Birds Of The National Parks In Hawaii - free ebook by William W. Dunmire

BIRDS of the NATIONAL PARKS in HAWAII

by William W. Dunmire Park Naturalist, Hawaii National Park Illustrated by Ronald L. Walker District Biologist, State Division of Fish &amp; Game HAWAII NATURAL HISTORY ASSOCIATION 1961 Trail Through Kipuka Puaulu (Bird Park)...

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INTRODUCTION

When the Hawaiian Islands were first studied by ornithologists in the nineteenth century, they were a bird paradise. The forests abounded with many of the most unusual birds known to the world—some with enormous sickle-shaped bills, some resembling parrots, a goose that spent most of its life on barren lava flows, a tiny flightless rail, and a sea bird that nested within the vents of the active volcanoes. Most of these island birds were found nowhere else in the world. Today many of the original

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Endemics

We have no way of knowing what kind of land bird was the first to take up residence here, for that early species has certainly been greatly altered through the workings of evolution. In fact today nearly all the resident native birds are types that are now found nowhere else in the world. Birds such as these are called endemic ; they have undergone gradual change over the millennia to become completely new forms, different from any birds found elsewhere. Many of Hawaii’s endemic species belong t

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Migrants and Sea Birds

While the endemic species have acquired full residence on the islands, other birds live here for only part of the year, usually returning to the north during summer to breed. In the park the best known of these migrants is the American golden plover which spends almost 10 months of the year in Hawaii and only 2 months on its travels to the Aleutian Islands. Migration patterns for certain of the sea birds are virtually unknown. Some, like the white-tailed tropic-bird, may remain near the islands

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Exotics

The most recent additions to Hawaii’s avifauna are birds brought in since 1855 by man. There are various reasons for the introductions; the mynah, for example, was brought here from India in 1865 to combat the army worm and other insect pests. Perhaps most of the exotics were introduced because people wanted to see birds that reminded them of their former homes. Birds like the cardinal from the eastern United States and the white-eye from Japan are in this category. For years the Hui Manu, a loc

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THE DECLINE OF NATIVE BIRDS

In no area in the world have native birds fared more poorly than in Hawaii during the past century. The causes of the decimation of numbers and species are probably multiple; certainly no single factor alone can be cited. Possibly some of the most specialized forms had already begun a decline in numbers before the arrival of Western man. It is unlikely that feather gathering for leis as practiced by the ancient Hawaiians had much to do with the decline. On the other hand, the clearing of land, w

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Kilauea-Mauna Loa

Thurston Lava Tube. This is the heart of Hawaii’s tree-fern jungle and an excellent habitat for several native species, such as the apapane, iiwi, and amakihi. Spend a few moments looking for these at the exhibit overlook, then take the quarter-mile loop path that leads through the lava tube. On the other side of the lava tube parking area a trail descends into Kilauea Iki, the site of the 1959 eruption. This delightful walk also passes through fern jungle. Be on the lookout for the io (Hawaiian

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Haleakala

Hosmer Grove and Paliku. These two localities are about the only densely wooded areas in Haleakala National Park and both attract a variety of birdlife. The apapane, iiwi, and amakihi as well as several exotic birds can be seen at either place. A delightful self-guiding nature trail that identifies many of the plants and trees winds through the Hosmer Grove. Road to Haleakala Summit. As you drive up to the Observatory from Park Headquarters you will probably be surprised at the number of ring-ne

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THE NATIONAL PARKS

Hawaii Volcanoes National Park and Haleakala National Park are two of more than 180 different areas administered by the National Park Service for your enjoyment. The two areas, Haleakala on Maui and Kilauea-Mauna Loa on Hawaii, were set aside, as one park, by Congress in 1916 mainly because of the three great volcanoes. In July 1961 Haleakala became a separate national park. In recent years the unique flora and fauna found in the parks have become an increasingly important part of the park story

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DARK-RUMPED PETREL Pterodroma phaeopygia (Hawaiian name—uau)

DESCRIPTION: 15″. Underparts, forehead, and cheeks, white; back, upper wings, and upper tail, dark. The crown is black. PARK DISTRIBUTION: This petrel is a sea bird that nests in the mountains of the Hawaiian group; it is the nesting birds that may be seen or heard within the park between May and November. Kilauea —Status unknown; the cliffs of Kilauea Crater may be used for nesting. Haleakala —Many birds nest in the walls of the crater. The cliffs behind Kapalaoa and Holua Cabins are the best p

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WHITE-TAILED TROPIC-BIRD Phaëthon lepturus (Hawaiian name—koae)

DESCRIPTION: 30″-32″. Unmistakable as a large white bird with two fantastically long tail plumes, soaring around rocky cliffs such as in Halemaumau. There is some black on the upper wings and around the face. PARK DISTRIBUTION: Kilauea —Uncommon, except locally. There are nearly always a few birds soaring in Halemaumau, around the pit craters in the Kau Desert, and near Hilina Pali. They are occasionally seen along the coast. Haleakala —Some can usually be seen in the crater, especially around t

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NENE Branta sandvicensis (also Hawaiian goose)

DESCRIPTION: 23″-28″. The only ducklike bird apt to be seen in the park. A medium sized goose with striking head and neck markings. The face, crown, and top of the neck are black, the throat and neck sides are cream colored, and the remainder of the body is mottled and dark. PARK DISTRIBUTION: Formerly abundant in Hawaii and probably Maui. Now extinct on Maui, while a few wild birds remain on Hawaii. Kilauea —Occasionally seen on the slopes of Mauna Loa usually between 6,000 and 7,500 feet. VOIC

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IO Buteo solitarius (also Hawaiian hawk)

DESCRIPTION: 16″-18″. The only hawklike bird to be seen on the islands, except for accidental migrants. This small Buteo has both light and dark color phases. Can be distinguished from the Pueo, Hawaii’s diurnal owl, by a smaller head and more soaring flight. PARK DISTRIBUTION: Found only on the island of Hawaii. Kilauea —Occasional throughout the park. Individuals are often seen soaring around the forested craters such as Kilauea Iki and Makaopuhi, or in the more open areas such as along the Ma

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CALIFORNIA QUAIL Lophortyx californicus

DESCRIPTION: 9½″-10½″. The distinctive curved head plume identifies this plump quail. Males have a black and white face pattern beneath the brown crown, while females are duller and lack the striking facial pattern. The bill is short and black. PARK DISTRIBUTION: Introduced from California before 1855 to all major islands. Kilauea —Moderately common along the Mauna Loa Strip and south and west of Kilauea Crater, for example Kipuka Nene. Haleakala —Fairly common on slopes outside the crater up to

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CHUKAR Alectoris graeca

DESCRIPTION: 15″. A heavy ground dwelling partridge, brownish with buffy, black, and rusty markings. A black band extends through each eye and joins the lower throat. Distinguished from the quail by lighter color, lack of a head plume, and a red-orange bill. Chukar PARK DISTRIBUTION: Introduced on Hawaii in 1949, on Maui in 1953. Kilauea —Occasional on the slopes of Mauna Loa, descending as far as the rim of Kilauea Crater. Haleakala —Common in open lava slopes inside and out of the crater but e

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RING-NECKED PHEASANT Phasianus colchicus torquatus (also Chinese pheasant)

DESCRIPTION: Male 33″-36″; female 20″. Male : A rich chestnut-brown bird with a conspicuous white collar at the base of a dark green neck, and an extremely long pointed tail. Hybridizes freely with the Japanese blue pheasant, producing various combinations of ring-necked and blue plumage. Female : Dull brown with a shorter tail than the male, similar to the Japanese blue hen. Ring-necked pheasant cock PARK DISTRIBUTION: Introduced from China about 1865, now widely distributed on all main islands

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JAPANESE BLUE PHEASANT Phasianus colchicus versicolor (also versicolor or green pheasant)

DESCRIPTION: Male about 27″, female 20″. Male : Has a blue-green back, iridescent green or purple breast, and long tail feathers. Appears darker than the ring-necked pheasant and lacks the white collar. Female : Brownish birds with long tails, indistinguishable from the ring-necked hen. PARK DISTRIBUTION: Introduced from Japan prior to 1900. Has lost its identity on most islands due to hybridization with the ring-neck. Kilauea —The park includes perhaps the best habitat in the islands for this s

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AMERICAN GOLDEN PLOVER Pluvialis dominica (Hawaiian name—kolea)

DESCRIPTION: 10″-11″. A medium sized shore bird with a straight, inch-long bill. Winter plumage —mottled brown spotted with gold; buffy breast. Summer plumage —striking pattern; back spotted with gold, black undersides, and a white band over the forehead and down the sides of the neck and breast. Plovers don their summer colors in April or May before migration and may still retain them when they return in early August. The only shore bird likely to be seen in the interior of either park. PARK DI

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RUDDY TURNSTONE Arenaria interpres (Hawaiian name—akekeke)

DESCRIPTION: 9″. A chunky, medium sized shore bird with flashy black, white, and russet-red markings and short orange legs. The contrasty black and white pattern shows best in flight. PARK DISTRIBUTION: Winter migrant to islands. Kilauea —Except for summer, when they have migrated to Alaska, flocks are often found at rocky beach areas around Halape, but they are uncommon elsewhere along the rugged coast within park boundaries. Large flocks were formerly recorded inland as far as Kilauea Crater.

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WANDERING TATTLER Heteroscelus incanum (Hawaiian name—ulili)

DESCRIPTION: 11″. A large sandpiper with uniformly dark gray upper parts and a long (1½ inches) straight bill. The belly is lighter, and there is an indistinct white line over the eye. The long legs and the feet are yellow. PARK DISTRIBUTION: Winter migrant to islands. Kilauea —Uncommon along the southern rocky shoreline. Absent in summer when it migrates to Alaska. Haleakala —Absent from the park. VOICE: A high clear whee-we-we-we usually uttered as the bird takes flight. Individuals feed on cr

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WHITE-CAPPED NODDY Anoüs tenuirostris (Hawaiian name—noio)

DESCRIPTION: 14″. A dark gray tern restricted to the rocky coastline. The forehead and crown are lighter gray than the rest of the body. PARK DISTRIBUTION: The only common bird to be seen flying just off shore. In the park, restricted to the coastline of the Kilauea Section. Look for these along the ocean at the Kalapana end of the park. They flutter over the water picking up small fish, but usually they stay close to shore. The noddies nest in sea cliffs and caves in this area....

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SPOTTED DOVE Streptopelia chinensis (also laceneck or Chinese dove)

DESCRIPTION: 12″. A gray-brown dove with a long rounded tail showing white in the corners, and a broad collar of black with white spots on the neck. PARK DISTRIBUTION: Introduced before 1900; now common below 4,000 feet on all islands. Kilauea —Fairly common around the crater and at lower elevations such as on the Chain of Craters and Hilina Pali roads. Haleakala —Absent from the park. VOICE: Typical dove-like coos; often coo-coó-coo . Like the barred dove, this species does not much penetrate t

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BARRED DOVE Geopelia striata

DESCRIPTION: 8″-9″. Much smaller than the spotted dove and lacks the lacy white neck. Has white outer tail feathers. PARK DISTRIBUTION: Introduced to the islands in 1922; still spreading on the island of Hawaii since its arrival here in 1935 from Asia. Kilauea —Rare—at elevations below 3,000 feet. Haleakala —Absent from the park. VOICE: A rapid ringing phrase, higher pitched and faster than for the spotted dove, often wheeédle-de-wer . The range for this dove on Hawaii is continuing to increase.

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PUEO Asio flammeus (also Hawaiian short-eared owl)

DESCRIPTION: 14″-15″. A medium-sized owl of buffy brown color and with small ear tufts. In flight it appears big-headed and neckless compared to the io. PARK DISTRIBUTION: Kilauea —Occasional around the crater and in grassy areas on the Mauna Loa Strip. Haleakala —Occasional near meadows inside the crater such as at Paliku; also on the lower slopes, especially just below Park Headquarters. They are frequently seen on the drive up to the park. VOICE: Rarely heard muffled barking sounds. You may b

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SKYLARK Alauda arvensis

SKYLARK DESCRIPTION: 7″. A nondescript buffy, streaked bird with white outer tail feathers found only in open country. The head may appear crested. PARK DISTRIBUTION: Introduced early to most of the islands. Kilauea —Fairly common in open grassy places, for example on the floor of Kilauea Crater or along the Mauna Loa Strip. Haleakala —Fairly common both inside and out of the crater. VOICE: Look to the sky when you hear an exceedingly long, high-pitched rolling song. The skylark sings while on t

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CHINESE THRUSH Trochalopterum canorum (also spectacled thrush)

DESCRIPTION: 9″. In the dense wet forests a large, reddish-brown bird with broad white “eye spectacles” can only be this species. The white band around each eye extends backward to the ear. You will probably hear this bird before seeing it. PARK DISTRIBUTION: Introduced at the turn of the century. Now on all major islands. Kilauea —Occasional in the wet ohia forest such as around Park Headquarters. Haleakala —Absent from the park. VOICE: A mockingbird-like series of sustained musical and harsh n

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RED-BILLED LEIOTHRIX Leiothrix lutea (also Japanese hill robin or Peking nightingale)

RED-BILLED LEIOTHRIX DESCRIPTION: 5½″. One of the easiest to identify: An olive-green bird with contrasting red and yellow markings and a bright red-orange bill . The back is olive-green, throat lemon-yellow shading to red-orange in the breast, and the wing varied with yellow, orange, crimson, and black. Immatures are not as bright, but have the same general markings. PARK DISTRIBUTION: Introduced to the islands from Asia mainly in the twenties. Kilauea —Very common throughout vegetated areas. H

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MOCKINGBIRD Mimus polyglottos

DESCRIPTION: 10″-11″. A slender, gray and white bird with large white wing patches and white outer tail feathers. PARK DISTRIBUTION: Introduced since 1928 on Oahu and Maui. Kilauea —Birds, apparently migrants from Maui, were seen in the northern part of the island in 1959; however, none have yet reached the park (1961). Haleakala —Occasional on slopes below the summit; rare inside Haleakala Crater. Probably still increasing its range within the park. VOICE: The song is a brilliant series of phra

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OMAO Phaeornis obscura (also Hawaiian thrush)

OMAO DESCRIPTION: 7″. Usually heard first, then seen if you are patient, for it often remains motionless. A medium sized gray-brown thrush with no distinct markings. Only similar species is the Chinese thrush which is larger, more reddish brown, and has white markings around the eye. PARK DISTRIBUTION: Kilauea —Moderately common in the wet ohia forest, especially along the Crater Rim Trail between Park Headquarters and Thurston Lava Tube. Uncommon on lava flows between 7,000 and 9,200 feet eleva

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ELEPAIO Chasiempsis sandwichensis

ELEPAIO DESCRIPTION: 5½″. A brownish flycatcher with variegated black, white, and gray markings. The dark bill is short (½ inch) and nearly straight. The female has less black on the breast and throat, while immatures, generally more brown, have a reddish instead of a white ruff around the vent. Its friendly wrenlike actions combined with the above make it unmistakable. PARK DISTRIBUTION: Kilauea —Common in the more heavily vegetated areas around Kilauea Crater and to the east. Look for it at Ki

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MYNAH Acridotheres tristis

MYNAH DESCRIPTION: 9″. No other bird like it. Black, brown, and white with yellow bill, feet, and skin around the eye; above all noisy. Large white wing patches are conspicuous in flight. PARK DISTRIBUTION: Introduced from India in 1865. Kilauea —Common at Park Headquarters, around other human habitations, and to the south especially around Hilina Pali. Occasional in the Kau Desert. Haleakala —A few live around the Park Headquarters area in the summer months but they descend to lower elevations

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WHITE-EYE Zosterops palpibrosus (also mejiro)

WHITE-EYE DESCRIPTION: 4½″. A tiny yellow-green bird with a distinct white eye-ring . Its back and wings are green, the throat yellow, and under parts gray; the bill is thin and straight. Only other common small green bird is the amakihi, which has no white around the eyes. Immatures are duller, and the eye-ring, although present, is less distinct. PARK DISTRIBUTION: Introduced from Japan in 1929. Now widely established on all islands. Kilauea —Common almost everywhere in the park. Haleakala —Fa

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AMAKIHI Loxops virens

AMAKIHI (male) DESCRIPTION: 4½″. Yellow-green with no outstanding markings, and a dark slightly downcurved bill. The male is bright green above with a yellowish breast, while the female and immatures are duller, tending toward gray-green. It is a real problem to distinguish between a female or young amakihi and the very rare Hawaiian creeper (next bird). PARK DISTRIBUTION: Kilauea —Very common on the slopes of Mauna Loa around tree-line (for example along the Mauna Loa trail); less common in the

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HAWAIIAN CREEPER Loxops maculata

DESCRIPTION: 4½″. Very similar to the female or immature amakihi, but the bill is straighter and tends to be lighter in color. Creepers search for insects on the trunks and heavier branches, while amakihis usually work more in the foliage. PARK DISTRIBUTION: Kilauea —Now very rare in the upper rain forest or koa parkland on Mauna Loa. Haleakala —Has not been definitely recorded within the park for many years. Twenty years ago creepers were often seen in the Mauna Loa Strip area of the Kilauea Se

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OU Psittirostra psittacea

OU (male) DESCRIPTION: 6½″. A greenish bird with a heavy parrotlike bill . Male: Varying shades of green above, lighter below, with a bright yellow head that give it the appearance of being unusually large headed. Female and Immature : Lack the yellow head. PARK DISTRIBUTION: Kilauea —Rare; in the wet tree-fern jungle. Thurston Lava Tube is within its range. Haleakala —Absent from Maui. VOICE: A beautiful singer, according to Munro. Note: a medium high-pitched teweé . Ous are fairly inactive bir

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APAPANE Himatione sanguinea

APAPANE (immature and adult) DESCRIPTION: 5½″. Crimson red with black wings and tail, white abdomen , and slightly down-curved black bill . Only similar species, the iiwi, has a red abdomen and a long orange bill. Immatures are confusing, as the red is mostly lacking. However, grayish birds having a touch of rusty red on the sides and white under the tail, and feeding in ohia tops, are surely this species. The throat and face of young apapanes may appear yellow-orange. PARK DISTRIBUTION: Kilauea

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IIWI Vestiaria coccinea

IIWI DESCRIPTION: 5¾″. A brilliant scarlet body and long, orange, sickle-shaped bill distinguishes this honeycreeper. Lacks the white abdomen of the apapane. Immatures appear greenish-yellow with patches of red developing with age, but the long orange bill is always diagnostic. PARK DISTRIBUTION: Kilauea —Common in the wet ohia forest, especially when the trees are in bloom. Kipuka Puaulu and the vicinity of Thurston Lava Tube are likely places. Haleakala —Fairly common in Hosmer Grove and the f

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RICEBIRD Munia nisoria

RICEBIRD DESCRIPTION: 4″. A tiny, dark-faced bird with a heavy blackish bill. Differs from house sparrow and house finch females in its smaller size, the dark face and throat, and under parts that look speckled. The flanks may appear barred. Nearly always in flocks. PARK DISTRIBUTION: Introduced to the islands about 1865. Now established on all main islands. Kilauea —Occasional to common along most park roads except in the Kau Desert and the upper Mauna Loa Strip. Haleakala —Absent from the park

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HOUSE SPARROW Passer domesticus (also English sparrow)

DESCRIPTION: 6″. Almost everyone knows this chunky, grayish-brown bird with a heavy bill, restricted to areas of human habitation. Males have black throats; females gray. PARK DISTRIBUTION: Introduced before 1870. Kilauea —Restricted to areas of human habitations. Haleakala —A few around Park Headquarters, mainly during the summer months. VOICE: Dull chirps....

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CARDINAL Richmondena cardinalis

CARDINAL (female and male) DESCRIPTION: 4″-10″. Male —the only all red bird with a crest . Female —yellowish-brown with some red, also crested. Both sexes have a heavy red bill: however, immatures, which resembles females, have dark beaks. PARK DISTRIBUTION: Introduced on several islands since 1929. Kilauea —Fairly common locally in the drier vegetated areas such as Kipuka Puaulu. Haleakala —Absent from the park. VOICE: The song, which may be varied, is made up of a liquid whistled phrase usuall

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HOUSE FINCH Carpodacus mexicanus (also linnet or papaya bird)

HOUSE FINCH (female and male) DESCRIPTION: 5½″. Male —Grayish-brown with rosy red breast, forehead, stripe over eye, and rump. At Haleakala the color is more yellow than red. Female and Immature —Sparrowlike with a gray-brown back and dusky-white streaked breast. House finches have thick seed-eating bills. PARK DISTRIBUTION: Introduced before 1870. Kilauea —very common in the drier sections of the park, especially along the Hilina Pali road and at Kipuka Puaulu. Haleakala —One of the commonest b

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Accidentals

From time to time various sea and other birds passing over the island or blown inland during a storm may be observed in either park. In recent years such accidentals have included:...

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Formerly Recorded

Several native birds that were formerly found within the park have not been recorded in recent years. They include: Hawaiian crow ( Corvus tropicus ): This, the only crow here and endemic to the Island of Hawaii, formerly occurred within the park. One recent Kilauea record (1940). Akepa ( Loxops coccinea ): A tiny (4½″) bird. Male : Red-orange with no white markings. Female : Green above and yellow below. Still occurs in the koa forests northeast of the Mauna Loa Strip. Last park record was over

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Status Uncertain

Game birds are sometimes released by the State Division of Fish and Game near the park, but they do not always become established. A recent release (June 1960) just outside the park boundary near Headquarters at Haleakala was the Erckel’s Francolin ( Francolinus erckelii ). This large chickenlike partridge can be recognized by its rusty-red crown. It is not yet known whether the birds will reproduce and become established. A B C D E F G H I J K L M N O P Q R S T U V W X Y Z Boldfaced type : refe

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OTHER PARK NATURE BOOKLETS

The Hawaii Natural History Association, a nonprofit organization devoted to aiding the park interpretive program, has produced several other booklets to help you enjoy the parks in Hawaii. These may be obtained at headquarters in either park or by writing directly to the association, Hawaii Volcanoes National Park, Hawaii....

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NOTES

PHOTO BY THE AUTHOR Nene...

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