Lyon Arboretum Docent Manual Birds of Lyon Arboretum

Commonly Sighted Birds at Lyon Arboretum

1. Common Mynah Acridotheres tristis This urban bird is common and widespread in lowland areas of all main Hawaiian Islands; recently established on Midway. Mynahs were introduced from India in 1865 to control army worms, an agricultural pest in pasturelands. The body is about 9 inches long, the two sexes are alike in plumage. The back and neck are brown, the head is black with yellow around the eye and on the bill and legs. Its call is mostly a chatter, sometimes mimicking other birds. Mynahs are loud, aggressive and often comical with their cocky walk. They nest in trees and buildings and can even be seen nesting in stop lights. At sunset, Mynahs often gather and noisily roost in trees. Their nest is made of grasses, leaves, paper and trash, and they especially seem to like shiny bits of plastic in the lining of the nest. The mynah has relatives that have been introduced to the mainland. These relatives include the Crested Mynah from Vancouver, British Columbia, and the Starling found throughout North America.

2. Common Waxbill Estrilda astrild Very small red-billed, brown finch with a prominent red streak from the bill through the eye. Rump brown, undertail coverts black. Introduced to O`ahu from Africa early 20th century. Escaped pet, first identified in late 1970s. Widespread on O`ahu. Smallest finch at the Arboretum. Commonly seen in large groups. The song is a weak twittering, chip-chip-tooee, chip-chip-tooee.

3. Feral Chicken Gallus gallus Feral chickens are commonly found in the lower Arboretum grounds, hiding amongst the shrubs and trees. These birds were probably released or escaped domestic chickens which now inhabit the Arboretum. Males (roosters) are brightly colored, larger than the lighter, duller colored hens. Common.

4. Goffin Cockatoo Cacatua goffini The Goffin Cockatoo is smaller than the Salmon-crested Cockatoo. Its body is white. Introduced from Tanimbar Island in the Spice Islands. Often seen perched high in the Arboretum’s Albizia trees (which are also native to the Moluccas. Goffins are long-lived parrots that eats pulp from seed pods of palms, macaranga, and seeds of blue marble tree. They drink water from water pockets in the trees.

5. Japanese White-eye (Mejiro) Zosterops japonicus This bird was introduced to O`ahu from Japan as a possible insect control in 1929, and to the Big Island (Hawai`i) in 1937, and there were several subsequent introductions into the 1940’s. Their diet includes insects, buds, fruit and nectar. White-eyes have increased dramatically, are fairly common in any lowland wooded area and are now recognized as a threat to Hawaii `Äkepa (from the Big Island). The Hawaii `Ākepa could face extinction from food stress caused by competition from Japanese White-eyes. White-eyes are a small olive green bird with a distinctive

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Lyon Arboretum Docent Manual Birds of Lyon Arboretum white eye ring, and are usually active and quick moving through brush and trees, constantly searching for insects. The Japanese White-eye is fairly common in wooded areas, traveling alone or in small groups. Its song is high pitched and it also has a scolding twitter call. It often includes mimicry of other species. Its nest is neatly woven of fibers and grasses, usually placed in the small horizontal fork of a branch. The Japanese White-eye is very similar in appearance to the native `Amakihi. The easiest way to distinguish them is the White Eye’s white eye ring. White-eyes are probably the most common land bird in Hawaiÿi.

6. Northern Cardinal Cardinalis cardinalis The Northern Cardinal is also known as the Kentucky Cardinal. They were released on several occasions between 1929 and 1931, and now are commonly found in the lowlands. It is one of 4 birds found in Hawaii’s lowlands that have crests. (The two species of birds with red crests are cardinals; the two with black crests are bulbuls). The male Northern Cardinal is all red with black around the base of its bill. The female is brown with some pink on her feathers. Both have pinkish red bills. Juveniles are like the female but the bill is dull brown. The call is a distinctive metallic “speet”. Songs loud, whistled melodies and trills: a slow trill followed by several slower, downslurred notes, and a long trill of liquid notes, dropping in pitch at the end.

7. Nutmeg Mannikin (Rice Bird) Lonchura punctulata The Nutmeg Mannikin also known as Rice Bird or Spotted Munia, was introduced to Hawaiÿi from Southeast Asia about 1865. It is the smallest bird in the Arboretum lowlands, only about four inches long. The male is dark brown, has a black bill, a darker face and a spotted brown and white breast. The female and juveniles are lighter brown. They can be seen in the grass in small flocks where they feed on the grass seeds. When rice was grown in Hawaiÿi this bird was a serious pest to rice growers. More recently Nutmeg Mannikins have devastated experimental sorghum crops. The best place to see this bird is on the lawn adjacent to the lower driveway in Lyon Arboretum. Its voice is a characteristic low- pitched, reedy “chee, ba-hee”, different in quality from the calls of most other small finches. (abundant)

8. Red-crested Cardinal Paroaria coronata The Red-crested Cardinal is also commonly known as the Brazilian Cardinal. Adult males and females each have a bold red head and crest, a gray back and tail, and a white breast and collar. The juvenile Red-crested Cardinal is the same size but has an orange-brown head and crest. The Red-crested Cardinal was introduced from South America around 1930. Both species of cardinals eat seeds, insects and fruits. Both species have open cup shaped nests. Calls are a buzzy “chink”. Songs a loudly whistled melody with evenly spaced lilting slurs and warbles. A greeting pair may utter an excited jumble of liquid whistles, chirps, and slurs.

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Lyon Arboretum Docent Manual Birds of Lyon Arboretum

9. Red-vented Bulbul Pycnonotus cafer There are two kinds of Bulbuls found at the Arboretum. The Red-vented Bulbul is one of the commonest birds seen in the Arboretum and is now well established all over Oàhu. Despite being classified as a “prohibited entry” it was an unplanned introduction from India (escaped cage bird) in about 1966. Stray birds are reported from Kauaì, Molokaì, Kahoòlawe and the Big Island (Hawaiì). The Red-vented Bulbul’s body is dark grey-black, except for a white rump seen when in flight, white tips to the tail and a red vent. The voice is a variety of rather low-pitched chirps and whistled phrases. Also has an elaborate dawn song of flute-like whistles.

10. Red-whiskered Bulbul Pycnonotus jocosus The Red-whiskered Bulbul is found in a few residential sections of Honolulu (the Mānoa Makiki area is their main population center). It is another introduction from India, first reported in 1967. It has a white breast, (which the Red-vented Bulbul does not have). The crest is thinner, and more pointed. It has a reddish- orange vent and a small crimson patch below the eye. In both Bulbuls, the male and female are alike. Bulbuls do resemble Cardinals but they are not closely related. The voice is similar to, but higher pitched than that of the Red-vented Bulbul. Phrases varied but always with a gurgling quality. Call is similar to but more piercing than the House Sparrow’s.

11. Salmon-crested Cockatoo Cacatua moluccensis First seen in the Arboretum in 1967, (2-3 in 1980’s). Probably escaped pets or from Paradise Park’s captive breeding program. Pink colored crest. From a single island in the Moluccas Islands in Indonesia. Reported to be one of the 50 rarest birds in the world. In the Moluccas, birds were trapped in great numbers for export for the pet trade.

12. Spotted Dove Streptopelia chinensis The Spotted Dove is about 12 inches long. The sexes are similar, grayish brown body with a rosy breast. It has a black and white spotted band around the back and sides of its neck. The Spotted Dove was introduced from Asia in the mid- 1800s, and was reported to be common on O`ahu by 1879. Its nest is a flimsy twig platform in a tree or bush. They have an elaborate courting display of bowing and tail flaring. Spotted Doves are commonly seen on the grass or pathways feeding on seeds, or perched on overhead utility wires. They are also known as Lace-neck Doves, Ring-neck Doves, or Chinese Doves. The song is a variable low hoarse “coo”, typically “coo-WHOO-coo”. Common.

13. White-rumped Shama Thrush Copsychus malabaricus The Shama Thrush was intentionally introduced to Kauaì in 1931 from Malaysia, and released on Oàhu in 1940. Mr. and Mrs. Caum, who lived in the main cottage at Lyon Arboretum, kept caged birds and released them, so Lyon Arboretum was probably one of the earliest Shama introduction sites on Oàhu. Shamas have very melodious, rich songs and are noted as one of the most beautiful songbirds in the world. They appear relatively unafraid of people, and often follow our gardeners Revised 2009 Page 3

Lyon Arboretum Docent Manual Birds of Lyon Arboretum

around, an example of opportunistic feeders using garden staff and volunteers to help locate small insects, earthworms and centipedes for their dinner. The male Shama is a handsome bird, with a glossy black hood, back and wings, a white rump and outer tail feathers, and a rich orange-brown breast. The female is generally duller in color. Shamas use natural holes and crevices for their nests. Common.

14. Zebra Dove (Barred Dove) Geopelia striata The Zebra Dove or Barred Dove, about 8 inches, is the smaller of the two doves commonly seen in lowland areas of Hawai`i. It was introduced from Asia by the City and County of Honolulu in 1922. It has barring along the sides of its body, and has a rosy breast, soft grey below and pale brown above. The sexes are similar in coloring. It can be seen in groups or in pairs on lawns or the pathways feeding on seeds. Its call is a “coo” sound and is higher in pitch and faster than the call of the Spotted Dove. It is fairly abundant and tame.

Fairly Commonly Sighted at the Lyon Arboretum

15. House Finch Carpodacus mexicanus The House Finch, a native of western United States, is a fairly common bird in Hawai`i. Introduced from California about 1859, it is now common on all main islands from Kauai eastward, and has wandered to Nihoa. In Hawai`i, it is sometimes called the Papayabird, because of its predilection for soft fruits, but they primarily are seed eaters. Both male and female are brownish-grey with streaking on the sides and breast. The male has a red, orange, or yellow forehead, bib, and rump. The House Finch has a long distinctive musical song. Calls vary from simple chirps to up-slurred whistles. It is long, complex canary-like. Characteristically, it ends with one or two up-slurred buzzy notes. In the Arboretum, the House Finch can be found in small numbers in open space. Nesting season runs from mid-February through August.

16. House Sparrow Passer domesticus The House Sparrow is also known as the English Sparrow and is a common city bird in Hawai`i. It was introduced and released on O`ahu in 1871 from New Zealand (where it had been introduced 11 years earlier) in 1862. Although this bird was originally from England, and thus called the English Sparrow, it is common all over Europe. It is common on the mainland where it was introduced in the 1850s.

17. Java Sparrow Padda oryzivora A native of Indonesia, the Java Sparrow was originally introduced in 1867, and re-introduced in the mid-1960s. It was accidentally released on Diamond Head in the 1960’s, and was first reported in upper Mānoa Valley in 1974. The two adult sexes look alike but the female tends to be smaller in size with a smaller bill. It has a black head with two large, white ear or cheek spots. The belly is brownish gray. The rest of the plumage is pearl gray. The bill is pinkish white and the legs and feet are flesh colored. The young bird is light brown with a pink bill. It is native to Java and Bali. Revised 2009 Page 4

Lyon Arboretum Docent Manual Birds of Lyon Arboretum

Java sparrows have a chirping song. They can be seen almost anywhere in Honolulu and have spread to the windward side of Oàhu. It is less numerous but increasing in the Keauhou-Kona area of the Big Island (Island of Hawaiì) and on Kauaì. They are cavity nesters, and can occasionally be seen perched on telephone wires or trees in the Arboretum.

18. Oàhu Àmakihi Hemignathus chloris Àmakihi are one of the more common members of the endemic Hawaiian honeycreepers family, an often cited example of adaptive radiation from an assumed single ancestral species and a striking example of the results of evolutionary processes on isolated oceanic islands. These small yellowish-green birds are frequently heard and seen in the Arboretum. Female Àmakihi have more muted coloring than the brighter yellow-green males. Sometimes Japanese White-eyes, of similar size and color, are mistaken for Àmakihi, but White-eyes can be easily identified from the distinctive white ring around their eyes. The Àmakihi also has a black line through its eye and a black bill that curves downward. Àmakihi sing in flight as well as when perched. The song is a loud trill on level pitch, swelling in intensity in the middle. It has also a complex, canary-like whisper song. Àmakihi are generalists, feeding on insects, nectar and fruit. Unlike other honeycreepers, Àmakihi seem to show some tolerance for avian malaria and other mosquito-transmitted bird diseases.

19. Red-billed Leiothrix Leiothrix lutea This bird is a native of South Asia (China) and was introduced to Kauaì in 1918, and to other Hawaiian Islands in the 1920s. It was abundant on most islands by the 1940s but has since declined. It is still common on Molokaì, Maui, and the Big Island (Island of Hawaiì), but not found on Lanaì. While it has become rare on Kauaì and Oàhu, it can still be seen at Lyon Arboretum. It has a red bill and a distinctive forked tail. Its plumage is olive-green and yellow with a patch of red at the base of the primary folded wing. The immature bird’s plumage is paler than that of the adult. Both male and female are similar with a total length of about 5.5 inches. For humans or other intruders, the Red-billed Leiothrix has a low-pitched scolding chatter. It also has two songs; one is a series of whistles, and the other a loud melodious warble. It is extremely active and can be difficult to see. It is typically found in forest habitats.

Occasionally sighted at the Lyon Arboretum

20. Eclectus Parrot Eclectus (Lorius) roratus Introduced parrot with up to 28” wingspan, feeds on tree-top seeds, fruits, flowers, and leaves. Lives 40-50 years. Is noisy, sociable, uses beak and feet to grip branches. Escaped from captivity on O`ahu. Only occasionally seen at Lyon Arboretum.

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21. Japanese Bush-Warbler Cettia diphone This bird occurs in the back of deep valleys on Oàhu and has also spread to Molokaì, Lanaì, Maui, and possibly Kauaì. Since it is a camouflaged-colored, secretive bird it is rarely seen but its unusual song (in the spring) can be easily distinguished. It has two songs; one is a long sustained low note followed by several quick ones. This whistle may be given alone. The other, a longer, more complex song begins with a descending cascade of whistles that blends into a series of double phrases pe-chew, pe-chew, pe-chew, etc. that may continue with a gradually slowing cadence, for more than a minute. Singing is highly seasonal and ceases entirely from September to December. The Japanese Bush-Warbler was introduced to Oàhu from Japan in 1929 where it is known as U-gui-su. Recently recorded from Kahoòlawe. “Ume – ni – uguisu” is a famous phrase in Japanese poems and literature meaning “Harbinger of Spring”. Their song can be heard in the back of the Arboretum at the right time of year.

22. Kōlea (Pacific Golden Plover) Pluvialis fulva This migratory bird is commonly referred to as a shore-bird, a group of birds that migrate and inhabit shore lines and mudflats. The Kōlea has longer legs than perching birds and does not perch on tree branches but prefers to be on the ground feeding on snails, mudflat crustaceans, and insects. Kōlea in Hawaiì is also found in other habitats such as large grassy areas, including large yards, cemeteries and parks. Individuals establish winter foraging territory to which they return each year. A single plover can sometimes be seen in the open lower lawns. Some Kōlea stop and rest here, then continue to fly to other South Pacific islands. Towards the end of April, Kōlea leave the Islands in flocks and return to their arctic nesting grounds. Nests are built on the ground of the arctic tundra. They are called “Golden Plovers” because of the yellow spangles on their brown back feathers. Some non-breeders over-summer in Hawaiì. Before leaving Hawaiì, Kōlea begin to change plumage and fatten up for the long flight north. This molting can start as early as February. Its breast and belly turn black with a white line that outlines its face and neck between the black feathers and the brown-golden feathers of the back and wings. This change of feathers in Hawaiì is a sign of the arrival of spring. In the early evening they fly to roost on offshore islets or roofs of flat-topped buildings. By dawn they are back in their feeding territory. The voice is a loud, clear, whistled “tooeet” or “kleeip”, often uttered on take- off. There are several `Ōlelo Noèau (Hawaiian proverbs) that illustrate keen awareness of Kōlea characteristics: One saying speaks of something impossible to find: “When you have discovered a plover’s nest you will find me”. Another often quoted proverb refers to people who come to Hawaiì, make money, and depart to their homeland: “Ài no ke kōlea a momona hoì i ka Kahiki.” (Literally: The kōlea eats until fat, then returns to the land from which it came.) Another is said of an egotistical person: Revised 2009 Page 6

Lyon Arboretum Docent Manual Birds of Lyon Arboretum

“Kōlea no ke kölea i kona inoa iho.” (Literally: The plover can only cry its own name.) Occasionally seen.

23. Pigeon Columba livia There is a flock of about 20 Pigeons that fly among the pali (cliffs) above Lyon Arboretum. All domestic varieties of the Common Pigeon are descendants of the European Rock Dove (Berger). Most pigeons are a slate grey, although many are white. People tend to confuse pigeons and doves but the pigeon is larger and has different markings. The pigeon was introduced to Hawaii very early, some say as early as 1796. The Hawaiian name for them is nunu, which resembles their call. It is difficult to say whether pigeons are wild or domesticated birds. They nest and reproduce in the wild but they like to live near man and depend on him somewhat for food.

Rarely sighted at the Lyon Arboretum

24. Àpapane Himatione sanguinea sanguinea Strikingly beautiful black and scarlet endemic bird with white beneath the tail. Juveniles are yellow-brown with white undertail coverts. Uppermost Arboretum land has been designated by USFWS as “critical habitat” for this rare native bird. Àpapane prefer native habitat and higher elevations, but suffers from habitat loss and mosquito-borne disease. It is a nectar sipper, favoring red ōhià lehua blossoms, and also feeds on insects. Extremely rare. Feathers from these and other endemic honeycreepers were used almost exclusively for the Hawaiian feather capes, helmets, and lei. Àpapane have incredibly varied calls and songs, including squeaks, whistles, rasping notes, clicking sounds, and melodic trills. Some songs are pleasant and canary-like, others harsh and mechanical sounding. Songs vary from place to place. Rare.

25. Barn Owl Tyto alba Has heart shaped facial disk of feathers. First released on Oahu in 1958; intentionally introduced from 1958-1966 from North America for rodent control in sugar cane fields, but did not stay in the cane fields. Instead spread throughout islands, and fed mainly on field mice. Mainly nocturnal but can be active by day. Seen only occasionally at Lyon Arboretum. The voice is a harsh, hissing scream.

26. Indian Hill Mynah Gracula religiosa First appeared at Lyon in early 1960’s, and are believed to be escaped cage birds that bred in the wild. Once as many as 12, the population seems to be down to 2 or 3 (1980). The Hill Mynah has glossy black plumage, yellow-tipped red bill, yellow wattles behind the eye, and white wing patches. It utters loud humanlike whistles in the wild. Rarely sighted at the Lyon Arboretum. The male differs from the female in having a black bib below his bill. The female is a mostly brownish bird. The female House Finch differs from the female House Sparrow by having dark streaks on her sides. Its song is a rolling chirp. Revised 2009 Page 7

Lyon Arboretum Docent Manual Birds of Lyon Arboretum

The Hawaiians named this bird manu li`ili`i (little bird). It is rarely seen in Lyon Arboretum as it prefers more urban areas.

27. Oàhu Èlepaio Chasiempis sandwichensis ibidis This Hawaiian flycatcher is endemic to Oÿahu, but other ÿelepaio subspecies are also found on Kauaì and Hawaiì. Èlepaio survive in a vegetation zone of mixed natives and non-natives. They compete with non-native birds for food, and are susceptible to disease from mosquitoes and lack of available food. Their main threat is the loss of habitat. Rusty brown above, white below with throat black, chin white. Both sexes are alike. Hawaiians believed that Lea, the goddess of canoe builders (kahuna kalaiwaà) took the body form of the èlepaio. Canoe builders carefully watched the èlepaio as it searched for insects, using it as an indicator for insect ridden trees, unsuitable for canoe building. Various calls include an upslurred whistled “wheet”, a sharp “keet”, and a raspy chatter. The song is a loudly whistled “e-l-e-PAI-o” or “chee-WHEE-o”. Rare.

28. Pueo Asio flammeus sandwichensis Also known as Short-eared or Hawaiian Owl. Hawaiian subspecies is endemic. Endangered on O`ahu. The Pueo was worshipped by the ancient Hawaiians. The sexes are alike in plumage pattern: brownish to buffy white, heavily streaked with brown on both upper parts and the lower parts. Eyes are yellow. Legs feathered down to the toes. The birds are 13-17 inches in length, the females being larger. Pueo nest on the ground, making them easy prey for feral cats. These are a day-flying owl, while the barn owl is a night owl. Lyon Arboretum was a habitat for the Pueo, but sightings of the native owl have not been reported for many years.

29. White-tailed Tropicbird (Koa`e kea) Phaethon lepturus dorothea Occasionally seen flying high, around the back of the valley. Has 2 streaming white tail feathers, nests on windward coasts and inland valleys of all main Hawaiian islands. Has nested occasionally on Midway Atoll. The Koa`e kea has a harsh, braying call, and a wingspan of 35”-38”. Rarely sighted.

Notes for the booklet: • preservation depends on intact/whole natural communities. • Status on the birds of Hawaii • Text of signs from Liz • Marg’s text • In Hawaii more species of birds are threatened with extinction that any other area of similar size on earth. • 70 known kinds of birds evolved from only 15 ancestral types. • Intentional and accidental introductions of birds form all over the world drastically changed the character of Hawaiian forests. • Effect of mosquitoes was MONUMENTAL: introduced accidentally in 1826, transferred disease. Revised 2009 Page 8

Lyon Arboretum Docent Manual Birds of Lyon Arboretum

• Population decline between 1830 and 1860 resulted in strong pleas to introduce exotic birds to “fill void/naturalized. • +/- 40 sps. Non-natives which are firmly established

STATUS: Common/fairly common/uncommon/occasional

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