39 Must-See Birds of Kauai: A Colorful Hawaiian Experience

The birds of Kauai are truly magnificent, one would wish that such beauty comes from no other than the skies. It is exactly a sight I wish to see while sitting with my father and younger brother who are witnesses, all thanks to our week-long vacation in Kauai where we gazed in awe, along with many colorful birds.

Each bird that we saw had its own character, so every person who laid eyes on it felt a warm palette. Away from the bustle of city life, where Kauai wild birds are protected from disturbance and one may appreciate the beauty and variety of Hawaii ‘s birdlife.

Key Takeaways

• Discover Unique Species: Kauai is home to diverse bird species, many found only on the Hawaiian Islands, that provide an unforgettable experience for nature lovers.
• Support Conservation: By visiting and watching colorful birds, you gain a rewarding experience and also play a crucial role in the conservation efforts to save the island’s ecosystems.
• Year-Round Paradise: With its diverse landscapes and perfect conditions, the island is an exciting destination for nature lovers to get a thrilling experience whenever you choose to visit.

When I returned to my place after our memorable vacation on the Hawaii island Kauai, I began to transfer the beautiful sights I had gathered and drawn during our exciting journey from my eyes to the nib of the pen and planned to transform these thoughts into a complete birds guide.

As I reported on my diary and admired the beautiful sights offered by Garden Isle, including those attracted by outstanding gift of nature to Kauai, I felt a short escape from daily life’s burdens.

Kaua’i the Garden Isle

The “Garden Isle” is a dream birding destination and a crucial refuge for a diverse birding community. Its lush green landscape provides a natural habitat that attracts native birds of Hawaii and migratory birds, making them feel at home. This unique environment underscores the importance of Kauai in bird conservation.

Lets move forward and learn more about the birds on Kauai Hawaii in detail:

Common Birds of Kauai Found on Hawaiian Island

Native Hawaiian birds and migratory birds in Kauai inherit a diverse birding community. You will undoubtedly appreciate the most sought-after information about Kaua’i birds commonly found in the Kauai wildlife.

In this article, you will find the appearance, habitats, and edible details of the most common Hawaiian birds on Kauai. As you imagine visiting the island with us, you’ll gain a wealth of knowledge about each bird’s identification, origin, and taxonomic information. We had the privilege of witnessing some of nature’s most exquisite creations, and we also captured images and birds of Kauai pictures, providing comprehensive details for your understanding and learning.

Brief Overview of the Birds found on Kauai

Bird Name	Breeding Season	Eggs by 1 Pair	Incubation Period (Days)
Nene Bird	October to January	1 to 6	29 t0 32
Hawaiian Petrel	May to October	Only 1	50 to 60
I’iwi	January to June	2 to 3	14
Red-crested Cardinal	June to September	2 to 5	12 to 13
Japanese White-eye	February to August	2 to 4	11
Rose-ringed Parakeet	February to March	4 to 7	3 Weeks
White-Rumped Shama	March to August	4 to 5	12 to 15
Zebra Dove	September to June	1 to 2	13 to 18
Red-Tailed Tropicbird	February to June	Only 1	6 Weeks
Yellow-Fronted Canary	Wet Season	2 to 5	13 to 14
Hawaii Elepaio	April to June	2	17 to 19
Palila	June to August	1 to 4	15 to 16
Erckel’s Francolin	April to June	2	17 to 19
Western Meadowlark	March to July	3 to 7	13 to 15
Barn Swallow	February to October	2 to 7	14 to 19

Nene: The State Bird

The Nene bird in Kauai, also called the Hawaiian Goose, is a beautiful bird of Hawaii. It is a medium-sized bird that prefers to live in the grasslands and on the coastal sides of islands Molokai, Kauai, and Maui. White and black markings adorn its unique brown plumage, contributing to the beauty of the Hawaiian landscape.

The Nene is a protected Hawaiian bird, and special care and efforts are going on to increase its population. This bird mainly feeds on tiny seeds and grass. This bird associates its nesting activity with its female mates. Its breeding season primarily begins in August and ends in mid-April.

Taxonomy of the Nene

Common Name	Hawaiian Goose
Family	Anatidae
Species	B. sandvicensis
Scientific Name1	Branta sandvicensis

Hawaiian Petrel: A Beautiful Endangered Bird of Kauai

Hawaiian petrel have brown plumage, a hooked-shaped bill, and a white belly, giving them a vibrant look. They can fly for long hours thanks to their wide swings, which have a wingspan of about 30 inches.

They live on small fish and squid. The female petrel lays only one egg in each breeding season. Their breeding season lasts from March to October. They feed their chicks daily and stay in their nests at night.

Taxonomy of the Hawaiian Petrel

Common Name	Hawaiian Petrol
Family	Procellariidae
Species	P. sandwichensis
Scientific Name1	Branta sandvicensis

I’iwi: A Truly Ionic Kauai Bird

I’iwi is a native common birds in Hawaii species. Its favorite places include mountains, forests, shores, and wetland areas. They have red plumage, a curved bill, black legs and feet, and a blackish tail.

They feed on the nectar of plants, insects, and spiders, helping Kauai’s agriculture with natural pest control. The female partners often lay 2 or 3 eggs. Both birds take part in the incubation process. Their breeding season typically falls between April and August.

Taxonomy of I’iwi

Common Name	Scarlet honeycreeper
Family	Fringillidae
Species	D. coccinea
Scientific Name1	Drepanis coccinea

Red-Crested Cardinal

The primary origins of Red-Crested Cardinal are Brazil, Paraguay, Uruguay, and South America. Open sides, such as seashores, rivers, lakes, and waterways, are frequently home to this songbird. Both males and females look similar, with short, thin grey legs and white bellies. The Hawaiian bird species with red head has a mixture of black and gray plumages, with a bright red upper part of its breast. It lives on seeds, fruits, and insects. These territorial and vigorous birds bravely defend their nesting sites.

These little birds from Kauai have an average life of 3 to a maximum of 6 years. If properly cared for, they can live up to 13 years. Their breeding season extends from mid-December through at least September (mainly February-June). They feed on the nectar of plants, insects, and spiders, helping Kauai’s agriculture with natural pest control. The female bird often lay 2 or 3 eggs. Both birds take part in the incubation process. Their breeding season typically falls between April and August.

Taxonomy of Red-Crested Cardinal

Common Name	Brazilian cardinal
Family	Thraupidae
Species	P. coronata
Scientific Name1	Paroaria coronata

Japanese White-Eye

The Japanese white eye, often known as the warbling white eye, is a native birds of Japan. It is also present in East Asia, Russia, Korea, and the Philippines. The Warbling White Eye has green feathers, a forehead, black and brown legs, and white eyes.

They feed on the nectar of flowers, vegetables, fruits, leaves, bark, and insects. Japanese white-eyed birds travel in flocks and maintain cleanliness. Nests form in a woven shape and hang from a tree branch, typically 30 meters above ground level. The earliest sign of nesting is in January, and the first nest with an egg is in February. The season may extend to July.

Taxonomy of Japanese White-Eye

Common Name	Warbling white-eye
Family	Zosteropidae
Species	Z. japonicas
Scientific Name1	Zosterops japonicas

Rose-Ringed Parakeet

Rose-ringed Parakeet is native to India and Africa, are also called Indian ringneck parakeet. These pet birds are prevalent on Kauai, with green plumage and rose-colored rings around their necks. It can easily be seen on Kauai, and their most famous attribute is human mimicry.

These parakeets feed on fruits, nuts, vegetables, seeds, and fresh water. Their favorite seasons are summer and spring when they lay eggs in nests 3 meters high from the plain.

The female birds commonly lay 2-4 eggs and guard their nesting sites effectively. In the wild, parakeets will breed during the spring and summer periods.

Taxonomy of Rose-Ringed Parakeet

Common Name	Ring neck parrot
Family	Psittaculidae
Species	P. kramer
Scientific Name2	Psittacula krameri

White-Rumped Shama

The White-Rumped Shama is a small passerine bird that originated in the Indian subcontinent and South Asian countries. According to the natives, Sir Alexander Isenberg took it from Malaysia to Kauai in the early 1930s.

White-Rumped Shama used to live in gardens, forests (especially bamboo forests), and parks. The white ramp is the only explanation for the name “white-rumped Shama.” They are well-known for their melodious voice and mimicry of human sounds.

They have black plumage, a chestnut belly, and a black bill with pink feet. They live on raw meat and little insects. During their breeding season, the female lays 4 to 5 eggs in nests constructed on hallow trees from January to April.

Taxonomy of White-Rumped Shama

Common Name	Common Shama Thrush
Family	Muscicapidae
Species	C. malabaricus
Scientific Name2	Copsychus malabaricus

Zebra Dove: The Most Common Lihue Birds Kauai, Hawaii

The zebra pattern on the body of the South Asian zebra dove inspired its name. In 1922, the Hawaiian Islands welcomed this small bird with grayish backs and long tails. Zebra doves, which are small round brown birds, have made Hawaiian islands like their natural habitats.

These birds breed annually and produce up to five broods in one year. Their breeding season begins in September and lasts until June. Each female dove lays one or a maximum of two eggs for reproduction, and their chicks can fly within 21 days.

Taxonomy of Zebra Dove

Common Name	Barred ground dove
Family	Columbidae
Species	G. striata
Scientific Name2	Geopelia striata

Red-Tailed Tropicbird

The red-tailed tropicbird is a member of white birds in Kauai Hawaii community and is native to the tropical parts of India, Pakistan, the Pacific Ocean, and the Hawaiian Islands. It is graceful in action, with white plumage and a feathered tail; it also has a black mask and a red bill.

Their nests are generally located low, as they land in the air and have a low capacity to walk on the ground. Typically, females lay eggs from June to November and feed their young chicks in their nests until January. The chicks are born blind and fed until they reach the age of their flight, which is about 67 to 91 days.

Taxonomy of Red-Tailed Tropicbird

Common Name	Red Tailed Tropicbird
Family	Phaethontiformes
Species	P. rubricauda
Scientific Name2	Phaethon rubricauda

Yellow-Fronted Canary

The yellow-fronted canary bird is found on Hawaii’s Kauai, Molokai, and Oahu Islands. Its vibrant yellow plumage, rump, greenback, and grey wings add to its beauty.

These species, which belong to the passerine bird family of finches, live on seeds and eat small insects. Female partners construct their nests. They lay 2 to 6 eggs, and incubation lasts two weeks.

Taxonomy of Yellow-Fronted Canary

Common Name	Perching Bird
Family	Fringillidae
Species	C. mozambica
Scientific Name2	Crithagra mozambica

Hawaii Elepaio: An Endangered Birds of Hawaii in Kauai

Hawaii Elepaio are beautiful Hawaii birds with a central origin in the forest areas of Hawaiian islands. They are known for their melodious songs and tail-wagging behavior. This bird boasts a unique contrast with its white belly, olive green body, and black masks. This is among native birds of Kauai, which is a highly endangered species with a continuous population decline.

Despite their small size, they are bold enough to approach hikers and visitors with a friendly chirp. This bird’s feeding ingredients are insects and spiders on tree branches.

Before hatching, a female incubates her eggs for about 14 days. Both partners take care of their young ones. Their breeding season begins in March and lasts until September. During this time, they perform courtship displays.

Taxonomy of Hawaii Elepaio

Common Name	Monarch Flycatcher
Family	Monarchidae
Species	C. sandwichensis
Scientific Name3	Chasiempis sandwichensis

Palila: Adds beauty to Hawaiian Birds in Kauai

The Sephora Chrysophylla forest on the Hawaiian islands of Mauna Kea and Mauna is the Palila’s primary habitat. They are medium-sized birds with a yellow head and breasts, shorter bills, black backs, and light gray to white plumage. They are common Hawaiian birds that start to eat seeds at higher elevations.

These are not social species like other Hawaiian song birds listed. Females construct a cup-shaped nest and usually lay two eggs in it. Both parents feed their juveniles. Palila’s breeding season usually occurs annually, from March to September.

Taxonomy of Palila

Common Name	Palila
Family	Fringillidae
Species	L. bailleui
Scientific Name3	Loxioides bailleui

Erckel’s Francolin

Erckel’s Francolin, also known as Erckel’s Spurfowl, was introduced to Hawaii as a game bird. It has a gray belly and upper parts, a black face and neck, and yellow legs. It can hunt alone. Its diet includes seeds, berries, and insects. It lays its eggs mainly during the rainy season; the breeding season starts in April and lasts until November.

Taxonomy of Erckel’s Francolin

Common Name	Erckel’s Spurfowl
Family	Phasianidae
Species	P. erckelii
Scientific Name3	Pternistis erckelii

Hawaiian Owl

The Hawaiian owl, also known as the Pueo, is a species native to Hawaii. It has small ears that are often not visible on the body. The Hawaiian owl has dark brown plumage with yellow and golden eyes. Owls can hunt even at night.

This owl inhabits forests and grasslands across all of Hawaii’s islands. It makes its nests on the plains. The Pueo is integral to Hawaiian culture and adds natural beauty to the environment.

Female birds of Hawaii owl typically incubate 2 to 5 eggs for 28 to 33 days before hatching. They breed from February to June, with moth breeding activity peaking from March to May.

Taxonomy of Hawaiian Owl: The Pueo

Common Name	The Pueo
Family	Strigidae
Species	A. Flammeus
Scientific Name3	Asio flammeus sandwichensis

Western Meadowlark

The western meadowlark bird is a North American native bird. Kauai Island is home to this bird. The residents told us that once introduced to controlling insects, they mostly fed on bugs and ate seeds and berries. Their underparts are yellow, and their upperparts are brownish.

These birds have long bills and a brown band around their necks. They build their nests on the ground and are frequently destroyed by weather or animal movements. The western meadowlark breeds in grassland areas from March to July.

Taxonomy of Western Meadowlark

Common Name	Western Meadowlark
Family	Icteridae
Species	S. neglecta
Scientific Name3	Sturnella neglecta

5 Beautiful Small Birds on Kauai

Kauai birds chart is incomplete without small birds that are an integral part of the long-lasting Hawaiian ecosystem, playing a crucial role in pollinating plants, controlling insect populations, and aiding in the dispersal of seeds. They are also a popular hunting material for big birds, such as hawks and owls, to complete the natural food chain.

Many visitors visit the island to observe the iconic Nene goose and albatross, but smaller birds at Kauai are also worth watching. During our vacations, the small birds we observed that looked beautiful in the Kauai sanctuary are discussed here.

Barn Swallow

Appearance

The barn swallow⁴, with its cobalt blue plumage and long, forked tail, is a sight to behold. It is from one of the small Hawaii birds community in Kauai and is approximately 6 inches long and boasts a wingspan of 12 inches. Its sleek body is adorned with dark brown wings and back and a white belly. A red forehead and a black throat add to its unique appearance.

Habitat

These are commonly migratory birds found in various habitats, including open areas such as fields and pastures. They primarily inhabit areas near human settlements and sheds. They make mud nests in buildings and bridges.

Behavior

Barn swallows are gregarious birds that frequently form flocks. They are very active birds, constantly flying around. Barn swallows are also adept at catching insects in the air. They are known for their unusually high-flying skills.

Diet

Their diet includes a variety of insects, such as flies, wasps, and mosquitoes. Their predatory behavior helps to control the insect population, making them beneficial for Kauai’s agriculture.

Nesting

They build their nests in buildings and bridges, using mud, grass, and feathers as nesting material. The female barn swallow lays 4-6 eggs in the nest. The eggs hatch after about 14 days. The young barn swallows leave the nest after about 21 days.

Java Sparrow

Appearance^[4]

The Java Sparrow is about 5 inches long, and a wingspan is about 8 inches long. It has a short tail, a stout body, grayish-blue plumage, and a pink bill. The male Java Finch is brownish, with black wings and a tail. The female Java Rice Bird also has a brownish look and a white belly.

Habitat

Since their introduction from Indonesia, this sparrow have become common in various habitats, including urban areas, forests, and Kauai woodlands. In Kauai, the bird prefers to live in dense vegetation, gardens, woodlands, and parks.

Behavior

Often seen in flocks, they are social birds. They are very active birds, constantly foraging for food. Java Rice Birds are known for their social behavior and melodic songs.

Diet

They eat various seeds, grains, plant matter, insects, and fruit. They primarily seek human-provided food.

Nesting

These sparrows build their nests in trees or shrubs, using leaves, twigs, and grass as materials. The female sparrow lays 4-6 eggs in the nest. The eggs hatch after about 12 days. The young Java birds leave the nest after about 14 days.

Red Avadavat

Appearance

The red avadavat⁴ is a small, slender bird with a long tail. It is also known as the strawberry finch. The male has bright red plumage with black wings and tail, and the female is olive green with a red belly.

Habitat

Various inhabitants, such as urban areas, forests, and woodlands, are home to this bird. Open grasslands and rice fields are their primary habitats, and they prefer to live in dense vegetation where they can feed on seeds and insects.

Behavior

These are gregarious birds commonly observed in flocks. They are very active birds, constantly foraging for food and chirping. Male birds are known for their colorful displays during courtship.

Diet

Red avadavat eats various seeds, grasses, insects, and fruit. These birds also play an essential role in the seed dispersal of plants in their respective areas.

Nesting

These birds build their nests on trees or shrubs, using leaves, twigs, and grass. In their nest, female red avadavat lays 4–6 eggs. The eggs hatch after about 12 days. After approximately 14 days, the young red avadavat leaves the nest.

Lavender Waxbill

Appearance

Lavender waxbill is a small, slender bird with a long tail and a red bill with eye patches. The male has bright lavender plumage with black wings and tail, and the female is olive green with a lavender belly.

Habitat

This waxbill^[4] live in various habitats, including urban areas, forests, and woodlands. They prefer to live in areas with quick access to grass seeds and dense vegetation.

Behavior

They are social birds often seen in small flocks, searching the ground for seeds. They are very active birds, constantly moving for food. They are also known for their musical skills.

Diet

Lavender finch’s diet includes a variety of seeds, nuts, small insects, and fruits. They are also fresh eaters.

Nesting

These birds construct their cup-shaped nests from leaves, twigs, and grass on trees. The female lavender lays 4-6 eggs in the nest. The eggs hatch after about 12 days. The young birds of red-tailed waxbill leave the nest after about 14 days.

Common Waxbill

Appearance

The common waxbill is named after St. Helena Waxbill. It is a small, slender bird with a long tail, a red bill, and a splendid red-eye ring. The male has bright red plumage with black wings and tail, and the female is olive green with a red belly.

Habitat

These birds^[4] live in various habitats, including urban areas, forests, and woodlands. They prefer to live in grasslands, reed beds, and cultivated areas where they can easily feed themselves.

Behavior

These are social birds often seen in small groups searching for grass seeds on the ground. They are very active, constantly looking for food, and very vocal.

Diet

They live on various diets, such as grass seeds, insects, and small fruits.

Nesting

They use leaves, twigs, and grass to build their nests in trees or shrubs. The female lays 4-6 eggs in the nest. The eggs hatch after about 12 days. The young birds of the St Helena waxbill leave the nest after about 14 days of hatching.

List of birds Species on Kauai Island Hawaii

List of some other Hawaii bird we watched in Kauai are; the Laysan albatross, western side meadowlark, sharp-tailed sandpiper, Apapane, red footed booby, brown booby, pacific golden plover, white tern, bristle thighed curlew, typical myna, north cardinal, yellow-billed cardinal, and Finches are among some of the most common Hawaiian birds species at Kauai. Locals have told us that there are no pelicans, robins, seagulls, or hummingbirds in Hawaii.

Benefits of Bird Watching Kauai

Watching birds is a treasure for bird lovers, offering a chance to closely observe some of the world’s most unique and exceptional bird species. Kauai boasts a unique geography of wetlands along the seashore and tropical rain forests, providing refuge to native birds of Hawaii and other regions that visit Kauai during specific seasons of the year.

Surely it is an opportunity to observe remarkable wildlife in Kauai, and spending time in nature on the island is an unforgettable experience. For those who want to take one step ahead and they want to live in nature may know how to become a wildlife rehabilitator and can help these charming creatures also.

Albatross The Shore Birds at Kauai, Hawaii

Laysan Albatross is a magnificent seabird who in Kauai has a main nesting ground. These seabirds always possess large wings, which can stretch over 6ft; it is by these wings that the birds embark on gliding on the surface of the sea. The Laysan Albatross comes from breeding and rearing their young every winter at the northern region of Kauai and it is worth of wonderful sightseeing for bird enthusiasts.

Nevertheless, the Laysan Albatross bird is not just a beautiful creature which inhabits this island; they are an important part of the entire ecosystem of the land. They maintain the ecosystem of the surrounding waters of Kauai since they are seabirds. Here in Kauai locals and visitors can locate these huge birds breeding near the Na Pali cliffs and in the Kilauea Point National Wildlife Refuge area.