...which is an old blog share from 2008. I am always fascinated with the birds I see when traveling away from home, and we don't have to go too far to see different ones even a short drive away. However, today I am sharing three from Hawaii.
I am starting off with the Warbling white-eye (Zosterops japonicus). Also known as the Maejiro, it was introduced to Oahu in 1929 from Japan. It's a common small bird in the city as well as the forest and nests from February to November. The nest is a small cup of woven fibers and grass. The eggs incubate for 11 days and then fledge after 9 or 10 days. The Warbling white-eye at a distance looks very similar to the native Amaki'i. It's easily distinguished, however, by the white circle around the eye. The Amaki'i has a black circle.
This is the Common Waxbill (Estrilda astrild) This bird is only found on Oahu. It was introduced from Africa sometime in the late 1970's. This bird is very shy. It travels in large groups of individuals that are most easily recognized by their call as they fly away. The easiest place to see them is in large open grass fields where they are found eating weed seeds.
Red-crested cardinal (Paroaria coronata), is also known as the Brazilian Cardinal, it was introduced around 1930 from South America. It feeds on seeds, plant matter, insects and fruit.
Look for this bird traveling in family groups. If you see a bird with a brown crest and black bill, it's a juvenile. Observe the unique interaction of the juvenile with the parents. Often, the juveniles will wait for the adult to pick up the food and give it to them, even though they are the same size!
