Hawaii is made up of eight main islands and over one hundred smaller islands, totaling 137. Also known as the Aloha State, it is a travel destination for those looking to escape to beautiful beaches, year-round warm weather, surf, sand, hula dancing, and more. Avid bird watchers in other parts of the world may be on the lookout for sparrows in Hawaii, but unfortunately, no sparrow species are native to the state.
But that doesn’t mean you won’t find sparrows on your travels to Hawaii. Two sparrow species were introduced to the islands and currently thrive there. This article discusses which sparrow species you can find in Hawaii and where you can find them.
Old World Sparrow vs New World Sparrow
Before we dive into the sparrow species in Hawaii, it’s important to understand the distinction between “Old World” sparrows and “New World” sparrows. Old World sparrows are found in Europe, Asia, and Africa, while New World sparrows are primarily found in the Americas, including North, Central, and South America. Old World sparrows belong to the family Passeridae, which includes true sparrows, and New World sparrows belong to the family Passerellidae.
The Old World sparrows typically have a small and stout build with rounded wings and a short, conical beak. They often exhibit more muted coloration, with shades of brown, gray, and black. New World sparrows have a similar body structure but can show more variation in size and shape.
They often have longer tails and slightly different beak shapes compared to Old World sparrows. The two types of sparrows look similar and have the same name but are not actually closely related.
2 Sparrows in Hawaii
1. House Sparrow
Scientific Name: Passer Domesticus
Though not native to Hawaii, the house sparrow is one of the most easily seen birds in the state. The house sparrow was introduced to the islands in the late 19th century. The species was brought to Hawaii from New Zealand in the 1870s.
Also known as the English sparrow, the house sparrow is the only true sparrow, or Old World sparrow, in Hawaii. House sparrows are likely familiar-looking birds because of how widespread they are. They can be found on all continents except for Antarctica.
In Hawaii, they can be found on the islands of Hawai’i and Maui. The house sparrow is a small, chunky bird that grows up to 6 inches in length, with a wingspan of around 9 inches. Male house sparrows have gray or brown plumage, a black bib or throat patch, and white cheeks.
Females have a more subdued appearance with brown or grayish-brown feathers and a pale stripe behind the eye. House sparrows have a varied diet. They primarily feed on seeds, grains, and fruits.
They also eat insects during the breeding season, when protein-rich food is crucial for raising chicks. House sparrows breed a lot and can have multiple broods in a single breeding season. They build their nests in tree holes or in holes and crevices in man-made structures.
The female usually lays between 3-7 eggs, which she incubates for about 10-14 days. Both parents help feed the chicks.
House sparrows exhibit varied and energetic vocalizations. Their songs are a mixture of chirps, trills, and buzzes. The males often sing to defend their territory and attract mates.
2. Java Sparrow
Scientific Name: Lonchura oryzivora
The Java sparrow is another bird species introduced to Hawaii. This species is native to the islands of Java and Bali in Indonesia but was introduced to Hawaii in the 1960s. In Hawaii, the Java sparrow has established small populations on several islands, including Oahu, Kauai, Maui, and Hawai’i, also known as the Big Island.
Despite its name, the Java sparrow is actually a finch belonging to the Order Passeriformes. It is neither an Old World nor New World sparrow, though it does have similar characteristics.
Java sparrows are small, stout birds with black or dark gray markings on their heads, a distinctive cinnamon-colored belly, white cheeks, and a reddish-pink bill.
The males and females look similar, while juveniles are mostly light gray and lack black or dark gray on their heads and white cheeks and have black bills. Java sparrows are social birds that hang out in small flocks. They are also monogamous, meaning they only have one mate at a time. Instead of having multiple mates, they form bonded pairs.
The breeding season varies, but they usually breed during times when food is abundant, which is usually between May and July. They build cup-shaped nests made of grass, twigs, and other plant materials. Both parents take care of the 3 to 6 hatchlings in the nest.
Java sparrows have a melodious song consisting of soft, high-pitched notes and trills. They are also known for their ability to mimic various sounds. This, combined with their unique appearance, makes them popular as caged pets.
