The state of Hawaii is a well-known holiday destination with a bird list of nearly 280 species. The islands have many introduced species that people see quickly in urban and suburban environments. Still, there is also a diverse range of native species that are certainly worth looking out for.
The Hawaiian finches, or honeycreepers as they are better known, are a small group of birds that belong to the Fringillidae family. They are primarily nectarivorous or insectivorous birds that inhabit remote forests on the Hawaiian Islands. This group has many specialised adaptations that have evolved according to their feeding niche. The life history of most species remains to be discovered because of isolation and low abundance. Sadly, many of these brightly coloured species are severely threatened, mainly due to the introduction of invasive species.
Hawaii has many good birding spots and protected areas, including Wailoa River State Park, James Campbell National Wildlife Refuge, Kealia Pond National Wildlife Refuge, Pearl Harbour National Wildlife Refuge, and Kanaha Pond Wildlife Sanctuary. However, other possibly lesser known protected areas house many Hawaiian finches, and they will be indicated for each species.
In the following article, we will look at the 16 native finches of Hawaii and indicate where they occur.
These Are The 16 Finches That You Can See In Hawaii
1. Akekee
- Scientific name – Loxops caeruleirostris
- Lifespan – Unknown
- Size (average) – 3.9 in (10 cm)
- Weight – Unknown
- Wingspan – Unknown
- Status – Critically endangered
The male Akekee has greenish upper parts, yellow underparts and a yellow head with a small black face mask. The females are similar but duller than the males. Both sexes have a conical, crossed, pale beak. The call produced by this species is a suweet, and their song is a fluctuating trill.
The Akekee nests high up in Ohia trees. It is presumed that this species raises many broods between March and July, consisting of one to three eggs each. The nest is a small cup-shaped stick nest placed in small branches of Ohia trees.
The Akekee feeds on larvae, spiders and insects.
This species is critically endangered, and the population trend is one of rapid decline. The total population is estimated to comprise approximately 1100 birds and has decreased by 98% since 2000. This species is threatened by invasive plant species, habitat degradation, diseases, competition with invasive insects, and predation.
Where To Find Akekee
The Akekee is endemic to the island of Kauai in pristine, high-elevation, outlying indigenous forests consisting of Ohia, Koa, Olapa and Lapalapa trees at altitudes greater than 3,600 feet (1,100 metres) above sea level. This rare species is found in Koke’e State Park, and Alaka’i Wilderness Preserve on the Alaka’i Plateau.
2. Akiapolaau
- Scientific name – Hemignathus wilsoni
- Lifespan – 13 years (maximum recorded)
- Size (average) – 5.5 in (14 cm)
- Weight (average) – 1 oz (28.3 g)
- Wingspan – 7 to 7.8 in (18 to 20 cm)
- Status – Endangered
The male Akiapolaau has a greeny-yellow back, a yellow underside and a head that has a black face mask. The female has an olive upperside and greyish-yellow underparts. The beak is distinct, with a longer, more curved upper mandible and a short, chisel-like lower mandible on both sexes. The call produced by this species is a chuw-ee or teedle-oo warble.
The Akiapolaau breeds throughout the year, but peak breeding occurs between February and July. This species makes a cup nest from sticks and is placed in Ohia trees. Each clutch usually consists of one to two eggs.
The Akiapolaau is insectivorous – feeding on insects, larvae and spiders. They also feed on sap.
The Akiapolaau is an endangered species with a population estimated to consist of approximately 1900 individuals, and the trend is decreasing. Habitat destruction, diseases, invasive species, and predation threaten this species.
Where To Find Akiapolaau
The Akiapolaau is endemic to Hawaii Island. They are found in montane forests consisting primarily of Koa and Ohia trees, occurring at elevations between 5,000 and 6,500 feet (1,500 and 2,000 metres). An excellent location to see this rare species is Hakalau Forest National Wildlife Refuge.
3. Akikiki
- Scientific name – Oreomystis bairdi
- Lifespan – Unknown
- Size (average) – 5.1 in (13 cm)
- Weight – 0.4 to 0.6 oz (12 to 17 g)
- Wingspan – Unknown
- Status – Critically endangered
The Akikiki males and females have whitish underparts, greyish upper parts, and a pink beak. Their song is a trill, and their call is a quiet squeet.
The Akikiki breeds between March and June, and the nests are placed in Ohia trees. The nest is made from pieces of bark, moss, lichen, and plant fibres. Each clutch consists of one to two eggs.
The Akikiki feeds on tiny invertebrates, such as insects and spiders.
The Akikiki is critically endangered, and the population is decreasing rapidly. Less than 76 individuals are believed to exist, and the species range has reduced by 90%. Diseases, habitat destruction, natural disasters, competition with introduced birds and insects, and predation threaten this species.
Where To Find Akikiki
The Akikiki is a very rare species that is endemic to Kauai. It is only found in native forests containing Ohia and Koa trees in the Alakai Wilderness Preserve, on the Alaka’i Plateau, at altitudes greater than 4,000 feet (1200 metres).
4. Akohekohe
- Scientific name – Palmeria dolei
- Lifespan – 9 years (maximum recorded)
- Size – 6.7 to 7 in (17 to 18 cm)
- Weight – Unknown
- Wingspan – Unknown
- Status – Critically endangered
Male and female Akohekohe have black plumage with white, grey, yellow, silver, or orange-tipped feathers. A prominent orange eye-ring is also present, and the nape is orange. The thighs are orange to yellow-white, and the large crest is white. The call produced by this species is a series of whistles, gurgles and buzzes.
The Akohekohe makes a cup-shaped nest that is usually located in Ohia trees. Each clutch consists of one to two eggs.
The Akohekohe feeds mainly on nectar and some arthropods.
The Akohekohe is critically endangered with a decreasing population trend. The population is estimated to comprise 2500 individuals. This species is threatened by habitat loss, predation from introduced species and diseases.
Where To Find Akohekohe
The Akohekohe is a rare endemic on Maui. This species inhabits forests dominated by Ohia, Koa, Kawau and Olapa trees at altitudes between 5,000 and 7,000 feet (1525 and 2133 metres). Haleakala National Park is a good place to find this species.
5. Anianiau
- Scientific name – Magumma parva
- Lifespan – 9 years (maximum recorded)
- Size (average) – 3.9 in (10 cm)
- Weight – 0.32 to 0.35 oz (9 to 10 g)
- Wingspan – Unknown
- Status – Vulnerable
The Anianiau male is yellow overall, and the female is yellowish-green. The song produced by this species is a trill weesee-weesee-wee-see, and the call is a su-weet.
The Anianiau builds a cup-shaped nest and the breeding season is from February to June. The female lays up to three eggs in a clutch.
The Anianiau feeds on insects, spiders, nectar, and fruit.
The Anianiau is listed as vulnerable, but the population trend is stable. The current population, estimated at 8,700 individuals, inhabits a range that is 85% smaller than it was historically. Diseases, habitat destruction, competition with introduced species and predation threaten them.
Where To Find Anianiau
The Anianiau is endemic to Kauai. This reasonably common species is found on the remote Alaka’i Plateau at Koke’e State Park and Alakai Wilderness Preserve. They inhabit forests dominated by Ohia, Koa, Olapa and Lapalapa trees at elevations greater than 2,000 feet (600 metres).
6. Apapane
- Scientific name – Himatione sanguinea
- Lifespan – 11 years (maximum recorded)
- Size (average) – 5.1 in (13 cm)
- Weight – 0.5 to 0.56 oz (14.4 to 16 g)
- Wingspan – Unknown
- Status – Least concern
The Apapane males and females are crimson throughout their bodies with black wings, a black upper tail, black legs and a white rump. The song of this species is a dee-der-di-di-di.
The Apapane nests in Ohia trees, in which they make a cup nest using moss, twigs, lichen, bark, leaves and roots. In each clutch, up to three eggs are laid. They breed between January and March.
The Apapane mainly feeds on nectar.
The Apapane is not threatened, and the populations are stable at approximately 1,300,000 individuals. However, they are threatened by habitat degradation and loss, predation, diseases and competition.
Where To Find Apapane
The Apapane is common – occurring on Hawaii Island, Kauai, Oahu and Maui. It is the most widely distributed and abundant Hawaiian finch. They are found in native forests above 4,100 feet (1,250 metres). Good locations for finding this species include Hakalau Forest National Wildlife Refuge, Haleakala National Park, and Koke’e State Park.
7. Hawaii Akepa
- Scientific name – Loxops coccineus
- Lifespan – 10 years (maximum recorded)
- Size – 3.9 to 5.1 in (10 to 13 cm)
- Weight – 0.3 to 0.4 oz (10 to 12 g)
- Wingspan – 2.3 to 2.7 in (6 to 7 cm)
- Status – Endangered
The Hawaii Akepa males are bright orange. The females are greenish-grey with a yellow band across the chest. The pale beak is crossed on both sexes. They make a trilly song and a faint tiddle-ee call.
This species nests in Ohia and Koa tree cavities. The breeding season is from March to June, and the female lays one or two eggs per clutch.
The Hawaii Akepa eats insects mainly.
The Hawaii Akepa is an endangered species that is only found on Hawaii Island today but historically occurred on Oahu and Maui, where they are now locally extinct. The population is estimated to comprise 14,000 individuals, and the size is decreasing. They are threatened by habitat loss and degradation, diseases and predation.
Where To Find Hawaii Akepa
The Hawaii Akepa is endemic to the island of Hawaii, where they are found above 4,300 feet (1,300 metres) above sea level in native forests. This rare species is located at Hakalau Forest National Wildlife Refuge.
8. Hawaii Amakihi
- Scientific name – Chlorodrepanis virens
- Lifespan – 12 years (maximum recorded)
- Size (average) – 4.3 in (11 cm)
- Weight – 0.3 to 0.6 oz (10 to 16 g)
- Wingspan – Unknown
- Status – Least concern
The Hawaii Amakihi male is yellow-green or olive overall, with a black curved beak, a pale face, black lores and paler underparts. The female is similar to the male but with duller plumage. This species’ song is a trill. The call made by this species is a chee.
The Hawaii Amakihi builds a cup-shaped nest from twigs, grass, and leaves. The female lays two to three eggs in a clutch, and they breed throughout the year.
The Hawaii Amakihi feeds on insects, nectar and fruit.
The Hawaii Amakihi is not considered threatened as this species is adaptable, which has allowed it to survive in the changing environment that has led to the demise of the other native Hawaiian finches. It is, however, locally extinct from Lanai. The population is considered stable but has not been quantified. Habitat destruction, diseases, and predation may threaten them.
Where To Find Hawaii Amakihi
The Hawaii Amakihi is common and widespread in almost all forest types and some shrubland on Hawaii Island, Molokai and Maui. They are usually found between 1,000 and 9,500 feet (300 and 2900 metres) above sea level. Good locations to see this species are Hakalau Forest National Wildlife Refuge, the Kaulana Manu Nature Trail and Haleakala National Park.
9. Hawaii Creeper
- Scientific name – Loxops mana
- Lifespan – Unknown
- Size – 4.3 to 5.1 in (11 to 13 cm)
- Weight – 0.4 to 0.5 oz (13 to 15 g)
- Wingspan – Unknown
- Status – Endangered
The Hawaii Creeper males and females have olive-green upperparts, buffy underparts and a dark grey face mask. Males are usually slightly more colourful than females. This species makes a trilling song and a squeet call.
The Hawaii Creeper makes an open cup nest in cavities or bark crevices. The females usually lay two eggs in a clutch.
The Hawaii Creeper eats insects, spiders and other small invertebrates.
The Hawaii Creeper is endangered, with a population estimate of 12,000 birds. The population trend is decreasing. Their range has contracted in elevation as they were historically found at lower altitudes. Threats for this species include predation, disease, competition, habitat destruction, and fragmentation.
Where To Find Hawaii Creeper
The Hawaii Creeper is rare and endemic to Hawaii Island. It occurs in native forests dominated by Ohia and Koa trees at elevations over 5,000 feet (1,500 metres). They can be found on Kaulana Manu Nature Trail and Pu‘u O’o Trail.
10. ‘I’iwi
- Scientific name – Drepanis coccinea
- Lifespan – Unknown
- Size (average) – 5.5 in (14 cm)
- Weight – 0.7 to 1 oz (16 to 19 g)
- Wingspan – Unknown
- Status – Vulnerable
The I’iwi males and females are scarlet overall with a black tail and wings. They have a distinct long, decurved peach beak. They make a range of chuckling and gurgling notes.
The I’iwi nests in Ohia trees, in which they make a cup-shaped nest. The female lays two eggs per clutch.
The I’iwi feeds on nectar almost exclusively. They also feed on arthropods.
The I’iwi is vulnerable but has a stable population of 605,000 individuals. This species feeds on nectar from non-native species, which may have benefitted the species abundance. Habitat degradation, predation, introduced animals, and diseases threaten this species.
Where To Find ‘I’iwi
The I’iwi occurs on Hawaii Island, Kauai and Maui. They have been seen but are very rare on Molokai and Oahu. They occur in forests dominated by Ohia and Koa trees at elevations of more than 4,100 feet (1250 metres). Suitable areas for this species are Haleakala National Park, Hawaii Volcanoes National Park and Hakalau Forest National Wildlife Refuge.
11. Kauai Amakihi
- Scientific name – Chlorodrepanis stejnegeri
- Lifespan – 9 years (maximum recorded)
- Size (average) – 4.3 in (11 cm)
- Weight (average) – 0.6 oz (17 g)
- Wingspan – Unknown
- Status – Vulnerable
The male Kauai Amakihi is bright yellow with a green back, green wings, black lores and a decurved beak. The female is duller than the male. The call produced by this species is a chee, and the song is a trill.
The Kauai Amakihi nest is built in Ohia trees. The female lays up to three eggs in a clutch.
The Kauai Amakihi feeds on nectar, fruit and insects.
The Kauai Amakihi is listed as vulnerable, but the population of 7,000 individuals is increasing in size. Threats to this species include disease, habitat degradation, and introduced animals.
Where To Find Kauai Amakihi
The Kauai Amakihi is uncommon and endemic to Kauai. They occur in native forests above 2,000 feet (6,000 metres) in elevation, in areas dominated by Ohia trees. They are found in the Makaleha Mountains, at Waimea Canyon, Alaka‘i Swamp, and Na Pali Plateau.
12. Laysan Finch
- Scientific name – Telespiza cantans
- Lifespan – 12 years (maximum recorded)
- Size – 5.9 to 6.7 in (15 to 17 cm)
- Weight – 1.1 to 1.2 oz (32 to 34 g)
- Wingspan – Unknown
- Status – Vulnerable
The Laysan Finch has a sizeable pale beak, seen on both sexes. The male has a bright yellow head and breast, whitish underparts, a greyish back, and darker wings. The female is paler, with some streaking on the back. They produce a wide range of songs.
The Laysan Finch nests in grass bunches. The female lays two to four eggs per clutch.
The Laysan Finch feeds on seeds, flowers, fruits, leaves, roots, stems, insects, spiders, carrion and eggs.
The Laysan Finch is vulnerable, with an estimated fluctuating population size of 15,600 individuals. The threats this species faces are invasive plant species and introduced mammals.
Where To Find Laysan Finch
The Laysan Finch is endemic to Laysan Island. However, it has also been translocated to the Pearl and Hermes Atoll, where it can be seen. They are found throughout the respective islands in grasses, herbs and vines.
13. Maui Parrotbill
- Scientific name – Pseudonestor xanthophrys
- Lifespan – 16 years (maximum recorded)
- Size (average) – 5.5 in (14 cm)
- Weight – 0.7 to 0.9 oz (20 to 25 g)
- Wingspan – Unknown
- Status – Critically endangered
The Maui Parrotbill male has olive-green upperparts, yellow underparts and a unique yellow eye stripe. The female is duller than the male, with a slightly smaller beak. The bill is large and parrot-like on both sexes. This species produces a chewy-chewy-chewy song and a chu-wee call.
The Maui Parrotbill creates a cup-shaped nest using lichen and twigs. The female only lays one egg per season.
The Maui Parrotbill feeds on insects and larvae.
The Maui Parrotbill is critically endangered, with a population estimated to consist of less than 200 individuals, and the trend is decreasing. Habitat destruction, predation, diseases and low reproduction rates threaten this species.
Where To Find Maui Parrotbill
The Maui Parrotbill is a very rare species that is endemic to Maui. They are found in Hanawi Natural Area Reserve, Waikamoi Preserve and Haleakalā National Park in forests comprising Ohia trees. They inhabit high elevations between 4,000 and 7,700 feet (1,525 and 2,370 metres).
14. Nihoa Finch
- Scientific name – Telespiza ultima
- Lifespan – 11 years (maximum recorded)
- Size (average) – 6.7 in (17 cm)
- Weight – 0.7 to 1 oz (21 to 28 g)
- Wingspan – Unknown
- Status – Critically endangered
The Nihoa Finch male has a yellow breast, a yellow head, a grey belly, and a dark greyish-yellow back. The females are paler yellow with heavy streaking on the back and flanks. The bill is hefty for both sexes. This species makes a loud, melodious song.
The Nihoa Finch nests in rock crevices. The female lays two to five eggs per clutch.
The Nihoa Finch feeds on many items, including seeds, fruit, leaves, flowers, stems, roots, eggs, carrion, insects and spiders.
The Nihoa Finch is critically endangered but has a stable population of approximately 2,800 individuals. They are threatened by non-native plants, insect irruptions, and introduced animal species.
Where To Find Nihoa Finch
The Nihoa Finch is endemic to Nihoa Island. It is a common species seen across the island in rocky and shrubby habitats but more so in open vegetated habitats. They can often be seen at water seeps and puddles.
15. Oahu Amakihi
- Scientific name – Chlorodrepanis flava
- Lifespan – Unknown
- Size (average) – 4.5 in (11.4 cm)
- Weight (average) – 0.45 oz (13 g)
- Wingspan – 5.9 to 6.9 in (15 to 17.5 cm)
- Status – Vulnerable
The Oahu Amakihi males have bright yellow bodies with black lores, while females are duller and have two white wing bars. The beak on both sexes is decurved. This species produces a trilling song and a chee call.
The nesting biology of the Oahu Amakihi is very poorly known but is presumed to be similar to Hawaii Amakihi.
The Oahu Amakihi feeds on insects, fruit and nectar.
The Oahu Amakihi is vulnerable, but the population of potentially 60,000 individuals is currently stable. Their range has increased to include suburban areas in recent years. Threats to this species include predation, habitat loss and destruction, diseases and fires.
Where To Find Oahu Amakihi
The Oahu Amakihi is endemic to Oahu, where it is found in forests of different types, parks and suburban areas close to mountains. They are located at altitudes between 180 and 1,000 feet (50 and 300 metres) above sea level. Good locations to find this species are Honolulu Watershed Forest Reserve, Kuli‘ou‘ou Forest Reserve, and the Aiea Ridge Trail.
16. Palila
- Scientific name – Loxioides bailleui
- Lifespan – 13 years (maximum recorded)
- Size – 5.9 to 7.5 in (15 to 19 cm)
- Weight – 1.3 to 1.4 oz (37 to 40 g)
- Wingspan – Unknown
- Status – Critically endangered
The male Palila has a bright yellow head and breast, a grey back, a whitish belly, green wings and a green tail. The face has a dark mask, and the beak is large and dark. The females have muted colours. This is a quiet species that sometimes makes a pah-lee-lah call.
The Palila nests in Mamane trees. The female typically lays two eggs in a clutch.
The Palila mainly feeds on green Mamane tree seed pods. Their diet is supplemented with Mamane leaves, buds and flowers, as well as Naio berries.
The Palila is critically endangered, with a population of approximately 1,900 individuals, and the trend is decreasing. They have lost 90% of their historic range. The threats this species faces include fires, non-native plants, feral animals, disease and predation.
Where To Find Palila
The Palila is rare in dry forests on the western slope of Mauna Kea volcano on Hawaii Island – to which it is endemic. They only occur in Mamane and mixed Mamane and Naio forests at high elevations of 6,500 to 9,250 feet (2,000 and 2,850 metres). They can be found on the Palila Discovery Trail.
Conclusion
The native Hawaiian finches or honeycreepers are a stunning group of birds with an extensive range of diversity. Most species are restricted to high altitudes in remote forest environments.
The introduction of non-native species and human encroachment has heavily impacted Hawaiian endemic birds. An extremely high proportion of the species are endangered or threatened. This is of grave concern because all of the species are endemic to Hawaii and have very small distribution ranges. Some species only occur in a single area on one of the islands.
Avian malaria is a significant threat to most Hawaiian finches. Most species occur at such high elevations because there is a mosquito belt lower down that they avoid.
The areas where most of the species occur are now protected, and conservation measures have been implemented to prevent further population declines.
You may have to hike into challenging terrain to see these birds in the wild, but seeing one of these unique, colourful birds would undoubtedly make it worthwhile.
