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UNITED STATES DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR NATIONAL PARK SERVICE

HAWAII VOLCANOES NATIONAL PARK HALEAKALA NATIONAL PARK

copyright 1961

cover by Ronald L. Walker

(see center plate for identification)

BIRDS _of the_ NATIONAL PARKS _in_ HAWAII

by William W. Dunmire _Park Naturalist, Hawaii National Park_

Illustrated by Ronald L. Walker _District Biologist, State Division of Fish & Game_

HAWAII NATURAL HISTORY ASSOCIATION 1961

_Table of Contents_

Page Introduction 2 How the Birds Came 3 The Decline of Native Birds 4 Where to See the Birds 5 The National Parks 8 About This Booklet 8 The Birds Petrels: Family Procellariidae 11 Tropic-birds: Family Phaëthontidae 11 Geese: Family Anatidae 13 Hawks: Family Accipitridae 15 Quails, Partridges, Pheasants: Family Phasianidae 15 Plovers, Turnstones: Family Charadriidae 19 Sandpipers: Family Scolopacidae 20 Terns: Family Laridae 20 Doves: Family Columbidae 21 Owls: Family Strigidae 22 Larks: Family Alaudidae 22 Babbling Thrushes: Family Timeliidae 23 Mockingbirds: Family Mimidae 24 Thrushes: Family Turdidae 25 Old World Flycatchers: Family Sylviidae 26 Starlings: Family Sturnidae 27 White-eyes: Family Zosteropidae 27 Hawaiian Honeycreepers: Family Drepaniidae 28 Weaver Finches: Family Ploceidae 32 Finches, etc.: Family Fringillidae 33 Other Birds 34 Index 35

INTRODUCTION

When the Hawaiian Islands were first studied by ornithologists in the nineteenth century, they were a bird paradise. The forests abounded with many of the most unusual birds known to the world—some with enormous sickle-shaped bills, some resembling parrots, a goose that spent most of its life on barren lava flows, a tiny flightless rail, and a sea bird that nested within the vents of the active volcanoes. Most of these island birds were found nowhere else in the world.

Today many of the original island species are extinct, while others are barely managing to hold their own. With more and more land being cleared for agriculture and homesites, virgin forests here are becoming scarce. Thus, protected areas like Hawaii Volcanoes and Haleakala National Parks take on great significance as reserves where the native birds will continue to survive. If you wish to learn about Hawaiian birdlife, you will certainly want to spend some time in Hawaii Volcanoes National Park and visit Haleakala National Park on the island of Maui. This booklet is meant to be an aid to your trips in the field.

HOW THE BIRDS CAME

Geologically the Hawaiian Islands are considered to be fairly young, probably no more than 20 million years old. The islands are also extremely isolated from any other land masses; it is more than 2,000 miles to the nearest continent. Before any resident birdlife could exist here, plants had to become established. Seeds arrived by various means from distant lands, and one by one new kinds of plants began to grow on the volcanoes—at first only a few primitive types could get a foothold on the barren lava, but in time those early plants decayed and combined with the basalt rock to produce a soil that could support a complex vegetation.

Endemics

We have no way of knowing what kind of land bird was the first to take up residence here, for that early species has certainly been greatly altered through the workings of evolution. In fact today nearly all the resident native birds are types that are now found nowhere else in the world. Birds such as these are called _endemic_; they have undergone gradual change over the millennia to become completely new forms, different from any birds found elsewhere.

Many of Hawaii’s endemic species belong to the Hawaiian honeycreeper family (Drepaniidae) and are thought to have evolved from a single bird prototype that possibly arrived here from Central or South America. Explosive bursts of evolutionary change followed, and the resulting new forms did not much resemble each other. Present day park representatives of the Hawaiian honeycreepers include the apapane, iiwi, and amakihi.

Besides the Hawaiian honeycreeper stock several other early migrants made their residence in Hawaii and evolved into endemic forms. In the park they include a Hawaiian race of the (North American) short-eared owl, the io (a hawk), the nene (a goose), the omao (a thrush), and the elepaio (an Old World flycatcher).

Migrants and Sea Birds

While the endemic species have acquired full residence on the islands, other birds live here for only part of the year, usually returning to the north during summer to breed. In the park the best known of these migrants is the American golden plover which spends almost 10 months of the year in Hawaii and only 2 months on its travels to the Aleutian Islands.

Migration patterns for certain of the sea birds are virtually unknown. Some, like the white-tailed tropic-bird, may remain near the islands throughout the year, while others, such as the dark-rumped petrel, migrate inland only during their breeding season.

Exotics

The most recent additions to Hawaii’s avifauna are birds brought in since 1855 by man. There are various reasons for the introductions; the mynah, for example, was brought here from India in 1865 to combat the army worm and other insect pests. Perhaps most of the exotics were introduced because people wanted to see birds that reminded them of their former homes. Birds like the cardinal from the eastern United States and the white-eye from Japan are in this category. For years the Hui Manu, a local bird club, was active in releasing new birds on the islands. Game birds constitute another type of introduction. The first to arrive was the California quail more than a hundred years ago. Pheasants and chukars among others have also become established in the park from importations.

THE DECLINE OF NATIVE BIRDS

In no area in the world have native birds fared more poorly than in Hawaii during the past century. The causes of the decimation of numbers and species are probably multiple; certainly no single factor alone can be cited. Possibly some of the most specialized forms had already begun a decline in numbers before the arrival of Western man. It is unlikely that feather gathering for leis as practiced by the ancient Hawaiians had much to do with the decline. On the other hand, the clearing of land, which began early in the 1800’s, must have had a devastating effect on those birds that had become so specialized—they simply were forced into new environments and were unable to adapt. The introduction of new plants, especially grasses, and the establishment of feral mammals (goats, sheep, and pigs), and insects played a subtle but possibly even more destructive role in altering the over-all environment.

Introduction of exotic birds must have been the final blow to many of the native species. Unfortunately until recently there was no adequate control over importing and releasing new birds in Hawaii. The delicate balance of nature was rudely upset when some of the more aggressive exotic birds were released indiscriminately on the islands. Exotic birds such as the white-eye became so plentiful that direct competition for food with the natives must have occurred. Furthermore, bird diseases new to Hawaii, such as avian malaria (probably brought to the islands with some introduced bird from the Orient), would have been a great killer. With a few exceptions, however, it does seem that the remaining Hawaiian native birds are now holding their own.

WHERE TO SEE THE BIRDS

You will probably be amazed at the extremes of climate in Hawaii, especially on Kilauea Volcano. This is one of the rare places in the world where you can walk a few hundred yards from an area of heavy rainfall to one of striking dryness. The change is due to prevailing trade winds which force moisture laden clouds up over the mountain masses from the northeast, then allow the clouds to dissipate on the leeward side of the mountains. By taking the Crater Rim drive at Kilauea, you will pass through lush fern jungle on one side of the crater and barren desert on the other.

Birds are very sensitive to these differences in climate. Most of the species you find at Thurston Lava Tube will never be seen at Halemaumau, less than 3 miles away. The same thing is true at Haleakala, although less dramatically so. To help you locate the most rewarding sites for bird study in the park, here are a few suggestions:

Kilauea-Mauna Loa

_Thurston Lava Tube._ This is the heart of Hawaii’s tree-fern jungle and an excellent habitat for several native species, such as the apapane, iiwi, and amakihi. Spend a few moments looking for these at the exhibit overlook, then take the quarter-mile loop path that leads through the lava tube. On the other side of the lava tube parking area a trail descends into Kilauea Iki, the site of the 1959 eruption. This delightful walk also passes through fern jungle. Be on the lookout for the io (Hawaiian hawk) in Kilauea Iki.

_Halemaumau._ A most unlikely place for birds; however, there are almost always a few white-tailed tropic-birds soaring within the pit.

_Kipuka Puaulu._ A popular name for this area is “Bird Park” and for good reason, for this kipuka, a hundred acre island of well developed vegetation surrounded by a recent lava flow, harbors 11 or more species. The commonest here are the white-eye, red-billed leiothrix, and house finch—all exotics. When the ohia trees are in bloom, and usually there are at least a few, large numbers of iiwis and apapanes are attracted to the kipuka. Other interesting birds often seen here are the elepaio, Japanese blue pheasant, and cardinal.

_Mauna Loa Strip._ More kinds of birds (18) have been recorded from the koa parkland along the Mauna Loa Strip road than from any other locality in the park, but you are not likely to see large numbers in any one place along the strip. The road ascends the lower slopes of Mauna Loa from 4,000 feet at Kipuka Puaulu to 6,663 feet. Several introduced game birds—Japanese blue pheasant, California quail, and chukar—may be flushed as you drive up the road. Skylarks and house finches are fairly common along the grassy flats, and you are almost sure to see an amakihi in the koa grove at the end of the road. If you are lucky you might be rewarded with a glimpse of a nene somewhere on these upper slopes.

Haleakala

_Hosmer Grove and Paliku._ These two localities are about the only densely wooded areas in Haleakala National Park and both attract a variety of birdlife. The apapane, iiwi, and amakihi as well as several exotic birds can be seen at either place. A delightful self-guiding nature trail that identifies many of the plants and trees winds through the Hosmer Grove.

_Road to Haleakala Summit._ As you drive up to the Observatory from Park Headquarters you will probably be surprised at the number of ring-necked pheasants and chukars that flush along the road. Golden plovers and skylarks are also plentiful, and mockingbirds may be seen occasionally.

THE NATIONAL PARKS

Hawaii Volcanoes National Park and Haleakala National Park are two of more than 180 different areas administered by the National Park Service for your enjoyment. The two areas, Haleakala on Maui and Kilauea-Mauna Loa on Hawaii, were set aside, as one park, by Congress in 1916 mainly because of the three great volcanoes. In July 1961 Haleakala became a separate national park. In recent years the unique flora and fauna found in the parks have become an increasingly important part of the park story. Thus you will find several interesting exhibits at the Kilauea headquarters museum dealing with the ecology of the park with emphasis on the birdlife.

One of the guiding principles for any national park is that all native species of plants and animals are rigidly protected. In places like Hawaii, where so much of the land has been altered through clearing and planting, the park becomes a particularly important sanctuary for birds and other animals. Please help do your share in protecting this area by observing park regulations.

ABOUT THIS BOOKLET

The purpose of this booklet is to help anyone who cares to learn about the birdlife of the national parks in Hawaii. Many of you, here in Hawaii for the first time, will not recognize most of our birds; however, the species are so few (32 described here) that it will not be too hard to narrow your identification to the correct one. The little perching birds are likely to give the most trouble, and the commonest of these are shown on the color plate. You will probably want to refer to the plate first when identifying a small bird. Descriptions in the text refer to similar species also, so if you see a bird that appears somewhat, but not exactly, like one of the illustrations, look up the illustrated species in the text for clues.

Hawaiian names, when known, are used as the common name for each bird, except for species that range elsewhere (e.g., all the sea birds and introduced birds). The _A.O.U. Checklist of North American Birds_ has been used as the authority of nomenclature wherever applicable, otherwise the _Checklist and Summary of Hawaiian Birds_ by E. H. Bryan, Jr., has been followed. For every description, length from the tip of the bill to the end of the tail is given in inches. The stated distributions are for the park only and they emphasize accessible places that you are most likely to visit.

The serious bird student will want to have books that include Hawaiian birds outside the park. The latest edition of Peterson’s _A Field Guide to Western Birds_ includes a section on Hawaii and will prove invaluable.

In preparing the text for this booklet frequent reference was made to George C. Munro, 1944, _Birds of Hawaii_ and Hawaii Audubon Society, 1959, _Hawaiian Birds_. The most important current references for the Hawaiian honeycreeper group are Dean Amadon’s (1950) monograph, _The Hawaiian Honeycreepers_ and _Annual Cycle_, _Environment and Evolution in the Hawaiian Honeycreepers_ by Paul H. Baldwin (1953). Baldwin, a former Assistant to the Superintendent of Hawaii National Park, has authored several other important papers on birdlife here. _The Game Birds in Hawaii_ by Charles W. and Elizabeth R. Schwartz is an invaluable reference on gamebirds.

The author wishes to acknowledge helpful suggestions made by E. H. Bryan, Jr., of the Bernice P. Bishop Museum; Robert L. Barrel, Robert W. Carpenter, and Robert T. Haugen of Hawaii National Park; and Ronald L. Walker and David H. Woodside of the State Division of Fish and Game. The Bishop Museum generously loaned study specimens for the drawings.

The black and white and color drawings are by Ronald L. Walker, and all photographs are by the author except where noted.

DARK-RUMPED PETREL _Pterodroma phaeopygia_ (Hawaiian name—uau)

DESCRIPTION: 15″. Underparts, forehead, and cheeks, white; back, upper wings, and upper tail, dark. The crown is black.

PARK DISTRIBUTION: This petrel is a sea bird that nests in the mountains of the Hawaiian group; it is the nesting birds that may be seen or heard within the park between May and November. Kilauea—Status unknown; the cliffs of Kilauea Crater may be used for nesting. Haleakala—Many birds nest in the walls of the crater. The cliffs behind Kapalaoa and Holua Cabins are the best places to hear them at night.

VOICE: As the birds fly overhead seeking their burrows after dusk, the air is filled with their strange calls, some of which sound like the barking of a small dog. A common pattern of notes is _oooo-wéh, ooo-wéh, oo-wéh, oo-wéh_, etc., with the first notes drawn out and the last run together in rapid succession.

Dark-rumped Petrels spend most of their life at sea, but in April and May they begin their nightly flights inland to burrows they have established high on the cliffs of Hawaiian volcanoes. A single egg is laid near the end of the horizontal cavity that may be more than 6 feet deep in the rocks. For the next 6 months the adults will fly in from the ocean each night to tend the nest, arriving about an hour after sundown. It is while they are circling in search of the burrows that you can hear their mysterious barking sounds. The calling may continue for 2 hours or more. Imagine the problems that each petrel must face trying to find its own burrow 20 miles from the ocean on a foggy, moonless night—perhaps the continuous calling back and forth helps orient it. The adults return to the ocean before sunrise.

In the early days nesting birds were common on all the main Hawaiian Islands; however, for a time it was feared that they were becoming extinct. Hawaiians used to dig out the downy young petrels for food, and introduced mongooses and cats also took a heavy toll, especially where nests were at lower elevations. Now, with known breeding colonies high on Haleakala and Mauna Kea and probably on Mauna Loa and Kilauea, the future of this interesting species seems assured.

WHITE-TAILED TROPIC-BIRD _Phaëthon lepturus_ (Hawaiian name—koae)

DESCRIPTION: 30″-32″. Unmistakable as a large white bird with two fantastically long tail plumes, soaring around rocky cliffs such as in Halemaumau. There is some black on the upper wings and around the face.

PARK DISTRIBUTION: Kilauea—Uncommon, except locally. There are nearly always a few birds soaring in Halemaumau, around the pit craters in the Kau Desert, and near Hilina Pali. They are occasionally seen along the coast. Haleakala—Some can usually be seen in the crater, especially around the ruggedest cliffs such as behind Holua and Paliku Cabins.

VOICE: High pitched rasping cries.

Halemaumau—What a strange place for a sea bird! Yet these fish-eating birds have nested in the Kilauea area for as long as we have records. In recent years Halemaumau has been their favorite haunt, except when volcano fumes drive them away, such as during the time when heavy sulphur gasses filled the pit in June 1960. When Halemaumau erupts the birds may become trapped by rapidly rising hot gas; in 1952 several of them perished, falling into the molten lava below. For a meal the Halemaumau birds must make at least a 10-mile flight to the ocean.

NENE _Branta sandvicensis_ (also Hawaiian goose)

DESCRIPTION: 23″-28″. The only ducklike bird apt to be seen in the park. A medium sized goose with striking head and neck markings. The face, crown, and top of the neck are black, the throat and neck sides are cream colored, and the remainder of the body is mottled and dark.

PARK DISTRIBUTION: Formerly abundant in Hawaii and probably Maui. Now extinct on Maui, while a few wild birds remain on Hawaii. Kilauea—Occasionally seen on the slopes of Mauna Loa usually between 6,000 and 7,500 feet.

VOICE: Various thin, creaky notes. Often gives a high-pitched honking in flight.

Because of recent studies, the habits of the nene are probably better understood than those of any other native Hawaiian bird. The most amazing thing about their life is the way they have forsaken water in favor of rough, clinkery lava. All other ducks and geese rear their young partly in water, but today the breeding grounds for the nene, high on the barren slopes of Mauna Loa, are far from the nearest open water. Here during the winter months the geese raise their broods of two to five young. Berries, herbs, and grass growing in kipukas (islands of vegetation surrounded by more recent lava flows) comprise the diet. At present the nene is one of the rarest birds in the world and has been near extinction in recent years.

The story of the nene’s decline is a sad one but it may yet have a happy ending. Early visitors to the islands described the large flocks of nene geese in the interior of Hawaii, but by 1900 a great decline in numbers had occurred and in 1940 the entire population was estimated at 30 to 50 wild birds. Clearing of the land, introduction of such exotic mammals as rats, pigs, dogs, and mongooses, and man himself through hunting—all must share the blame for the nene decimation. Happily, the State of Hawaii has taken vigorous recognition of this situation and a restoration program was begun in 1949. The plan is to study the remaining wild birds to learn how the decimating factors may be controlled. Also nene raised in captivity have been released on Mauna Loa to intermix with the wild flocks, and it is hoped that some day visitors to Hawaii will again be assured of seeing these wonderful geese.

IO _Buteo solitarius_ (also Hawaiian hawk)

DESCRIPTION: 16″-18″. The only hawklike bird to be seen on the islands, except for accidental migrants. This small _Buteo_ has both light and dark color phases. Can be distinguished from the Pueo, Hawaii’s diurnal owl, by a smaller head and more soaring flight.

PARK DISTRIBUTION: Found only on the island of Hawaii. Kilauea—Occasional throughout the park. Individuals are often seen soaring around the forested craters such as Kilauea Iki and Makaopuhi, or in the more open areas such as along the Mauna Loa Strip road.

VOICE: A medium-pitched, but fairly soft, scream.

The io is certainly one of the rarest hawks in the world, as its range is limited to the island of Hawaii, and even here it is not common. It feeds on rats, mice, and large insects and spiders, and occasionally will catch birds, but today birds comprise a minor part of the diet. It tends to be tamer than mainland hawks, perhaps because it has not been harassed as much in recent years, and sometimes you can approach a perched io quite closely. Because of its rodent diet, the io is a very beneficial bird to Hawaii.

CALIFORNIA QUAIL _Lophortyx californicus_