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

The birds of Kauai are truly magnificent, one would wish that such a 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 and so every person who laid eyes on it felt a warm palette. Kauai is away from the bustle of city life and here 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 a home of diverse bird species and many of them found only on the Hawaiian Islands and it provide an unforgettable experience for nature lovers.
• Support Conservation: We contribute the conservation efforts to save the island’s ecosystems by visiting and watching these colorful birds.
• Year-Round Paradise: The island is an exciting destination for nature lovers to get thrilling experience and you can visit it anytime during the whole year.

When I returned home after a memorable vacation on the Hawaii island Kauai, I began to transfer the beautiful sights I had gathered during the exciting journey in my personal diary and planned to transform these thoughts into this complete birds guide.

Kaua’i the Garden Isle

The “Garden Isle” is a dream birding destination and a crucial refuge for a diverse bird life. Its lush green landscape provides a natural habitat that attracts native birds of Hawaii as well as migratory birds.

This unique environment provides a short escape from daily life burdens. Imagine visiting the island here with us you’ll gain a wealth of knowledge about bird’s identification, origin, and taxonomic details. Lets learn more about the birds on Kauai in detail:

Common Birds of Kauai Found on Hawaiian Island

Thankfully, we were able to watch some of the nature’s most beautiful masterpieces. We also captured images and birds of Kauai pictures providing comprehensive details for learning purpose.

In this article, you will find appearance, habitats, and edible details of the most common Hawaiian birds on Kauai. This information will be helpful for identification of native Hawaiian birds and migratory birds commonly found in the Kauai wildlife.

Brief Overview of the Birds found on Kauai

Bird Name	Breeding Season	Eggs by 1 Pair	Incubation Period (Days)
Nene Bird	August to April	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	March to September	2	17 to 19
Palila	March to September	2	15 to 16
Erckel’s Francolin	April to September	4 to 10	17 to 19
Western Meadowlark	March and October	3 to 7	13 to 15
Barn Swallow	February to August	2 to 7	14 to 19

Nene: The State Bird

The Nene bird 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 Kauai, Molokai, and Maui. White and black markings and unique brown plumage contribute to the beauty of the Hawaiian landscape.

The Nene is a protected Hawaiian bird. Because of this special care and efforts its population is now increased. This bird mainly feeds on tiny seeds and grasses. The male bird helps in the 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 that help it to give a vibrant look. Their wide wingspan of about 30 inches helps to fly for long time. These birds live on small fish and squids.

The female petrel lays only one egg in each breeding season. Their breeding season lasts from May to October. These birds 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 are native common birds in Hawaii species. Its favorite places include mountains, forests, and wetland areas. These birds have red plumage, a curved bill, black legs and feet, and a blackish tail.

Iiwi help Kauai’s agriculture by feeding on insects and spiders to provide natural pest control. Nectar of plants is its favorite food. Their breeding season typically falls between January to June. The female partners often lay 2 or 3 eggs. Both birds take part in the incubation process.

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. In Kauai this songbird can be spotted around open sides like seashores, rivers, lakes, and waterways. Both males and females looks similar and they have short and thin grey legs with white bellies.

These little birds have an average life of 3 to a maximum of 6 years. In captivity they can live up to 13 years if properly cared. They feed on the nectar of plants, seeds and insects and help Kauai’s agriculture by providing natural pest control.

These territorial and vigorous birds bravely defend their nesting sites. Their breeding season extends from June to September. The female bird often lay 2 or 5 eggs. Both birds take part in the incubation process.

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

These birds feed on the nectar of flowers, vegetables, fruits, leaves, bark, and insects. Japanese white-eyed birds travel in flocks and maintain cleanliness.

The earliest sign of nesting is in January, and the first nest with an egg is in February. The breeding season may extend to August. They form their woven shape nests that hang from a tree branch that are typically 30 meters above ground level.

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. They are also called Indian ringneck parakeet. These pet birds are present on Kauai, with green plumage and rose-colored rings around their necks. It can easily be seen on Kauai, and these birds are most famous for their human mimicry.

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

The female birds commonly lay 4-7 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

White-Rumped Shama is a small passerine bird which was native to Indian subcontinent and South Asia. Sir Alexander Isenberg, they say, brought it from Malaysia to Kauai in the early 1930s, according to the natives of Hawaii.

White Rumped Shama lived in gardens, forests (particularly bamboo forests), and parks. The white ramp is the only explanation for its 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 small insects. During their breeding season, the female lays 4 to 5 eggs in nests constructed on hallow trees from March to August.

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 body of this South Asian zebra dove inspired its name. in 1922 the Hawaiian Islands welcomed this small bird with its grayish backs and long tails. Zebra doves are small round brown birds that have now made Hawaiian islands as their natural habitats.

Its breeding season begins in September and lasts until June. Each female dove lays one or a maximum of two eggs, and after hatching 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 a 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 along with red bill.

Their nests are generally located on low ground under vegetation or in cliff crevices. Females lay eggs from February to June and the young chick is fed in their nest. The chick born blind and so it is 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 Kauai, Molokai, and Oahu Islands. Its vibrant yellow plumage with greenback, and grey wings add to its beauty.

These species belong to the passerine bird family of finches that live on seeds and eat small insects. Female partners construct their nests. They lay 2 to 5 eggs, and their incubation lasts for 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. This bird boasts a unique contrast with its white belly, olive green body, and black masks. This is among native birds of Kauai and is a highly endangered species with continuous decline in its population.

Despite their small size, they are bold enough to approach hikers and visitors with a friendly chirp. The feeding ingredients of these birds are insects and spiders on tree branches.

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

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. At higher elevations they are common Hawaiian birds that feed on seeds.

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

Taxonomy of Palila

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

Erckel’s Francolin

The Hawaii Spurfowl (Erckel’s Francolin) was introduced to the Hawaiian Islands as a game bird. Its gray belly and upper parts are black faced and necked, and its legs are yellow.

It can hunt alone and its diet includes seeds, berries, and insects. It lays its eggs mainly during rainy season. Breeding starts in April and concludes in September.

Taxonomy of Erckel’s Francolin

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

Hawaiian Owl

The Hawaiian owl (Pueo) is also only found in Hawaii. It has small ears that are often not visible on its body. The Hawaiian owl has dark brown plumage with yellow and golden eyes. Owls can hunt even at night.

This owl inhabits in forests and grasslands across all the Hawaiian islands. It makes its nests on plain grounds. The Pueo is integral part of Hawaiian culture and adds natural beauty to this environment.

They form nest throughout the year and mostly breed from February to June, with most breeding activity from March to May. Female birds of Hawaii owl typically incubate 3 to 6 eggs for 28 to 33 days before hatching.

Taxonomy of Hawaiian Owl (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 and now Kauai Island is its home. The residents told us that this was introduced to control insects as they mostly fed on bugs and ate seeds and berries. Their underparts are yellow, and upperparts are brownish.

These birds have long bills and brown band around their necks. They build their nests on ground that 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. These birds play important role in pollination, controlling insect populations, and aiding in the dispersal of seeds.

They are also popular hunting material for big birds, likes hawk and owl. In this way natural food chain is completed.

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

Barn Swallow

Appearance

The barn swallow⁴ is a beautiful small bird with its cobalt blue plumage and long forked tail. It is from one of the small Hawaii birds community in Kauai and is approximately 6 inches long with a wingspan of 12 inches. Its sleek body is adorned with dark brown wings and back with white belly. A red forehead and 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. Their primary living areas are near human settlements and sheds. They make mud nests in buildings and under bridges.

Behavior

Barn swallows are gregarious birds that frequently form flocks. They are very active birds and mostly found constantly flying around. Barn swallows adopted skill for catching insects in the air. They are known for their unusual 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 and making them beneficial for Kauai’s agriculture.

Nesting

They build their nests in buildings and under bridges by using mud, grass, and feathers. Female barn swallow lays 4-6 eggs in her nest. Eggs hatch after about 14 days. and young barn swallows leave their nest after about 21 days of hatching.

Java Sparrow

Appearance^[4]

Java Sparrow is 5 inches long and have a wingspan of almost 8 inches. It has a short tail with a stout body and a grayish-blue plumage with pink bill. Male Java Finch is brownish in color with black wings and a tail. While female Java Rice Bird also has brownish look and white belly.

Habitat

These birds were introduction from Indonesia. Now this sparrow become common in various habitats, including urban areas, forests, and woodlands in Kauai. Its favorite places to live are dense vegetation, gardens, and parks.

Behavior

They are social birds and are commonly found in flocks. They are very active birds that constantly forage 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 by using leaves, twigs, and grass. Female sparrow lays 4-6 eggs and they hatch after 12 days. The young Java birds leave the nest after 14 days of hatching.

Red Avadavat

Appearance

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

Habitat

Open grasslands and rice fields are their primary habitats but they prefer to live in dense vegetation where they can feed on seeds and insects.

Behavior

These birds are commonly observed in flocks. They are very active birds and they constantly chirp during foraging. During courtship male birds are known for their colorful displays.

Diet

These birds eat different types of seed, grasses, fruits and insects. They play essential role in seed dispersal of plants in their respective areas.

Nesting

They build nests on trees by using leaves, and grass. Female red avadavat lays 5 to 6 eggs. The eggs hatch after about 11 days and the young red avadavat leaves the nest after 20 days.

Lavender Waxbill

Appearance

Lavender waxbill is a small slender bird with a long tail and a red bill with eye patches. Male bird has bright lavender plumage with black wings and tail. Female is olive green with a lavender belly.

Habitat

This waxbill^[4] live in various habitats that includes 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 are seen in small flocks in search of seeds on the ground. They are very active birds and are constantly moving for food. These birds are known for their musical skills.

Diet

Their diet include seeds, nuts, fruits, and small insects. They are fresh eaters.

Nesting

These birds construct cup-shaped nests from leaves, twigs, and grass on trees. Female lavender lays 4-7 eggs in her nest. Eggs hatch after about 12 days. And young birds leave their 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. Male bird has bright red plumage with black wings and tail and 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 easily can feed themselves.

Behavior

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

Diet

Their diet include grass seeds, small fruits and insects.

Nesting

They build their nests in trees or shrubs by using leaves, and grasses. Female bird lays 3-7 eggs in her nest. Incubate for 11 or 13 days and the young birds of the St Helena waxbill leave their nest after about 17 to 21 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, 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 some most common Hawaiian birds species at Kauai.

Locals native people told us that there are no pelicans, robins, seagulls, or hummingbirds in Hawaii.

Benefits of Bird Watching Kauai

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.

Kauai bird watching is a treasure for bird lovers. This activity offers a chance to observe some of the world’s most unique and exceptional bird species.

Surely it is an opportunity to observe remarkable wildlife in Kauai. 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. These seabirds always possess large wings, which can stretch over 6ft. With the help of these wings that these birds embark on gliding the surface of sea. Laysan Albatross breed and rear their young ones in winter at northern region of Kauai.

Nevertheless, Laysan Albatross are an important part and they maintain ecosystem of the surrounding waters of Kauai. 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.