The beautiful Hawaiian islands, which are nestled in the center of the Pacific Ocean, are well known for their stunning scenery, immaculate beaches, and thriving marine life. However, Hawaiiโs natural treasures go beyond the coastline and into the rich world of feathered occupants, which includes the parrots in Hawaii.
This article explores the fascinating presence of parrots in the Hawaiian islands. Although not indigenous to these islands, these lively and colorful birds have made a home there, resulting in a unique combination of native and introduced species.
4 Parrots in Hawaii
Hawaii has a variety of parrots and parakeets that were all introduced to the islands. These include the Rose-ringed Parakeet, Red-masked Parakeet, Red-Crowned Parrot, and Mitred Conure. Itโs important to know that humans have brought all parrot species to Hawaii, and no parrots are native to the islands.
1. Rose-ringed Parakeet
Scientific Name: Psittacula krameri
Hawaiiโs lush islands host a diverse range of unique wildlife, and among them are the rose-ringed parakeets, a group of birds known for their colorful feathers and lively personalities. Rose-ringed parakeets have vibrant green feathers, and a long tail feather that makes them visually striking, with male and female birds having bright orange beaks.
However, only males have a unique neck ring thatโs red and black. You can easily recognize them by their loud squawking calls as they fly across the Hawaiian skies.
These medium-sized parakeets were brought to Hawaii as pets in the 1960s and have since established themselves on the islands. But a wild population emerged and thrived due to accidental releases and escapees.
The first accidentally released animal was discovered in Kauai in 1968, and more animals joined the expanding wild population after Hurricane Iwa. These parakeets have spread across the main islands of Hawaii and found suitable habitats and abundant food sources.
Rose-ringed parakeets are beautiful, but they cause significant challenges to Hawaiiโs agricultural sector. They primarily consume fruits and grains because theyโre herbivores, thus damaging priceless food crops all throughout the state.
2. Red-masked Parakeet
Scientific Name: Psittacara erythrogenys
The red-masked parakeetโs colorful appearance in Hawaiiโs stunning settings has drawn interest and raised concerns. Originally from Ecuador and Peru, these medium-sized parrots have captured the hearts of pet owners and aviculture enthusiasts, earning them alternative names such as the cherry-headed conure or the red-headed conure.
Red-masked parakeets can be identified by their bright green feathers and a mostly red head, with a noticeable pale eye-ring. You can see these parakeets live in various habitats, such as jungle and deciduous forests, but because of unintentional releases brought on by their appeal as pets, their populations have begun to spread throughout Hawaii.
The first observations were dated back to 1988 when released cage birds were sighted on the Big Island. Since then, these wandering and social birds have made their presence known throughout the Kona coast, hunting for food. But they prefer to roost and breed in the pit craters at higher elevations of Hualฤlai mountain.
The population has increased significantly, and now there are hundreds of individuals, which could be a threat to local coffee farmers.
3. Red-Crowned Parrot
Scientific Name: Amazona viridigenalis
Pet owners have brought the red-crowned parrot, also called the green-cheeked parrot, from eastern Mexico to Hawaii. You easily distinguish these birds apart by the red feathers on their heads, the bright green feathers with dark blue streaks behind their eyes, and the light green cheeks. Their wings also have splashes of red and blue, and their tails end with light yellow.
In its natural range, the red-crowned parrot faces endangerment due to habitat loss and the pet trade. On the Hawaiian island of Oahu, however, feral colonies of these parrots have started to worry people because they trample native plants and contaminate fruit plantations.
Since their existence threatens the delicate balance of Hawaiiโs distinctive biodiversity, worries are raised about how theyโll affect the local ecosystem and agriculture.
4. Mitred Conure
Scientific Name: Psittacara mitrata
Mitred parakeet is a bird originally native to Argentina, Bolivia, and Peru, but has found its way to various parts of the United States, including Hawaii. Most of this speciesโ feathers are green, but their foreheads are purplish, and their cheeks have varied amounts of red. In addition to that, their bills are horn-colored, and they have a white ring around each eye.
These colorful birds were introduced to Hawaii in 1986 as escaped or released cage birds. Although Hawaii has a smaller population than other regions in the US, many have settled on the islands, particularly on Maui.
