The Hawaiian Islands are situated amidst the vast expanse of the Pacific Ocean, making them one of the most remote landmasses globally. This isolation has fostered a rich biodiversity unique to Hawai'i. The considerable distance to the islands has restricted the types of species able to colonize them. Many of the indigenous animal species found in the Hawaiian Archipelago trace their origins to those that could fly here, including birds, bats, and insects. Others, such as certain snails, insects, and spiders, were light enough to be carried by birds, while some were blown or washed ashore. Over time, these original settlers adapted and thrived, giving rise to a myriad of endemic species found exclusively in Hawai'i.
Haleakalā National Park, located on the Hawaiian island of Maui, is a stunningly diverse and scenic area that encompasses the summit of Haleakalā volcano, as well as the Kīpahulu District's coastal areas on the island's eastern shore. This national park is a place of superlative natural beauty and cultural significance, covering over 33,000 acres of land ranging from the summit of the volcano at over 10,000 feet (3,000 meters) to the ocean.
Within Haleakalā, numerous native bird species find refuge, among them the nēnē (Hawaiian Goose), the 'ua'u (Hawaiian Petrel), and six other native forest bird species unique to Hawai'i.
1. Nēnē
The nēnē, designated as Hawaii's state bird, is a medium-sized goose known for its black head, bill, and webbed feet, contrasting with buff-colored cheeks and neck. It measures around 25 inches in length, with grayish-brown barred plumage. The males are slightly larger than the females and are known for their soft mewing and cackling calls, alongside the characteristic goose-like trumpeting sounds.
Taxonomically, it's the only surviving endemic goose species of the Hawaiian Islands, diverging from the Canada goose around three million years ago. Historically, the nēnē populated all the major Hawaiian Islands, but their numbers declined after European contact, primarily due to habitat destruction and the introduction of predators. However, targeted conservation efforts, including captive breeding programs, have facilitated the species' successful reintroduction to various islands.
Primarily feeding on a diet of both native and introduced plant species, the nēnē breeds from October to March, with both parents actively participating in the care and upbringing of their goslings. Despite facing ongoing threats, dedicated conservation strategies are in place to ensure the continued survival of the nēnē in its natural environment.
2. 'Ua'u
Measuring around 16 inches from head to tail, the 'ua'u seabird displays a striking contrast of black wings, head, and tail against a white forehead and underparts. With webbed feet transitioning from black toes to a pinkish hue at the heel, it's a unique sight in Hawaii's avian landscape. Recognized by its distinctive calls echoing through nesting colonies at night, the 'ua'u is the only endangered seabird in the region.
Nesting predominantly atop Mount Haleakalā on Maui, with smaller colonies scattered across various elevations on neighboring islands, the 'ua'u faces threats from habitat loss, predation by invasive species, and the perilous confusion of man-made lights with stars, leading to frequent groundings. Despite efforts such as predator control and public awareness campaigns, the 'ua'u population struggles to rebound from historic declines.
Sharing habitats with Threatened Newell's shearwaters on Kaua'i, 'ua'u encounters similar challenges, while the more numerous 'Ua'u kani, or Wedge-tailed shearwaters, contribute significantly to seabird grounding incidents across the Hawaiian Islands.
3. ‘Apapane
The ʻApapane, with its striking plumage of red, black, and white, is a common sight amidst the vibrant blooms of ʻōhiʻa lehua trees, where it tirelessly forages for both nectar and insects. Found flitting among the branches in the Hosmer Grove area and often spotted around Palikū Cabin in the backcountry, these energetic honeycreepers bring bursts of color to the lush Hawaiian landscape.
Distinguishing features include their short, stout black bills, perfectly suited for extracting nectar from flowers. This characteristic sets them apart from the similarly-hued ʻiʻiwi, another iconic Hawaiian bird species. While their appearance may be eye-catching, it's their lively calls that truly capture attention. Ranging from cheerful chirps to melodious trills, the vocal repertoire of the ʻApapane adds an auditory dimension to their already vibrant presence.
Despite their small size, these industrious feeders waste no time as they flit from blossom to blossom. Their feeding behavior is a marvel to behold, as they pause momentarily at each flower, extracting precious sustenance before swiftly moving on to the next.
4. ‘I‘iwi
Adult ʻiʻiwi are truly a spectacle to behold, boasting a vibrant crimson plumage that captivates the eye. Their striking red feathers are complemented by contrasting black wings, creating a mesmerizing display amidst the verdant foliage of the Hawaiian landscape. However, it's their slender and elongated pale orange-colored bills that truly set them apart, serving as unmistakable identifiers of this iconic honeycreeper species.
With a penchant for seeking out flower nectar, ʻiʻiwi can be found flitting among both native and non-native trees in the picturesque surroundings of the Hosmer Grove area and the vicinity of Palikū Cabin. Their presence adds a splash of color to these natural settings, as they delicately probe flowers in search of sustenance. As they go about their foraging activities, their calls resonate through the air, characterized by a melodic combination of creaks, gurgles, and a distinctive "rusty hinge" sound, adding an enchanting auditory dimension to their presence.
The historical significance of the ʻiʻiwi extends beyond its aesthetic appeal, as these birds held a special place in Hawaiian culture. Renowned for their brilliant feathers, ʻiʻiwi were highly prized by Hawaiian royalty, who adorned themselves with capes crafted from the iridescent plumage of these majestic creatures. Thus, the ʻiʻiwi not only serves as a symbol of natural beauty but also carries with it a rich cultural heritage deeply intertwined with the history of the Hawaiian Islands.
5. Hawai‘i ‘Amakihi
When seeking out the vibrant ʻamakihi, one can expect to encounter a burst of color amidst the verdant landscapes of Hawai'i. Sporting hues of brilliant green-yellow, these avian gems are a sight to behold as they flit among the foliage. Look for them specifically in the Hosmer Grove area, the Kalahaku Overlook, and around the serene confines of Palikū Cabin nestled in the backcountry.
While the males boast a resplendent vibrancy in their plumage, the females exhibit a slightly more subdued appearance, yet both genders contribute to the lively tapestry of their surroundings. With a diet consisting primarily of blossom nectar and insects, the ʻamakihi play a crucial role in pollination and insect control within their ecosystem.
Adding to their allure is their distinctive vocalizations, characterized by a "scoldy" mannerism that often manifests as a buzzy "tzeet." This unique behavior adds a playful dimension to encounters with these spirited birds and serves as a memorable aspect of observing them in their natural habitat. Moreover, the ʻamakihi's resilience is evident in their potential development of resistance to introduced avian malaria—a testament to their adaptability in the face of environmental challenges.
6. ‘Alauahio
When embarking on the quest to spot the elusive ʻAlauahio, one can anticipate an enchanting encounter with a diminutive forest dweller. With its compact, round form and swift movements, this charming avian creature, adorned in subtle shades of grey-green, is often found meticulously scouring branches and tree trunks in search of its preferred prey—small insects that dwell within the forest canopy.
Favoring the secluded tranquility of forested slopes, the ʻAlauahio finds sanctuary amidst the lush greenery of habitats such as Hosmer Grove and the neighboring Waikamoi Preserve. Here, amidst the rustling leaves and dappled sunlight filtering through the canopy, these elusive birds thrive, blending seamlessly into their verdant surroundings as they go about their daily routines.
The ʻAlauahio's melodic song, a repeated whistled phrase reminiscent of "whichy-wheesee-whurdy-whew," fills the air with a symphony of sound, adding to the enchantment of the forest ambiance. This distinctive vocalization serves as a beacon, guiding attentive listeners to the presence of these elusive creatures amidst the dense foliage.
Despite their diminutive size, ʻAlauahio possess a boldness that belies their stature, with small flocks occasionally venturing close to birdwatchers in a display of curiosity and fearlessness. These intimate encounters offer glimpses into the intricate lives of these fascinating forest inhabitants, fostering a deeper appreciation for the delicate balance of nature that sustains them.
7. Kiwikiu (Maui Parrotbill)
Encountering the robust and stocky kiwikiu is akin to stumbling upon a hidden treasure within the misty realms of Hawai'i's high elevation wet forests. Resplendent in hues of olive green above and sunny yellow below, these avian gems derive their name from their distinctive parrotlike bills, which they deftly employ to split branches in their relentless quest for insects. To spot these elusive creatures amidst the verdant foliage, keep a keen eye out for the telltale black eye stripe that serves as a distinguishing feature.
Venturing into the realms of the Hosmer Grove area and the secluded environs near Palikū Cabin in the backcountry offers prime opportunities for encountering the kiwikiu in its natural habitat. Here, amidst the towering trees and cascading waterfalls, the kiwikiu thrives, blending seamlessly into its lush surroundings as it goes about its daily foraging endeavors.
The kiwikiu's vocal repertoire adds another layer of intrigue to its mystique. Emitting a short, sharp "chip" sound at regular intervals of every three to five seconds, the kiwikiu makes its presence known amidst the serene forest ambiance. Furthermore, its song, characterized by slow, rich "cheer" notes, resonates through the canopy, lending a melodious backdrop to the verdant landscape.
Interestingly, the kiwikiu's original name was lost to the annals of time, only to be resurrected in 2010 by the Hawaiian Lexicon Committee, who aptly bestowed upon it the name "Kiwikiu." Derived from "kiwi" in reference to its curved beak and "kiu" denoting its secretive behavior, this name encapsulates the essence of this enigmatic forest denizen.
8. Ākohekohe
The majestic Ākohekohe, also known as the Crested Honeycreeper, stands as the largest remaining honeycreeper on the island of Maui, boasting a weight ranging from 24 to 29 grams. Adorned in a striking coat of predominantly black plumage, this avian beauty is distinguished by the vibrant orange-red tips adorning its body feathers, adding a fiery contrast to its dark attire. Notably, its throat and breast feathers are delicately tipped with silvery-white, further enhancing its regal appearance.
Despite its grandeur, the Ākohekohe maintains a delicate ecological balance as a primarily nectarivorous species, relying heavily on the sweet sustenance provided by native floral blooms. However, its diet extends beyond nectar, as it also indulges in caterpillars and spiders, showcasing its adaptability and resourcefulness in the face of environmental challenges.
The vocal repertoire of the Ākohekohe is as diverse as it is enchanting, encompassing a symphony of guttural clucks, gurgles, raspy croaks, and buzzing sounds. These melodic utterances echo through the dense foliage of Maui's lush forests, serving as a testament to the Ākohekohe's presence and vitality within its habitat.
Watch more: