Redbirds in Hawaii are rare, but they are an incredible wonder to behold. These tropical birds are native to the islands and can be seen in Hawaii’s lush green forests, woodlands, and gardens.
They are striking in color, with a bright red plumage that stands out against the landscape. Redbirds in Hawaii are also known for their melodic songs and an array of sounds that can be heard throughout the islands.
These birds are an essential part of the Hawaiian ecosystem, providing food for other species and playing a role in the pollination of plants. These beautiful birds symbolize the vibrant culture of the Hawaiian Islands.
15 Red Birds in Hawaii (With Pictures)
Have you ever wondered what kind of birds live in Hawaii? The islands are home to a diverse and colorful array of avian species, many of which are endemic to the state. One of Hawaii’s most striking groups of birds is the red one.
Eighteen species of red birds can be found in Hawaii, each with unique features and adaptations. Here are some of the most amazing red birds in Hawaii and where you can see them.
1. Cardinalidae
Cardinalidae is a family of birds endemic to the New World. This family includes cardinals, grosbeaks, buntings, tanagers, and warblers. Cardinals, grosbeaks, and buntings are the main genera, while tanagers and warblers comprise the lesser genera.
The tanager-like Piranga and the warbler-like Granatellus are two examples of the lesser genera. All members of the Cardinalidae family are passerines, meaning they have an arrangement of toes that allows them to perch easily on branches.
They are found in many different habitats across the New World, from the tropics to the temperate zones. These birds have a variety of colors, sizes, and shapes and can often be seen in gardens, parks, and other open areas.
They are generally omnivorous, eating various fruits, seeds, and insects. In addition to feeding on food sources, they also play an essential role in the environment, helping to disperse seeds and control insect populations.
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Passeriformes |
| Family | Cardinalidae |
2. Northern Cardinal
The northern cardinal, also known as the redbird, common cardinal, red cardinal, or simply cardinal, is a species of bird native to North America. It is part of the genus Cardinalis, which contains a variety of small, brightly colored birds.
The northern cardinal is well-known for its bright red plumage, head, face, and wings a deep scarlet, and colorful, rusty red tail. It also has a black face mask and a black beak.
The males are more brightly colored than the females; however, both sexes have a crest of feathers on their heads.
The northern cardinal is the state bird of seven states in the United States, and it is a famous backyard bird, often seen perched atop trees or shrubs in gardens and parks. It is also a songbird, with various distinct vocalizations that can be heard throughout the year.
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Passeriformes |
| Family | Cardinalidae |
| Genus | Cardinalis |
| Species | C. cardinalis |
3. Red-Crested Cardinal
The red-crested cardinal is a songbird that belongs to the tanager family. It has nothing to do with the true cardinal family, consisting of birds like the Northern Cardinal and the Pyrrhuloxia. Therefore, this bird has earned the nickname of the Brazilian cardinal.
This species is known for its beautiful red crest feathers, which can be seen from afar. The red-crested cardinal is found in the South American countries of Argentina, Bolivia, Brazil, Colombia, Ecuador, Guyana, Paraguay, Peru, Suriname, and Venezuela.
It is a famous sight in these countries and can often be found in open woodlands, grasslands, and other habitats. Its song is noteworthy for its melodic, high-pitched tones and can be heard in many of these countries during the warmer months.
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Passeriformes |
| Family | Thraupidae |
| Genus | Paroaria |
| Species | P. coronata |
4. ʻApapane
The ʻapapane is a unique species of bird that is endemic to the Hawaiian Islands. It is a small crimson bird and a species of honeycreeper.
It is the most abundant and widely distributed species of honeycreeper found on the islands of Hawaiʻi, Maui, Lānaʻi, Kauaʻi, Molokaʻi and Oʻahu. It is a common sight in the Hawaiian Islands and is found in various habitats such as forests, woodlands, and gardens.
The ʻapapane has a distinct call and song, and its feathers are a bright red-orange. Its wings are short, and its tail is long and pointed. Its diet consists mainly of nectar and insects, often perching in trees or shrubs to consume its food.
It also feeds on the leaves and buds of some plants. The ʻapapane is an essential species for the Hawaiian ecosystem, as it helps pollinate many native plants.
It is considered a keystone species, and its presence helps to maintain the balance and health of many of the Hawaiian Islands’ native habitats. In addition to its role in the environment, the ʻapapane is also essential to the Hawaiian culture.
It symbolizes beauty and grace, and its feathers are often used in traditional lei and other Hawaiian adornments. The ʻapapane is an iconic species of the Hawaiian Islands, and its presence helps to ensure the health and balance of the islands’ native habitats.
Its wide distribution and abundance make it an important species for the Hawaiian Islands, both ecologically and culturally.
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Passeriformes |
| Family | Fringillidae |
| Genus | Himatione |
| Species | H. sanguinea |
5. House Finch
The house finch (Haemorhous mexicanus) is a small bird species belonging to the finch family Fringillidae. It is native to the western parts of North America but has been introduced to the eastern half of the continent and the island of Hawaii.
The house finch is one of three species of American rose finch, the others being the purple finch and the Cassin’s finch.
These three species have been grouped in the genus Haemorhous, derived from the Greek words for “bloody” and “billed,” likely due to the birds’ bright red or pink bill.
The male house finch has a bright red crown, throat, and upper breast, while the female has a browner crown and a streaked breast. Both sexes have a brown back, wings with white bars, and a white belly.
The house finch feeds on seeds, fruits, and insects, often seen in backyards and parks.
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Passeriformes |
| Family | Fringillidae |
| Genus | Haemorhous |
| Species | H. mexicanus |
6. Hawaiian Honeycreeper
The Hawaiian honeycreeper is a small bird found only in Hawaii. It is part of the Fringillidae family, which is a type of finch.
This particular type of finch is closely related to the rosefinch, but the Hawaiian honeycreeper has evolved features that are unlike any other kind of finch. These features are unique to the Hawaiian honeycreeper and have helped the species to survive in its island habitat.
The Hawaiian honeycreeper feeds on various insects, fruits, and nectar, which it finds by hopping and flitting through the underbrush and canopy of the Hawaiian Islands.
The Hawaiian honeycreeper is a beautiful species of bird that has adapted to its unique environment and is an exciting example of how a species can evolve to fit its niche.
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Passeriformes |
| Family | Fringillidae |
7. Red Avadavat
The Red Avadavat, also known as the Red Munia or Strawberry Finch, is a small, sparrow-like bird belonging to the family Estrildidae.
It can be found in the grasslands and open fields of tropical Asia and is often kept as a pet due to the vibrant coloration of its feathers during the breeding season.
The males of this species have bright red plumage, which is one of the reasons it is so popular as a caged bird. In addition, the Red Avadavat is also known for its song, which is said to be very melodic and enjoyable to listen to.
The female of this species is less brightly colored, with a more muted brown and white pattern. Both sexes have a black head and black and white barring on their wings.
The Red Avadavat is an omnivorous bird with a diet that consists primarily of grass seeds, insects, and small fruits. In captivity, these birds need a diet supplemented with vitamins and minerals to ensure proper nutrition.
The Red Avadavat is an attractive and exciting bird species, making it a popular choice for enthusiasts.
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Passeriformes |
| Family | Estrildidae |
| Genus | Amandava |
| Species | A. amandava |
8. Red Junglefowl
The red junglefowl is a species of bird belonging to the Phasianidae family, comprising various types of pheasants, partridges, and other fowl. This species can be found throughout much of Southeast Asia and parts of South Asia.
It was previously referred to as the Bankiva or Bankiva fowl. The red junglefowl is a medium-sized bird with a rather long body, measuring roughly 65 to 70 centimeters. It has a brownish-red body with black and white markings on its wings, tail, and head.
Its head has a distinct crest, and its bill is yellow. Its eyes are yellowish-orange, and it has short yellow legs. The red junglefowl is a diurnal bird active during the day and primarily feeds on seeds, insects, and fruits.
They prefer to live in open woodlands, especially those near water sources and are known to form small flocks. Their habitats include agricultural fields, scrublands, and grasslands. The red junglefowl has a unique call: a loud, sharp cackle.
This call is used to ward off predators and to communicate with other birds. This species is also known to make drumming sounds, which is believed to be a way to attract mates. The red junglefowl is an essential species for both scientific and agricultural reasons.
It is the wild ancestor of all domestic chickens, and its presence in certain areas makes it an essential indicator of the environment’s health. The species is also economically important, providing food for humans and other animals.
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Galliformes |
| Family | Phasianidae |
| Genus | Gallus |
| Species | G. gallus |
9. Red-Footed Booby
The red-footed Booby is a species of seabird that belongs to the Sulidae family. Its red feet can recognize it, while its plumage varies in color. It is a powerful and agile flier; however, it is clumsy in takeoffs and landings.
This species is commonly found throughout tropical regions, and they usually nest in colonies near coastal areas and on islands. They are known for their acrobatic aerial displays, often performed during courtship.
Red-footed boobies are also known to forage for food by plunge-diving into the water. They mainly eat small fish, squid, and crustaceans.
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Suliformes |
| Family | Sulidae |
| Genus | Sula |
| Species | S. sula |
10. Red-Tailed Tropicbird
The red-tailed tropicbird is an elegant seabird native to the tropical parts of the Indian and Pacific Oceans. It was first described in 1783 by Pieter Boddaert, a Dutch zoologist.
The bird has a distinct appearance, with its white plumage, a black mask that wraps around its eyes, and a bright red bill.
Its overall look is very similar to a tern, a type of seabird also found in tropical climates. The red-tailed tropicbird is an excellent example of the incredible diversity of life on Earth.
It is adapted to survive in the tropical regions of the Indian and Pacific Oceans, where it feeds on fish, squid, and shrimp. Its wings are designed for robust and fast flight, allowing it to move around the ocean for food quickly.
The bird’s bright colors make it stand out in the open sky, providing a stunning sight for any onlooker. The red-tailed tropicbird is an integral part of the food chain in tropical regions.
Its presence helps maintain the marine ecosystem’s balance, as it feeds on smaller fish and other animals, which in turn helps keep the larger fish populations healthy.
Birds are also an essential part of the culture of many coastal communities, which have been observing and interacting with these birds for centuries. Overall, the red-tailed tropicbird is an incredible species that has existed for hundreds of years.
It is an integral part of the tropical marine ecosystem and a beautiful sight. Its bright plumage and unique shape make it a wonderful sight to behold and a reminder of this planet’s fantastic diversity of life.
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Phaethontiformes |
| Family | Phaethontidae |
| Genus | Phaethon |
| Species | P. rubricauda |
11. Red-Crowned Amazon
The red-crowned Amazon (Amazona viridigenalis) is a species of parrot found only in a limited area of North America. It is native to northeastern Mexico and may also be found in southern Texas in the United States.
Other names, such as the red-crowned parrot, green-cheeked Amazon, and Mexican red-headed parrot, also know it. This parrot species is endangered, with its population in decline due to various factors, including habitat destruction.
The red-crowned amazon is a medium-sized parrot, with adults reaching around 11 inches. The plumage is generally green, with a red forehead and a yellow or orange crown. The beak is black, and the tail is long and pointed.
It is a vocal species with various calls and whistles. The red-crowned amazon inhabits multiple habitats, including open woodlands, savannahs, and arid scrublands. It feeds primarily on fruits, nuts, and seeds.
It is also known to consume insects and small animals. It is a social species and forms flocks of up to twenty individuals. The red-crowned Amazon is considered to be an endangered species due to a variety of threats.
These include habitat destruction and the capture and trade of wild birds for the pet trade. In addition, the species is threatened by introducing non-native species, such as cats, dogs, and rats.
Conservation efforts are underway to protect the species, including establishing protected areas and developing captive breeding programs.
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Psittaciformes |
| Family | Psittacidae |
| Genus | Amazona |
| Species | A. viridigenalis |
12. Common Redpoll
The common redpoll, also known as the mealy redpoll, is a species of bird belonging to the finch family. It is primarily found in northern areas, such as Scandinavia and Siberia, and is known for its red forehead and crown.
The common redpoll is often found in habitats with shrubs and thickets and usually breeds further south than the Arctic redpoll. This bird species is known for its distinctive song, frequently described as a trilling or chirping noise.
The common redpoll is an insectivorous species that primarily feeds on seeds and other plant material. They are also commonly seen visiting bird feeders in gardens and parks. The common redpoll is a social species and often forms flocks with other finches.
They also migrate in large flocks during winter, often covering great distances for food.
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Passeriformes |
| Family | Fringillidae |
| Genus | Acanthis |
| Species | A. flammea |
13. Red-Whiskered Bulbul
The red-whiskered bulbul, also known as the crested bulbul, is a type of songbird native to parts of Asia. It belongs to the bulbul family of birds and is a type of frugivore, meaning it primarily feeds on fruit.
The red-whiskered bulbul is mainly found in tropical parts of Asia. Still, it has also been introduced to other tropical areas of the world, where it has been able to establish populations.
It is a reasonably common bird found in forests, woodlands, orchards, parks, and urban areas. Its feathers are primarily grey, with some whitish areas on its wings and back, and its distinctive red-colored whiskers are located near its beak.
The red-whiskered bulbul is an essential species for the local ecosystems, as it helps to disperse the seeds of fruits that it eats, allowing for the growth of different plant species.
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Passeriformes |
| Family | Pycnonotidae |
| Genus | Pycnonotus |
| Species | P. jocosus |
14. Red-Billed Leiothrix
The red-billed leiothrix is a small bird belonging to the family of Leiothrichidae. It has its native range in southern China and the Himalayas and is widely seen in the open woodlands of these regions.
It has a bright red bill and a dull yellow ring around its eyes, making it a beautiful bird. The adult red-billed leiothrix is around 15 centimeters long and has a distinctive black head with a white collar.
Its wings and tail are blackish-brown, and the belly is yellowish-green. Its legs and feet are pink. This species is exceptionally social, often seen in small groups of 2-5 birds. The diet of the red-billed leiothrix consists of insects, fruit, and seeds.
They have a distinctive call that sounds like a whistle and are often seen in the trees searching for food.
They are also attracted to bird feeders. The red-billed leiothrix is a relatively common species in its native range, although its population is declining due to habitat loss. The species is listed as Least Concern by the IUCN.
Conservation efforts are needed to ensure the long-term survival of this beautiful bird.
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Passeriformes |
| Family | Leiothrichidae |
| Genus | Leiothrix |
| Species | L. lutea |
15. Java Sparrow
The Java sparrow, also known as the Java finch, Java rice sparrow, or Java rice bird, is a small passerine bird native to Java, Bali, and Bawean Indonesian islands. It is a member of the estrildid finch family and can be found living in the wild on these islands.
The Java sparrow is also a famous cage bird and has been introduced to many other countries beyond its native range. The Java sparrow is a small bird that measures around 11 cm long.
It has a distinctive black head, back, wings, and tail, with a white breast and belly. The beak is yellow, and a white stripe runs from the beak to the eyes. Its song is a high-pitched chirping sound.
The Java sparrow is a sociable bird, living in small colonies and foraging in flocks. It feeds mainly on seeds, other plant matter, and some insects. It nests in trees or tall shrubs, building a cup-shaped nest from grass and other plant material.
The Java sparrow is a famous cage bird due to its attractive appearance, pleasant song, and friendly nature. Caring for and adapting to various living conditions is also relatively easy.
As a result, it has been introduced to many other countries, including the United States, Canada, Mexico, and several European countries.
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Passeriformes |
| Family | Estrildidae |
| Genus | Padda |
| Species | P. oryzivora |
Conclusion
Redbirds can be found in many parts of Hawaii and can be a beautiful sight to behold. They are an essential part of the Hawaiian ecosystem, helping to control insect populations and providing food for other animals.
They are also a symbol of good luck and fortune in Hawaiian culture. While their numbers may be declining due to habitat destruction, protecting their habitats is essential to maintaining their populations in the long term.