8 Species of Green Birds in Hawaii (Pictures)

There are several species of green birds that can be found in Hawaii, including both native and introduced species. Green is the color of nature, and Hawaii is home to some of the most beautiful and unique green birds in the world. These brightly colored birds play an important role in the ecosystem of Hawaii.

In this article, we will take a closer look at some of the most notable green birds that call Hawaii home and explore the fascinating facts that make them so special.

8 Green Birds in Hawaii

This list features 8 types of green birds that can be found in Hawaii. From the delicate Hawaiian honeycreeper to the rare Maui parrotbill, these birds are a testament to the unique biodiversity of the islands. Continue reading to discover more about the rest of them.

1. Maui parrotbill

Maui parrotbill
Maui parrotbill | image by Zach Pezzillo, Maui Forest Bird Recovery Project via Wikimedia Commons | CC BY-SA 4.0

Scientific name : Pseudonestor xanthophrys

The Maui Parrotbill, also known as the Kฤkฤwahie, is a small bird with green and yellow plumage found only on the island of Maui in Hawaii. The Maui parrotbill is considered critically endangered, with an estimated population of less than 250 individuals remaining in the wild. They are believed to be monogamous and they build nests in trees.

The Maui parrotbill inhabits native Hawaiian forests and feeds on a variety of insects, spiders, and seeds. The bird is arboreal and forages for food in the canopy, using its bill to probe for insects and seeds in the bark and leaves of trees. It is also known for its distinctive call and song.

2. โ€˜Akikiki

'Akikiki handed by a man
โ€˜Akikiki handed by a man | image by USGS via Wikimedia Commons

Scientific name : Oreomystis bairdi

The โ€˜Akikiki, also known as the Kauai Creeper, is a small, green bird that is found only in the wet forests of Kauai, Hawaii. It has a green plumage with yellowish-green underparts, and a short tail. Their population has declined by more than 80% over the last three generations and currently estimated to be less than 1,000 individuals remaining in the wild.

They are likely monogamous and build nests on the ground or low in vegetation. โ€˜Akikiki is known to inhabit the native ohia-lehua forests and koa forests at elevations between 1,500 and 6,000 ft. These birds have a unique curved bill that is used for foraging for insects and seeds as well as small fruits.

3. Red-crowned Amazon

Red-crowned amazon perched on wood
Red-crowned amazon perched on wood

Scientific name : Amazona viridigenalis

The Red-crowned Amazon, also known as the Red-crowned Parrot or the Green-cheeked Amazon, is a species of parrot that is native to Mexico and Central America. It has been introduced to the United States, specifically to the island of Oahu in Hawaii, where it has established a small population. They are known for their bright green plumage and the distinctive red patch on their forehead.

In Hawaii, the diet of the Red-crowned Amazon primarily consists of fruits, seeds, and flowers from a variety of native and non-native plants. They have also been known to feed on nectar and insects. This species has adapted to a variety of habitats in Hawaii, including urban and suburban areas, as well as natural habitats such as forests and wetlands.

4. Omao

Omao perched on a tree
Omao perched on a tree | image by Bettina Arrigoni via Flickr | CC BY 2.0

Scientific name : Myadestes obscurus

The Omao, also known as the Hawaiian Thrush, is a medium-sized green bird with green plumage, yellow belly, and a white ring around its eyes that can be found in the forested areas of Hawaii. It is not considered endangered in Hawaii, but it is thought to be in decline. Itย is known to be monogamous and it breeds between April and August in Hawaii.

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Omao is found in a variety of forest habitats on the islands of Hawaii, including rainforests, cloud forests, and dry forests. They are typically found at elevations between 1,500 and 6,000 ft, and they are known to feed on a variety of insects, fruits, and berries on the ground and in the lower vegetation.

5. Rose-ringed Parakeet

Rose-ringed parakeet perched on a tree
Rose-ringed parakeet perched on a tree | image by Hari K Patibanda via Flickr | CC BY 2.0

Scientific name : Psittacula krameri

The Rose-ringed Parakeet, also known as the Ring-necked Parakeet, is a species of parakeet that isย  to Africa, Asia and some parts of Europe, and have been introduced to many other parts of the world, including Hawaii, as pets. They are known for their bright green plumage and the distinctive ring of red feathers around their neck.

In Hawaii, they are typically found in urban and suburban areas, where they have established breeding populations. They can be found in parks, gardens, and other green spaces. They are known to feed on a wide variety of fruits, seeds, and other plant material.

6. Hawaii Amakihi

Hawaii amakihi molting
Hawaii amakihi molting | image by Sue Salisbury via Flickr | CC BY 2.0

Scientific name :ย Chlorodrepanis virens

The Hawaii Amakihi, also known as the Common Amakihi or simply Amakihi, is a species of Hawaiian honeycreeper that is native to the main Hawaiian Islands. They are brightly colored and have a green plumage with a yellow throat and breast, which makes them easily recognizable. The Hawaii Amakihi is a socially monogamous species that breeds year-round, with peak breeding activity occurring during the spring and summer months.

The species is found in a variety of habitats, including forests, woodlands, and shrublands, at elevations ranging from sea level to over 6,000 feet.The diet of the Hawaii Amakihi primarily consists of nectar, insects, and spiders. They also eat fruits and seeds of native and non-native plants, especially during the non-blooming seasons.

7. Warbling white-eye

Japanese white-eye
Japanese white-eye

Scientific name :ย Zosterops japonicus

The Warbling White-eye, also known as the Japanese White-eye or Mejiro, is a small songbird that is native to Japan, Taiwan, and other parts of East Asia. This species was introduced to Hawaii in 1929, and it has since established a population on the main islands. They are known for their small size and bright green plumage with a yellow ring around the eye and white ring around the iris.

In Hawaii, the Warbling White-eye breeds year-round with peak breeding activity occurring during the spring and summer months. They can be found in a variety of habitats, including urban and suburban areas, as well as natural habitats such as forests and wetlands where they feed on nectar, insects, and fruit. They are also known for their warbling and melodious songs, which are often heard in the morning and evening.

8. Mitred Parakeet

Mitred parakeet perched on a bamboo stick
Mitred parakeet perched on a bamboo stick

Scientific name :ย Aratinga mitrata

The Mitred Parakeet is a species of parrot native to the Andes of South America. They are not known to be established wild populations in Hawaii, but it is possible that some individuals may have been kept as pets and subsequently escaped or were released into the wild. The Mitred Parakeet is a medium-sized parrot, measuring approximately 12 inches in length. It has a green plumage with a red forehead, crown and lores.

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Mitred Parakeetโ€™s diet would typically consist of fruits, seeds, berries, flowers, and leafy greens as well as insects and other small invertebrates. In Hawaii, they probably adapt to a variety of habitats, including urban and suburban areas, as well as natural habitats such as forests and wetlands. They are known for their intelligence and their ability to mimic human speech.