Ten Birds that Only Live in Hawaii

Hawaii’s unique location as an island that is thousands of miles away from mainland makes it a hub for bird species found nowhere else in the world. Hawaii’s unique climate and location create an extremely delicate ecosystem that can pose a threat to the survival of these endemic species. Here is a list of ten endemic Hawaiian birds that are listed in the Federal List of Endangered Species. Use this guide to identify these amazing species during your next trip!

Marine & Wetland Birds

Newell’s Shearwater or ‘A’O

Marine Bird Nests on Kauai, Hawaii, Molokai Found in waters and in burrows under ferns on mountain slopes during the breeding season (April – November).

Koloa

Wetland Bird Lowland wetlands, river valleys, and mountain streams Hawaiian legends say that this duck was a guide to the fierce blind warrior king, Imaikalini.

Common Moorhen or ‘Alae’Ula

Wetland Bird Found in freshwater ponds, marshes, reservoirs, and aquaculture sites on Kauai and Oahu. In Hawaiian mythology, ‘Alae’ula was thought to have brought fire from the gods to the Hawaiian people.

Black-Necked Stilt or Ae’o

Wetland Bird Ponds, marshy area, and mudflats on all main Hawaiian islands Blacked-Necked Stilts are known to aggressively defend their territory and fake injury in order to distract predators from their young.

Forest & Open Country Birds

‘Akepa

Forest Bird Northeastern slopes of Haleakalā in the crowns of ‘ohi’a trees, often in small flocks. ‘Akepa have whitish colored eggs with fine dark markings.

Nene

Open Country Birds The State bird of Hawaii is found on Hawaii, Maui, Kauai and Molokai Frequent grasslands, golf courses, open lowlands. The Nene is the rarest goose in the world.

‘Alala or Hawaiian Crow

Forest Birds Hawaii island only World's rarest and most endangered crow species. The wild population is extinct, leaving only under 100 alive in captivity.

Hawai’i Creeper

Forest Birds Hawai’i island only The Hawai‘i creeper is a member of the honeycreeper family. It gets its name because of the creeping movement it makes from branch to branch in the forest.

Maui Parrotbill

Forest Birds Only found in East Maui in the sub-canopy of dense rainforest. The Maui Parrotbill’s unique bill shape is able to split and crush wood and twigs similarly to how a can-opener works.

‘Akohekohe or Crested Honeycreeper

Forest Birds East Maui Only Also known as Crested Honeycreeper, this bird is the largest honeycreeper species on Maui. About the Author: Skyline Hawai’i offers exceptional guided tours of Haleakalā National Park on Maui. For more information or to make your reservation today, visit: www.skylinehawaii.com.