Top 15 Types Of Birds In Honolulu (With Pictures)

Discover the top 15 birds in Honolulu, from the iridescent Hawaiian Duck to the acrobatic White Tern, and see stunning images that…

birds in honolulu guide

Honolulu showcases a remarkable variety of bird species, each playing crucial roles in its ecosystem. The Hawaiian Duck is known for its iridescent head and endangered status. The Laysan Duck, also critically endangered, thrives in remote Northwestern Hawaiian Islands. The Nene Goose, Hawaii's state bird, has seen a resurgence through conservation efforts. The Black Noddy and White Tern excel in aerial agility, while the Red-footed Booby is noted for its colorful feet and dive-bombing fishing technique. Other notable species include the endangered Hawaiian Hawk, migratory Pacific Golden-Plover, and the nocturnal Black-crowned Night Heron. Each bird contributes uniquely to the ecological and cultural tapestry of Honolulu. Explore further to uncover their distinctive behaviors and habitats.

Hawaiian Duck

endangered species in hawaii

What makes the Hawaiian Duck, or Koloa Maoli, a unique and critically endangered species in the Hawaiian Islands?

Native to Hawaii, this medium-sized dabbling duck features a distinct greenish-black iridescent head and a chestnut body.

The Koloa Maoli faces threats from habitat loss, predation, and interbreeding with introduced mallards, making it one of the rarest ducks globally and a focal point for conservation efforts.

Laysan Duck

endangered laysan duck species

The Laysan Duck, a critically endangered species, is native to the remote Northwestern Hawaiian Islands, including Laysan Island.

Males feature a greenish-black head and neck, while females display a mottled look. They feed on insects, crustaceans, and plants in shallow waters.

Conservation efforts focus on predator control and habitat restoration, making sightings of these rare ducks a unique opportunity for bird enthusiasts.

Nene Goose

hawaiian state bird species

Celebrated as Hawaii's state bird, the Nene Goose, also known as the Hawaiian Goose, is among the world's rarest goose species.

With a population of approximately 2,500, these geese thrive in Hawaii's unique habitats like lava fields and grasslands.

Herbivores by nature, they feed on leaves, seeds, and grasses.

Thanks to conservation efforts, their numbers have increased from near extinction.

Black Noddy

vulnerable seabird in hawaii

Commonly sighted in the Hawaiian Islands, the Black Noddy is a medium-sized tern recognized by its striking black plumage and contrasting white cap.

These seabirds excel in aerial maneuvers and long-distance flying, diving skillfully for fish and squid.

Essential to marine ecosystems, they help maintain fish populations and contribute to nutrient cycling, underscoring their role in the natural balance of their habitat.

White Tern

elegant seabird with grace

Shifting focus to another avian species in Honolulu, the White Tern, or Manu-o-Ku, exhibits a stark white plumage punctuated by a distinctive black eye patch.

This seabird gracefully nests by laying a single egg directly on tree branches, foregoing a traditional nest.

Known for their superb flying skills, White Terns play an important role in the marine ecosystem by feeding on small fish.

Red-footed Booby

deep blue ocean bird

The Red-footed Booby, distinguished by its vibrant red feet and striking blue-gray plumage, is a frequent sight in the skies of Honolulu.

This seabird species excels in plunge diving to snatch fish and squid, showcasing their skills over the Hawaiian waters.

They nest in large colonies on isolated islands, engaging in elaborate courtship dances and vocalizations during the breeding season.

Hawaiian Hawk

endangered bird of prey

Soaring through the Hawaiian skies, the Hawaiian Hawk, or 'Io, stands as the sole hawk species endemic to the islands. This endangered raptor preys on rodents, birds, and insects, distinguished by its high-pitched scream.

Integral to Hawaiian culture, the 'Io symbolizes royalty and power, with only a few thousand remaining, highlighting the critical need for conservation efforts to protect this unique species.

Pacific Golden-Plover

bird with golden plumage

Moving from the skies to the shores, we encounter the Pacific Golden-Plover, a remarkable migratory bird that graces Honolulu during the winter months. Known locally as Kolea, it sports a striking golden back and wings against black underparts.

Renowned for their 'kleep' calls, these birds forage along coastal areas, contributing markedly to the local ecosystem and enchanting both birdwatchers and nature enthusiasts.

Hawaiian Coot

endangered bird species hawaii

Endemic to Hawaii, the Hawaiian Coot, known locally as the 'Alae ke'oke'o, captivates with its distinctive white frontal shield, red eyes, and sleek black plumage.

This waterbird thrives in wetlands, including ponds and coastal lagoons, feeding on aquatic plants, insects, and small animals. With strong swimming abilities, it is also an excellent diver, adept at foraging underwater.

Great Frigatebird

majestic seabird of gal pagos

Known as 'Iwa in Hawaiian, the Great Frigatebird is a majestic presence in the skies of Honolulu, showcasing a wingspan of up to 7.5 feet. These seabirds are noted for their remarkable aerial agility and courtship displays, where males inflate a bright red throat pouch.

Often seen harassing other seabirds for food, they can soar for extensive periods, even sleeping mid-flight.

Sooty Tern

seabird with dark plumage

The Sooty Tern, referred to as 'Koa'e 'ula' in Hawaiian, is a resilient seabird that thrives across tropical oceans around the globe. Renowned for their extraordinary migratory skills, these seabirds cover vast distances, nesting in large colonies on isolated islands.

They are distinguished by their black plumage, contrasting white forehead, and adept flying abilities, subsisting on fish and squid from ocean surfaces.

Brown Booby

coastal bird with webbed feet

Brown Boobies, with their striking brown and white plumage, are a common sight in the coastal and marine areas of Honolulu. These seabirds nest in colonies on isolated islands and rugged coastal cliffs.

Expert divers, they plunge from heights to snatch marine prey. With a wingspan of approximately 4.5 to 5 feet, Brown Boobies glide effortlessly above Honolulu's ocean waters.

Wedge-tailed Shearwater

seabird with distinctive tail

Shifting focus to another native avian species, the Wedge-tailed Shearwater, or 'Ua'u kani in Hawaiian, thrives in Honolulu's marine environments.

This seabird species displays black and white plumage and a long, wedge-shaped tail. Known for their eerie nocturnal calls during breeding season, they nest in coastal burrows, laying a single white egg.

They primarily feast on fish and squid.

Hawaiian Petrel

endangered seabird in hawaii

Endemic to Hawaii, the Hawaiian Petrel, or Ua'u, faces critical endangerment due to various environmental threats.

This seabird, distinguished by its dark plumage and white underwing patches, nests in remote mountain burrows. Skilled in aerial maneuvers, they are vulnerable to invasive species, habitat destruction, and disorienting light pollution, which jeopardize their survival.

Conservation of these endangered birds remains a challenging yet crucial endeavor.

Are the birds in Honolulu the same as the birds in Hawaii overall?

Yes, the types of birds in Hawaii are generally the same throughout the islands, including Honolulu. Some common bird species found in Hawaii include the Hawaiian goose, nene, and the Hawaiian hawk, io. The islands are also home to numerous seabirds, including albatross and frigatebirds.

Black-crowned Night Heron

nocturnal bird with crown

While the Hawaiian Petrel thrives in secluded mountain areas, the Black-crowned Night Heron is a familiar presence in Honolulu's waterways and coastal regions.

Unlike passerine birds, these herons are nocturnal feeders, distinguished by their red eyes, black crowns, and gray bodies. They skillfully hunt fish and insects with their sharp bills, playing an essential role in maintaining the ecological balance of their habitats.