Hawaii is home to a wide range of beautiful birds, including the captivating bluebird. These small birds, which come in a range of shades from deep blue to light blue, can be seen flitting around the islands.
They are known to inhabit a variety of habitats, including forests, grasslands, and even suburban and urban areas. Bluebirds are an important part of Hawaii’s natural beauty and play an important role in the local ecosystem.
Not only do they help to disperse seeds and control insect populations, but they also offer a delightful sight for birdwatchers.
1. Common Myna
The common myna, sometimes spelled mynah, is a type of bird that is native to Asia and belongs to the Sturnidae family. It is an omnivorous bird that is most commonly found in open woodlands but has adapted well to living in urban environments.
The common myna is known for its strong territorial instinct and will often fiercely defend its territory from any intruders. The common myna is an opportunistic feeder and its diet consists of fruits, grains, insects, and small reptiles.
They will often use their strong beaks to break open fruits and other hard-shelled items to get to the food inside.
They will also scavenge for food in garbage bins, on the ground, and in other areas where food is available. The common myna is also very vocal and can produce a wide variety of sounds. They are known for their ability to mimic words, sounds, and even phrases.
These birds are also very social and can be seen in large flocks. The common myna is a very adaptable bird and has been seen in many different parts of the world. It has become an invasive species in some areas, where it has caused a disturbance to the local ecosystems.
The common myna is also a popular pet bird and can be trained to do tricks and imitate sounds.
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Passeriformes |
| Family | Sturnidae |
| Genus | Acridotheres |
| Species | A. tristis |
2. Cardinalidae
Cardinalidae is a family of passerine birds that are exclusively found in the New World. This family contains cardinals, grosbeaks, buntings, and other genera such as the tanager-like Piranga and the warbler-like Granatellus.
The Cardinals are medium-sized birds known for their bright red plumage. Grosbeaks are large finches with thick, cone-shaped bills and usually have strong, patterned plumage. Buntings are small birds that have a characteristic cone-shaped bill.
The Piranga is a genus of tanagers, which are medium-sized birds that are typically colorful and have long tails. The Granatellus is a genus of warblers, which are small, active birds with a pointed bill and generally dull olive or grayish plumage.
All of these genera are included in the Cardinalidae family.
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Passeriformes |
| Family | Cardinalidae |
3. Belted Kingfisher
The Belted Kingfisher is a large, eye-catching water bird native to the North American continent. It is one of several species of kingfishers and is part of the family Alcedinidae, which has historically included all kingfishers.
However, recent scientific research has indicated that this family should be divided into three distinct subfamilies, based on subtle differences in their appearances, behaviors, and habitats.
This new understanding of the relationships between kingfishers helps to highlight the unique characteristics of each species and gives us a better picture of the overall diversity of the family.
The Belted Kingfisher is one of the most recognizable species and its large size and bright plumage make it easy to spot. It is also an important component of aquatic ecosystems and plays a vital role in controlling insect and fish populations.
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Coraciiformes |
| Family | Alcedinidae |
| Genus | Megaceryle |
| Species | M. alcyon |
4. Thrush
The thrushes are a family of birds, known as Turdidae, found all over the world. This family of birds used to be much larger, but was reduced in size when biologists reclassified some of its members.
These birds, the chats, and European robins were formerly part of the subfamily Saxicolinae, but have now been reclassified as Old World flycatchers. This means that they are no longer part of the Thrushes family, but instead part of the Flycatcher family.
The Thrushes family is still made up of many species and includes birds such as the American Robin, the Song Thrush, and the Blackbird. They are generally small to medium-sized birds with mottled gray or brown feathers and are often found in wooded areas.
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Passeriformes |
| Family | Turdidae |
5. Red-crested Cardinal
The red-crested cardinal is a species of songbird that belongs to the family of tanagers. Despite its similar name, this species is not related to the true cardinal family. It is also known as the Brazilian cardinal.
The red-crested cardinal is characterized by its bright red crest, which is seen prominently on its head. It usually inhabits tropical and subtropical regions and is found mainly in South America.
The red-crested cardinal is a small bird, typically measuring between 12 and 13 centimeters in length. Its plumage is usually grayish-brown, with a distinctive red crest on its head. The male red-crested cardinal is generally more brightly colored than the female.
Its diet consists mainly of seeds, fruits, and insects. The red-crested cardinal is usually seen in pairs or small flocks, singing its melodious song during the day. It is a popular bird among birdwatchers due to its bright colors and its melodic song.
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Passeriformes |
| Family | Thraupidae |
| Genus | Paroaria |
| Species | P. coronata |
6. Honeyeaters
The honeyeaters are a family of birds, known by the scientific name Meliphagidae, which encompasses a variety of small to medium-sized birds.
This family is quite diverse and includes species such as the Australian chats, myxomas, friarbirds, wattlebirds, miners, and melidectes.
Each of these species has their own unique behaviors and adaptations, helping them to survive in various habitats. The Australian chats are a type of honeyeater that is found in Australia. They typically have a brownish-black plumage and a short, straight bill.
They are quite active and can often be seen flitting around in search of food. Myzomelas are smaller than chats and usually have a grayish-black plumage.
They tend to feed on nectar and fruits and are often found in open woodlands. Friarbirds are quite distinctive with their large, curved beaks and white plumage. They are mostly found in trees where they feed on nectar, fruits, and insects.
Wattlebirds are recognized by their bright yellow and black plumage and long, curved beaks. They are commonly found in open woodlands and can also be found in gardens. Miners are usually found in scrublands where they feed on insects.
They have a dull grayish-brown plumage and a short, straight bill. Melidectes are small honeyeaters with bright yellow plumage and a long, curved bill.
They are mostly found in wet tropical forests and feed on insects and nectar. Overall, the honeyeaters are a large and diverse family of birds, each with its own unique characteristics and behaviors.
They can be found in a variety of habitats and are an important part of the ecosystem.
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Passeriformes |
| Family | Meliphagidae |
7. Old-world Flycatchers
The Old World flycatchers are a large family of small birds belonging to the Muscicapidae family. These birds are mainly found in the Old World, such as Europe, Africa, and Asia.
However, there are a few exceptions, such as a few species of vagrants and two species, the bluethroat and northern wheatear, that have been found in North America.
The Old World flycatchers are small passerine birds, meaning that they have three toes facing forward and one facing backward. These birds have short beaks which they use to catch insects in mid-air.
They also have long wings and tails, which help them maneuver quickly and accurately while flying. The Old World flycatchers typically inhabit open areas such as grasslands, cultivated fields, and savannas.
They are usually found near water sources, where they can easily catch their prey. They often inhabit shrubs and trees, and many species nest in cavities in trees.
The Old World flycatchers are important for many ecosystems, as they play an important role in controlling insect populations. They also provide food for many other animals, such as owls, hawks, and other birds of prey.
In conclusion, the Old World flycatchers are a large family of small birds belonging to the Muscicapidae family. These birds are mainly found in the Old World, but there are a few exceptions.
These birds are important for many ecosystems, as they play an important role in controlling insect populations and providing food for other animals.
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Passeriformes |
| Family | Muscicapidae |
8. Red-whiskered Bulbul
The red-whiskered bulbul, or crested bulbul, is a species of passerine bird native to Asia. It is a member of the bulbul family, which includes about 130 species of passerines.
It is a frugivore, meaning that its diet consists mainly of fruit, and it is found mainly in tropical areas of Asia.
In recent years, the red-whiskered bulbul has been introduced to many other tropical areas of the world, and it has been able to establish stable populations in these new areas.
This is likely due to its adaptability to human-modified environments, and its ability to take advantage of new food sources.
In addition to its adaptability, the red-whiskered bulbul is also known for its distinctive red facial markings, which are used for both display and signaling. This species is a common sight in many tropical areas and is a popular bird for bird watching.
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Passeriformes |
| Family | Pycnonotidae |
| Genus | Pycnonotus |
| Species | P. jocosus |
9. House Finch
Source: Wikipedia
The house finch is a species of bird that belongs to the Fringillidae family. It is native to western North America but has been introduced in eastern areas of the continent and in Hawaii.
It is closely related to two other species of rosefinches, which all belong to the genus Haemorhous. This species is known to have a wide range and is found in many types of habitats, from suburban gardens to open woodlands.
It is a fairly small bird, typically measuring around 15 cm in length, and has a reddish-brown body with streaked wings and a brown tail. The male house finch has a reddish-orange head and throat, while the female has a brown head and throat.
This species feeds mainly on grains, seeds, and small insects, which it finds either on the ground or in trees. It will also visit feeders to find food, and will sometimes hoard food to store for later.
In the winter, house finches gather in large flocks and migrate to areas where food is more abundant. This species is a common sight across much of its range and is considered a beneficial species, helping to disperse seeds and keep insect populations in check.
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Passeriformes |
| Family | Fringillidae |
| Genus | Haemorhous |
| Species | H. mexicanus |
10. Rose-ringed Parakeet
The rose-ringed parakeet, or ring-necked parakeet, is a species of bird found in many parts of the world. It is a medium-sized parrot, with an average length of between 25 and 30 cm (9.8 to 11.8 in).
It belongs to the genus Psittacula, which is part of the family Psittacidae, which includes parrots and parakeets. The rose-ringed parakeet is bright green in color, with a black collar or ring of feathers around its neck.
The male has a red beak, while the female has a black beak. It is an adaptable bird that can live in many different habitats, including woodlands, gardens, and urban areas. It is also a noisy species, with a variety of loud calls.
It is a social bird and often forms large flocks in the wild. It is also a popular pet and can be trained to talk.
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Psittaciformes |
| Family | Psittaculidae |
| Genus | Psittacula |
| Species | P. krameri |
11. Hawaiian Honeycreeper
Hawaiian honeycreepers are a unique type of bird found only in the Hawaiian Islands. They belong to the finch family Fringillidae, which is related to the rosefinches. This family is comprised of many species of birds, each with its own distinct physical characteristics.
For example, many species of Hawaiian honeycreepers have evolved features that make them different from other finches, such as curved, decurved, or pointed beaks, and color patterns that are unique to their species.
These birds typically range in size from 4 to 8 inches, with some species having more colorful plumage than others. They are usually found in forests, but they can also inhabit other areas such as grasslands and shrublands.
In addition to their interesting physical features, Hawaiian honeycreepers are known for their varied diet, which includes fruits, insects, nectar, and occasionally other small animals.
These birds are an important part of the Hawaiian ecosystem and are a popular attraction for tourists to observe.
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Passeriformes |
| Family | Fringillidae |
12. Red-footed Booby
The red-footed booby is a large seabird that belongs to the Sulidae family of boobies. Its most distinctive feature is its bright red feet, while its plumage varies in color. Red-footed boobies are powerful and agile fliers, yet their takeoffs and landings are rather clumsy.
These birds are found in tropical regions around the world and usually nest in large colonies near the coast, particularly on islands. Red-footed boobies are social birds, often gathering in flocks to feed on fish and squid near the surface of the water.
They also use their webbed feet to paddle and swim when necessary. The species is currently listed as of least concern on the IUCN Red List, indicating that its population is stable.
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Suliformes |
| Family | Sulidae |
| Genus | Sula |
| Species | S. sula |
13. Masked Booby
The masked booby is a type of large seabird that belongs to the booby and gannet family, Sulidae. It is widely known by several names, including the masked gannet and the blue-faced booby. The species was first described by the French naturalist René-Primevère Lesson in 1831.
It is one of six species of booby that belongs to the genus Sula. The masked booby is a large seabird with a wingspan of up to 1.7 meters. It has a white body, a black mask on its face, and a blue bill.
The masked booby is typically found in tropical and subtropical oceans, including the Caribbean Sea, the Gulf of Mexico, the Eastern Pacific, and the Western Atlantic. They feed on fish, squid, and crustaceans.
During the breeding season, they build nests in colonies on islands or in coastal areas. The masked booby is listed as a species of least concern by the International Union for the Conservation of Nature.
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Suliformes |
| Family | Sulidae |
| Genus | Sula |
| Species | S. dactylatra |
Conclusion
Bluebirds in Hawaii are an important part of the Hawaiian ecology and serve to enhance the beauty of its landscapes. They are a protected species, and their population is increasing thanks to conservation efforts.
While they may be difficult to spot in Hawaii’s dense tropical forests, they can be seen in many open areas and in certain parts of the state. With a little patience and luck, birdwatchers can catch a glimpse of these majestic creatures and appreciate their stunning beauty.