flower nectar and hunt bugs within the forest cover. They primarily drink nectar from flowers of native Ohia and Mamane timber. Nevertheless, they’ve additionally tailored nicely to feeding on invasive plant species.
‘I’iwi Vary Map
Traditionally, these endemic birds had been plentiful throughout Hawaii at each excessive and low elevations. At present, they survive on Hawaii Island, Maui, Kauai, Oahu, and Molokai. They’re extra considerable in high-elevation forest habitats.
‘I’iwi face a number of main threats. Their inhabitants is lowering, and the species is taken into account “Susceptible” by the IUCN RedList.
Decrease-elevation forest habitats are hotter and extra moist, creating an ideal breeding floor for mosquitoes. Mosquitoes chew ‘them after they enterprise into these ecosystems looking for nectar. The mosquitoes transmit avian pox and avian malaria to the ‘I’iwi. These illnesses have a really excessive mortality fee.
‘I’iwi have virtually died out on islands with decrease elevation habitats, specifically Oahu and Molokai.
These endemic birds in Hawaii have lovely singing voices. Pay attention to at least one within the video under!
#3. ‘Anianiau
- Magumma parva
- Solely discovered on Kauai.
- ‘Anianiau are tiny birds with round-ish our bodies and slender legs.
- They’ve small, downward-curving beaks.
- They’ve vibrant, bright-yellow plumage throughout.
‘Anianiau are the smallest species of Hawaiian honeycreeper. They drink nectar from flowering timber utilizing their curved beaks and lengthy tongues. They like Ohia, Ohelo, and Alani timber.
‘Anianiau Vary Map
‘Anianiau are endemic to the island of Kauai.
Traditionally, they might be discovered all through forested areas of the island. Now, ‘Anianiau solely inhabit forests above 600m elevation. They’re commonest in native forests with a excessive prevalence of Ohia timber at elevations of 1100 to 1600m.
‘Anianiau are categorized as “endangered” by the IUCN RedList. Their inhabitants has dropped by 60% in a decade.
As ‘Anianau solely nest and breed in Ohia timber, they’re enormously impacted by Fast Ohia Demise (ROD). ROD refers back to the extreme decline in Ohia timber following an infection with fungal pathogens. Ohia timber are a keystone species within the Hawaiian ecosystem, and their loss impacts many different species.
‘Anianiau can be enormously affected by avian malaria and avian pox. Mosquitoes infect ‘Anianiau with these illnesses after they drink their blood. At present, mosquitoes inhabit hotter, wetter forests at low elevations, which is why ‘Anianiau disappeared from these areas.
‘Anianiau make a trilling name that’s fairly recognizable and nice to listen to! Take a hearken to the video under.
#4. ʻAkiapolaʻau
- Hemignathus wilsoni
- Solely discovered on the Large Island.
- Males are shiny yellow with greenish wings.
- Females are duller, with a grey look to their yellow and inexperienced plumage.
- Their black beaks are curved downward within the high jaw however straight and straight within the backside.
‘Akiapola’au are a species of honeycreeper that’s endemic to Hawaii (Large Island). ‘Akiapola’au use the decrease jaw of their fascinating beak to peck by the bark, very similar to a woodpecker. They then use their lengthy, curved higher jaw to extract bugs from inside.
‘Akiapola’au Vary Map
‘Akiapola’au solely dwell on the Island of Hawaii. Tinheritor vary has decreased dramatically and their inhabitants is fragmented into two to a few teams. Sadly, ‘Akiapola’au are thought-about endangered by the IUCN RedList.
‘Akiapola’au choose mesic and moist old-growth forests, with many Koa and Ohia timber. Positively, ‘Akiapola’au have additionally settled in areas reforested with younger Koa timber. The perfect place to identify ‘Akiapola’au is Hakalau Forest Nationwide Wildlife Refuge.
‘Akiapola’au face many threats to their inhabitants. Mosquitoes unfold avian malaria and avian pox to birds that enter low-elevation, moist forest habitats. Because of this, ‘Akipola’au have been pushed from these areas totally.
Farming and improvement additional fragment their habitat. This shrinking vary is a large risk to the ‘Akipola’au inhabitants.
Male ‘Akiapola’au have lovely singing voices. Take a look at their calls under.
#5. Hawai’i ʻAkepa
- Loxops coccineus
- Solely discovered on the Large Island.
- Grownup males have lovely, blood-orange plumage throughout.
- Females are the identical form however are yellowish-gray, with yellow breasts.
- Each have black wing ideas and legs.
Hawai’i ‘Akepa are an endemic chicken solely discovered on Hawaii Island (Large Island). These distinctive birds have a number of options that make them extremely specialised.
The decrease jaws of Hawai’i ‘Akepa beaks are curved to both the fitting or the left. This makes the guidelines of their beaks misaligned. Moreover, the leg on the facet the beak bends towards might be shorter than the opposite. This adaptation doubtless aids in foraging conduct.
Hawai’i ‘Akepa Vary Map
Hawai’i ‘Akepa traditionally lived all through the forested areas of Hawaii Island. At present, they’re fragmented into 5 small subpopulations that dwell in north and central Hawaii. The IUCN RedList asses Hawai’i ‘Akepa as “endangered.”
Hawai’i ‘Akepa have a shrinking vary, dictated by the lack of old-growth native forests and the inhabitants of mosquitoes. Mosquitos inhabit the nice and cozy, moist forest habitat discovered at decrease elevations.
Mosquitoes unfold lethal avian malaria to those endemic birds. Hawai’i ‘Akepa have fully disappeared from their decrease elevation habitats, as avian malaria impacts them strongly. As local weather change causes warming, the mosquito will unfold to greater elevations, driving again Hawai’i ‘Akepa habitat much more.
Hawai’i ‘Akepa are obligate tree cavity nesters. Appropriate timber are frequently misplaced to logging, agriculture, and habitat destruction by invasive species, which implies that alternatives to construct nests and reproduce are disappearing for them.
#6. ‘Alawi
- Loxops mana (Generally categorized within the monotypic genus Manucerthia mana)
- Solely discovered on the Large Island.
- Hawaii creepers are greenish-brown on their heads, again and wings.
- They’ve beige-brown bellies.
- They’ve quick, slim, pointed beaks.
‘Alawi are a species of honeycreeper, generally known as Hawaii creepers. They’re endemic to the island of Hawaii.
‘Alawi primarily eat bugs. They hunt within the cover of native Ohia and Koa timber. They use their sharp beaks to select bugs out of tiny crevices. Watch one probing the bark for invertebrates within the video under.
These endemic birds are solely discovered on Hawaii Island (Large Island). Traditionally, they had been considerable throughout forest habitats on the island. These days, they exist in 4 fragmented populations. The IUCN RedList assesses Alawi as being “Endangered.”
‘Alawi choose high-elevation, moist or mesic forests. They’re most considerable in high-elevation habitats with native Ohia and Koa timber.
‘Alawi Vary Map
Invasive rats threaten the survival of ‘Alawi. Rats eat eggs, chicks, and even grown birds. As ‘Alawi make their nests both in or close to tree trunks, it’s simpler for the rats to succeed in the nests. Sadly, because of this many nests fail to provide offspring.
Like many different forest birds, ‘Alawi are threatened by avian malaria and avian pox. Mosquitoes unfold these illnesses to birds that enter lower-elevation, hotter habitats.
#7. Maui ‘Alauahio
- Paroreomyza montana
- Solely discovered on Maui.
- Males are shiny yellow, with a greenish tinge on the highest half of their physique.
- Females are related however a bit duller in shade and a bit grey on high.
- They’ve quick, sharp, pointed beaks which are barely downward curved.
Maui ‘Alauahio are a species of Hawaiian honeycreeper, generally known as “Maui creepers”, from the Hawaiian archipelago. They give the impression of being similar to Hawai’i Amakihi.
Apparently, for honeycreepers, Maui ‘Alauahio don’t drink nectar. They’re insectivores. They use their sharp beaks to pluck all kinds of bugs and different invertebrates from bark and foliage.
Maui Alauahio Vary Map
Till the 1930’s, Maui ‘Alauahio had been current on the island of Lanai. Sadly, at the moment, these endemic birds can solely be present in three fragmented populations on the island of Maui. The IUCN RedList assesses Maui ‘Alauahio as “Endangered.”
The perfect place to identify Maui ‘Alauahio are the north and east-facing slopes of Haleakalā (East Maui Volcano). They’re most considerable above 4920 toes (1500m) elevation, in moist Ohia forest.
Like many different forest birds, Maui ‘Alauahio are threatened by blood-borne avian illnesses. Mosquitoes unfold avian malaria when birds go to low-elevation forest habitats, which, mixed with habitat degradation, is why Maui ‘Alauahio have disappeared from these areas.
#8. Hawaiʻi ʻAmakihi
- Chlorodrepanis virens
- Discovered on the Large Island, Maui, and Molokai.
- Hawai’i ‘Amakihi are small, shiny yellow birds. Females are barely drabber.
- They’ve small, pointed, downward-curved beaks.
- They’ve black wing ideas and tiny black masks from their eyes to beaks.
Hawai’i ‘Amakihi are a species of honeycreeper from the Hawai’ian archipelago. They’re very adaptable birds and generalist feeders. This has been key to their success and survival.
Hawai’i ‘Amakihi Vary Map
These endemic birds dwell on Hawaii Island (Large Island), Maui, and Molokai. Beforehand, they is also noticed on Lanai, however the species is believed to be extirpated there. The IUCN RedList assesses this adaptable species as being of “Least Concern” and never in peril of extinction.
Hawai’i ‘Amakihi have tailored to many habitats. They are often discovered from low elevations of round 80 toes (25 meters) as much as excessive elevations of round 8000 toes (9840 meters). Search for them inhabiting moist, mesic, and dry forests.
Hawai’i ‘Amakihi aren’t quite common under 500 meters. When mosquitoes enter low-elevation forests, they unfold lethal avian malaria to Hawai’i ‘Amakihi. Nevertheless, they’re creating a resistance to malaria and reclaiming the low-elevation forest habitat.
Male Hawai’i ‘Amakihi have pretty singing voices for courting females. Take a look at their calls within the video under.
#9. Oʻahu ʻAmakihi
- Chlorodrepanis flava
- Solely discovered on Oahu.
Attribution: Tsuru8, CC BY-SA 3.0, by way of Wikimedia Commons
- Male O’ahu ‘Amakihi have acid-yellow bellies and greenish wings.
- Females have an analogous form, however their colours are dulled virtually to grey.
- They’ve small, pointed, downward-curved beaks.
O’ahu ‘Amakihi are endemic to the island of Oahu. Traditionally, they doubtless lived in all of the forests on Oahu. Nevertheless, their vary and inhabitants have decreased. The IUCN RedList assesses O’ahu ‘Amakihi as being “close to threatened.”
O’ahu ‘Amakihi Range Map
At present, O’ahu ‘Amakihi are divided into two principal populations. One is within the Wai’anae Mountains, the place circumstances are drier. O’ahu ‘Amakihi largely dwell at mid to excessive elevations within the forest there. The birds are unfold out, and the inhabitants just isn’t dense.
The second inhabitants is within the Ko‘olau Mountains, the place circumstances are wetter. They’re extra considerable there and might be seen from very low to excessive elevations.
Like different forest birds in Hawaii, O’ahu ‘Amakihi is threatened by avian malaria. Mosquitoes transmit the illness to birds in low-elevation, humid habitats.
Nevertheless, the presence of O’ahu ‘Amakihi at low elevations demonstrates that they’ve developed some malarial resistance, which different honeycreeper species haven’t.
Habitat loss by hearth, urbanization, and invasive plant species continues to restrict O’ahu ‘Amakihi restoration. Invasive predators are additionally a risk.
#10. Kaua’i ‘Amakihi
- Chlorodrepanis stejnegeri (beforehand Hemignathus kauaiensis)
- Solely discovered on Kauai.
- Males are yellowish inexperienced throughout, with black tricks to their wings.
- Females are barely duller in shade.
- They’ve pretty lengthy, slim, sharp beaks that curve downward.
Kaua’i ‘Amakihi are endemic to the island of Kauai.
Kaua’i ‘Amakihi are adept at clinging to skinny twigs and hanging the wrong way up. They drink nectar from flowering Ohia timber however have additionally tailored to drink from invasive Banana poka vegetation. See one consuming nectar and foraging within the video under.
Traditionally, Kaua’i ‘Amakihi had been considerable within the forest habitats all around the island of Kauai, all the way down to the coast. Sadly, their vary has contracted drastically. The IUCN RedList assesses Kaua’i ‘Amakihi as being “Endangered” and is shifting towards extinction.
At present, Kaua’i ‘Amakihi are uncommon at low elevations. The perfect locations to identify them are high-elevation, moist, or mesic forests of native timber, together with Koa and Ohia.
Kaua’i ‘Amakihi Vary Map
Like many different forest birds, these endemic birds are inclined to avian malaria. Mosquitoes transmit avian malaria to birds after they go into low-elevation, hotter forest habitats. This can be a key think about why Kaua’i ‘Amakihi abandoned their historic vary within the low-elevation moist forests of Kauai.
Nevertheless, deforestation can be key. Agriculture and concrete improvement have destroyed massive areas of lowland forests. Moreover, the introduction of invasive vegetation, in addition to farm and recreation mammals, has severely broken the forest ecosystem and pushed Kaua’i ‘Amakihi away.
#11. Palila
- Loxioides bailleui
- Solely discovered on the Large Island.
- Palila are small birds with finch-like, quick, huge beaks.
- They’ve shiny yellow heads and throats.
- They’ve dove-grey our bodies with yellow and black tricks to their wings and tails.
Palila have developed to change into extraordinarily specialised. Their toes and beaks are completely tailored to harvesting immature Mamane seeds, which comprise 90% of Papila’s diets. Fascinatingly, Papila have developed resistance to the poisonous alkaloids in Mamane seeds. They will survive consuming quantities that will rapidly kill different birds.
Palila are solely discovered on Hawaii Island (Large Island). Nevertheless, the fossil file exhibits they had been discovered all through the archipelago earlier than human settlers arrived.
Palila Vary Map
These days, Palila are present in a really small vary on the western slope of the Mauna Kea volcano. They dwell in arid Mamane forests at elevations between 6560-9350 toes (2000 and 2850m). Palila are assessed as “critically endangered” by the IUCN RedList.
As Palila are so reliant on Mamane timber, their destiny is strongly impacted by their decline. Launched livestock, particularly sheep, have led to extreme Mamane loss. Invasive grasses, which enhance the prevalence of wildfires, have additionally destroyed Mamane forest habitat.
Invasive predators, together with rats and home cats, are an enormous risk to Palila. They might account for as much as 40% of breeding failures. Invasive bugs immediately compete with Palila for meals by consuming native caterpillars, which Palila chicks depend upon for his or her weight-reduction plan.
#12. Hawai’i ‘Elepaio
- Chasiempis sandwichensis
- Solely discovered on the Large Island.
- Hawai’i ‘Elepaio are small birds with tall, upward-pointing tails.
- They’ve red-brown heads and our bodies, cream underbellies, and darkish tails.
- At their higher wing coverts, they’ve bands of black and white.
Hawai’i ‘Elepaio is endemic to Hawaii Island (Large Island).
They’re very specialist birds which are extremely tailored to their surroundings.
Hawai’ian ‘Elepaio are divided into three subspecies. They inhabit completely different ecological niches on the island of Hawaii. The species general is assessed as “close to threatened “ by the IUCN RedList. Nevertheless, pressures on the subspecies fluctuate relying on their habitat.
Chasiempis sandwichensis sandwichensis inhabits mesic forests characterised by native Ohia and Koa timber. These forests are normally on western and southern slopes and aren’t too moist or dry.
Chasiempis sandwichensis ridgwayi inhabits wetter rainforests, normally on eastern-facing slopes. Ohia timber and tropical tree ferns characterize this habitat. C.s.ridgway is the most typical Elepaio subspecies.
Chasiempis sandwichensis briyani inhabits very high-elevation forests across the Mauna Kea volcano. This habitat is arid. It’s characterised by Mamane and Naio tree development. C.s.briyani are the rarest of the ‘Elepaio species due to habitat loss.
There are small variations within the look of the three subspecies. In addition they favor completely different foraging methods, relying on the sources of their habitat.
#13. O’ahu ‘Elepaio
- Chasiempis ibidis
- Solely discovered on Oahu, Molokai.
- O’ahu ‘Elepaio are tiny birds with small pointed beaks.
- They’ve brown heads and wings, with white bellies.
- They’ve white bars on their wings, and males have extra black markings.
O’ahu ‘Elepaio are endemic to the island of Oahu within the Hawaiian archipelago.
At present, the IUCN RedList has assessed O’ahu ‘Elepaio as susceptible. They had been as soon as considerable throughout the island. Their inhabitants has decreased by 75% for the reason that Nineteen Seventies and is now fragmented into small teams.
The tiny populations don’t are likely to migrate between areas or interbreed. Which means that every group has a really small genetic pool. Because of this, there may be very restricted variation, making it troublesome for the species to adapt to threats and evolve.
Sadly, O’ahu ‘Elepaio face a myriad of threats. Rats predate their nests, severely lowering their reproductive success. Invasive vegetation intensify the issue by offering considerable fruits that bolster the rat inhabitants.
Habitat loss can be a significant factor threatening the O’ahu ‘Elepaio inhabitants. Over half of their vary has been misplaced to agriculture and urbanization.
Moreover, O’ahu ‘Elepaio have suffered from losses on account of avian malaria and avian pox. Mosquitoes unfold these illnesses, making low-elevation, moist habitats harmful.
#14. Kaua’i ‘Elepaio
- Chasiempis sclateri
- Solely discovered on Kauai.
- ‘Elepaio have buff undersides, bronze heads and chests, and brown wings.
- They’ve very quick, slender, pointed beaks.
- Their our bodies are small and round-shaped.
Kaua’i ‘Elepaio are distinctive birds endemic to the island of Kauai. They’re a species of monarch flycatcher.
Kaua’i ‘Elepaio can mostly be present in moist forests of native Ohia timber at very excessive elevations. Nevertheless, they may also be noticed in lower-elevation forests, together with these composed of non-native timber.
Traditionally, as lately because the Nineteen Seventies, Kaua’i ‘Elepaio had been rather more considerable all through all forested areas on Kauai. Their inhabitants had declined dramatically, and the ‘Elepaio had been deemed “susceptible” to extinction.
Their inhabitants has elevated quickly of their key habitat, the Alaka‘i Plateau. The plateau is a moist, dense, montane forest composed primarily of Ohia timber. ‘Elepaio at the moment are thought-about “close to threatened” by the IUCN RedList.
Kaua’i ‘Elepaio males have distinctive name whistling calls. Hearken to the video under!
#3. Hawaiian Hawk
- Buteo solitarius
- NATIVE to Hawaii
- Solely discovered on the Large Island of Hawaii.
- Hawaiian hawks are nicely camouflaged by bark-brown plumage.
- Relying on the colour section, they might have brown or cream chests.
- They’ve lengthy, grey, hooked beaks.
These endemic birds are ONLY present in Hawaii!
Hawaiian hawks are pretty massive birds of prey, as much as 18 in (45cm) lengthy. Their potential to soar greater than every other Hawaiian chicken led them to be traditionally related to royalty. They’ve a loud, screeching name that’s mentioned to sound just like their Hawaiian title (‘’o).
Earlier than the introduction of invasive mammal species to the ecosystem, the Hawaiian hawk more than likely ate up small birds. In trendy instances, the hawk additionally preys upon rats, mice, and recreation chicken species.
Traditionally, Hawaiian hawks might be seen on many islands within the Hawaiian archipelago. These days, they solely breed on the Large Island.
These birds of prey are primarily threatened by habitat loss on account of deforestation in Hawaii. Timber are lower all the way down to make timber or to clear area for agriculture or city enlargement. Invasive species, notably vegetation and deer, additionally trigger extreme harm to the forest habitat.
Sadly, in trendy instances, Hawaiian hawks face direct threats from people, corresponding to capturing and poisoning. Unintended site visitors collisions are additionally a big reason for mortality for hawk species, and the Hawaiian hawk isn’t any exception.
#16. ʻOmaʻo
- Myadestes obscurus
- Solely discovered on the Large Island.
- ‘Oma’o are small birds with slender legs and small black beaks.
- They’ve bark-brown heads and wings.
- Their chests are dove-gray.
‘Oma’o are a small species of thrush endemic to Hawaii Island (Large Island).
Traditionally, ‘Oma’o might be discovered throughout the Large Island’s forested areas. These days, ‘they’re normally present in mesic and rain forests on the southern and jap slopes. They’re commonest at excessive elevations above 1000m.
‘Oma’o are in danger from avian malaria and avian pox. Mosquitoes unfold these illnesses to ‘Oma’o after they forage at decrease elevations. Positively, ‘Oma’o seem much less more likely to die from contracting avian malaria than different chicken species. There may be hope that they can reclaim lowland habitats sooner or later.
‘Invasive predators and livestock additionally threaten Oma’o. Pigs, particularly, compete with ‘them for dietary fruits and berries. Rats predate ‘their nests and have a robust damaging impression on the inhabitants.
‘Oma’o make varied fascinating sounds, together with whistles, croaks, and tweets.
#17. Hawaiian Coot
- Fulica alai
- Discovered on Maui, Kauai, Oahu, Molokai, and the Large Island.
- Hawaiian coots have shiny black plumage throughout.
- They’ve shiny white payments with tall frontal shields which are white or brown.
- They’ve small, rounded our bodies with small heads.
These water birds are endemic to Hawaii!
They normally dwell in shallow, saline water, corresponding to brackish lagoons and estuaries alongside the shoreline. However they may also be present in freshwater ponds, streams, lakes, and wetlands.
Maui, Oahu, or Kauai are the very best locations to see Hawaiian coots.
Nevertheless, small populations of them might be seen on virtually all Hawaiian islands.
Hawaiian coots are thought-about “close to threatened” by the IUCN RedList in 2023. That is an enchancment on their “susceptible” standing within the early twenty first century. Nevertheless, Hawaiian coots nonetheless face many threats.
Habitat loss is the first risk to Hawaiian coots. Coastal plains and wetlands, which make the very best breeding websites, have been quickly misplaced during the last century.
Invasive predators additionally negatively impression Hawaiian coots. Rats and mongooses are prolific egg stealers, and canines, home cats, barn owls, and different launched predators will predate grownup coots, too.
#18. Hawaiian Goose
- Branta sandvicensis
- Discovered on Maui, Kauai, and the Large Island.
- Hawaiian geese have black heads, gold cheeks, white necks, and brown our bodies.
- Their plumage has a definite barred sample over the wings and flanks.
- Females look just like males however are normally smaller.
Hawaiian geese are massive, lovely geese that characterize Hawaii because the official state chicken.
These endemic birds are grazers that feed on leaves, seeds, flowers, and fruits. They’re essential to the ecosystem, as they disperse plant seeds of their feces.
Hawaiian geese virtually turned extinct within the early twentieth century. Since that point, numbers have begun to recuperate. The species is presently categorized as “close to threatened” on the IUCN RedList.
Today, Hawaiian geese can solely be seen on Hawaii Island, Kauai, and Maui.
Up to now, looking by people was a significant risk to Hawaiian geese. In trendy instances, looking by invasive species is the better challenge. As ground-nesting birds, they’re very susceptible to invasive predators, together with Barn owls, home cats, canines, rats, and mongooses.
#19. Hawaiian Duck
- Anas wyvilliana
- Pure Hawaiian geese are solely more likely to be discovered on Kauai and Niihau.
- Hawaiian geese’ plumage is gentle and darkish brown, with scale-like patterning.
- They’ve a clearly outlined patch of shiny blue on each wings.
- Men and women look very related, however females are normally smaller.
Hawaiian Geese are endemic to Hawaii.
These water birds look similar to Mallards and are intently associated. Nevertheless, they don’t seem to be very social birds. They don’t are likely to kind flocks. As an alternative, they’re normally noticed in pairs or alone. They’re pretty cautious and discrete.
Hawaiian geese make a gentle and discrete quacking sound. It is vitally suited to their nature! Hearken to them within the video under.
Traditionally, Hawaiian geese lived on all Hawaiian islands besides Lanai and Kaho’olawe. Nevertheless, people hunted the Hawaiian duck to the sting of extinction within the early twentieth century. By 1960, the final remaining geese lived remoted on Kauai and Niihau.
Since then, efforts have been made to preserve this species. A wildlife refuge was created on Kauai, and Hawaiian geese had been bred and reintroduced to Oahu, Maui, and the Large Island.
Sadly, invasive feral mallard geese weren’t faraway from these islands earlier than the Hawaiian duck was reintroduced. Mallards breed readily with Hawaiian geese. They produce viable offspring, resulting in the hybridization of the species.
At present, pure Hawaiian geese are solely more likely to be discovered on Kauai and Niihau. Sadly, the success of the mallard hybrid is anticipated to result in the disappearance of the pure Hawaiian duck.
Do you wish to study MORE birds in Hawaii?
Take a look at these ID Guides. Every one is particular to birds discovered right here!
Which of those endemic birds have you ever seen earlier than in Hawaii?
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