Birds

Observing Manu (birds)

Spend a few hours observing and identifying the birds that find habitat on the land and in the water at Pu‘uhonua o Hōnaunau National Historical Park. Recent surveys have recorded 30 species of birds. Six of these species are native to Hawai‘i (see species list below) but are generally uncommon or rarely observed in the park. Some are occasionally seen off shore or in flight overhead, such as ʻiwa (great frigatebird).

During the winter, it is common to observe kolea (Pacific golden plover), ‘akekeke (ruddy turnstone) and ‘Ūlili (wandering tattler) foraging along the rocky shoreline. The Hawaiian names for ‘akekeke and the ‘ūlili are similar to their individual calls and are thus indicative of their presence in Hawai‘i for many years.

A watchful eye and an awakened ear will lead you to discover some of the other feathered visitors observed at Pu‘uhonua o Hōnaunau. Most of these will be non-native birds which continue to pose a threat to the habitat and food supply for the native Hawaiian birds that have spent thousands of years evolving on this island.

Upon your arrival at the park, you might watch several saffron finch nibbling on the tall grass seeds of the pili (tanglehead grass) or hear the common myna birds calling from within the noni (Indian mulberry trees). As the moon's light takes over for the sun, listen for the screech of the barn owl.

Endemic and Endangered
More than 40 birds are listed as endangered or threatened throughout the Pacific Islands according to the United States Fish and Wildlife Service. In Hawaiʻi, at least 32 birds species have gone extinct since 1778.

Six native species have been observed in the park, half of these are endemic (found only in Hawaiʻi), the ʻio (Hawaiin hawk), pueo (short-eared owl) and aeʻo (Hawaiian stilt) and two others are endangered.

The ʻio (Hawaiian hawk) is endangered and it is the only resident raptor found in Hawai'i. You are most likely to see it soaring against the blue sky, with its keen eyes searching the earth far beneath its wings, for another meal.

The pueo (short-eared owl) is usually silent except for a series of low hoots heard during courtship and an occasional muffled bark. It is crepuscular, or active at dusk and dawk, in its hunt. The pueo was revered as an ʻaumakua (guardian spirit) by the ancient Hawaiians

The tall, slender aeʻo (Hawaiian stilt) is an endangered wading bird. Sightings of aeʻo at Puʻuhonua o Hōnaunau are extremely rare. The distinguished black and white body of the aeʻo is supported by pink, long, thin legs. The aeʻo is a ground nesting bird so it is highly vulnerable to predation by mongoose, cats, dogs and even human disturbance.

Bird Species Observed in the Park

For a full list of bird species found in the park, please click on the "Species" drop down box below and select "Birds".