9 Red Birds in Hawaii (+Free Photo Guide)

The Iiwi, also known as the Scarlet Honeycreeper, is an iconic and brightly colored bird native to Hawaii.

Appearance: The Iiwi stands out with its brilliant scarlet plumage, contrasting sharply with its black wings and tail. One of its most distinguishing features is its long, curved, salmon-colored bill.

Diet: As a honeycreeper, the Iiwi primarily feeds on nectar from various native Hawaiian flowers. However, they also consume insects and spiders, especially when feeding their young.

Reproduction: Iiwi build small, cup-shaped nests made from twigs, ferns, and mosses, usually situated in the canopy of ohia-lehua trees. The female lays a clutch of two to three pale blue or white eggs. Both parents take turns feeding the chicks.

The Apapane is a striking Hawaiian honeycreeper known for its vibrant red plumage and dynamic vocalizations.

Appearance: Predominantly scarlet in color, the Apapane has contrasting black wings and tail. It’s easily identified by its white undertail coverts and slightly curved black bill.

Diet: The Apapane’s diet is primarily nectar-based, with the bird showing a preference for the blossoms of the ohia-lehua tree. Occasionally, they also feed on insects and spiders.

Reproduction: Apapane build their nests in native trees, especially in ohia forests. The nest is a small, neat cup made of mosses, lichens, and small plant fibers. The female typically lays a clutch of two to three eggs, which are pale blue-green in color. Both parents partake in feeding the fledglings.

The Hawaii ‘Amakihi is a petite honeycreeper endemic to the Hawaiian islands, showcasing a bright green plumage, reminiscent of the lush landscapes it inhabits.

Appearance: The Hawaii ‘Amakihi boasts a vibrant olive-green hue throughout its body. Its beak is slightly down-curved, making it distinct among Hawaiian birds. The males are a brighter green than the females, but overall, the differences in plumage between genders are minimal.

Diet: The primary diet of the Hawaii ‘Amakihi consists of nectar from native plants, but they are known to be quite adaptive and also consume insects and spiders. They can be observed hovering in mid-air or clinging to the undersides of leaves and branches, hunting for insect prey.

Reproduction: The nesting sites of the Hawaii ‘Amakihi are mostly found in ohia lehua trees. These birds are diligent builders, creating open cup nests using twigs, grasses, and the down of native plants.

The Northern Cardinal is an iconic North American bird, easily recognized by its vibrant color and melodious song.

Appearance: Male Northern Cardinals are a brilliant scarlet red, while females display a more subdued reddish olive. Both sexes have a distinctive black ‘mask’ on their face around the bill and a pointed crest on their head. The bird’s beak is robust, cone-shaped, and bright orange in color.

Diet: Northern Cardinals are primarily granivorous, with a diet largely consisting of seeds and grains. They also eat fruits and insects. These birds typically feed off the ground and are frequent visitors to bird feeders.

Reproduction: Northern Cardinals are monogamous, and a pair will breed together for life. The female typically builds a well-hidden nest in a dense thicket or shrub. She lays 2-5 eggs per clutch, which she incubates for around two weeks.

The Red-Crested Cardinal is a visually striking bird native to South America, particularly found in countries like Brazil and Argentina. It is named for its vibrant red crest, which stands tall atop its head, contrasting with its grayish body and wings. Both males and females share this distinctive feature, with males having more pronounced red coloration.

These cardinals are typically found in open habitats such as grasslands, savannas, and gardens. They have adapted well to human-altered landscapes. Red-Crested Cardinals are omnivorous, feeding on a diverse diet that includes seeds, fruits, insects, and even small vertebrates. They use their powerful beaks to crack open seeds and capture prey.

The Red Avadavat, often referred to as the Strawberry Finch or Red Munia, is a small, vivacious songbird renowned for its vibrant colors and melodious tunes.

Appearance: Males, especially during breeding season, are adorned in a striking bright red plumage punctuated with white spots, rendering them highly conspicuous. They also possess a distinct red bill. Outside the breeding period, their plumage dulls to a brownish hue. Females and juveniles, on the other hand, consistently exhibit a more muted, brownish appearance throughout the year, devoid of the red brilliance.

Diet: These tiny birds predominantly thrive on seeds. Their favorite picks include grass seeds, and occasionally, they partake in small insects, which offer them essential proteins.

Reproduction: Red Avadavats are ground nesters, crafting their nests amid grassy terrain using grass and other available materials. The nests, spherical with a side entrance, provide a cozy environment for their eggs. A typical clutch encompasses 4 to 6 white or pale blue eggs.

The Red-masked Parakeet is a vibrant and lively bird, often recognized for its distinctive coloration and spirited nature.

Appearance: This parakeet is predominantly green, with the most distinguishing feature being its bright red face mask and frontal area, giving it its common name. The eye region is usually white, and they also display red wing coverts which contrast vividly with the main green body color.

Diet: Red-masked Parakeets are omnivorous. They feed primarily on a range of fruits, nuts, seeds, and berries. In some urban settings, they’ve been observed enjoying various human foods, but they thrive best on natural plant material.

Reproduction: These parakeets nest in tree cavities. After a courtship period consisting of feeding and mutual preening, the female typically lays a clutch of 3 to 4 white eggs. Once hatched, the chicks are cared for by both parents until they are ready to fledge, which usually takes just over a month.

The Yellow-billed Cardinal is a vibrant songbird that grabs attention with its stark color contrast and melodic chirping.

Appearance: The Yellow-billed Cardinal, as the name suggests, possesses a striking yellow bill. The male has a vivid red head and chest that contrasts with its white underparts and black upperparts. The female, although similar, is slightly paler in color. Both sexes have conspicuous white patches on the flanks.

Diet: These cardinals primarily feed on seeds, fruits, and insects. They have a preference for seeds from grasses and small aquatic plants. They can also be seen foraging on the ground or near the water’s edge for insects and other small invertebrates.

Reproduction: Yellow-billed Cardinals are monogamous and form strong pair bonds. They construct cup-shaped nests in dense vegetation or shrubs, often near water. After mating, the female typically lays a clutch of 2 to 3 eggs. Both parents participate in incubation, which lasts about 12-13 days. Post hatching, both the male and female are involved in feeding and nurturing the chicks until they fledge in about 18 days.

The House Finch is a small songbird widely distributed across North America and is commonly found in urban and suburban areas.

Appearance: Males of this species are brightly colored with crimson faces and throats, which can extend to the chest and back, while their flanks have streaks. The female is streaked brown and lacks the red coloring. Both have a square-tipped tail and a distinctively long, flat-topped bill.

Diet: House Finches primarily eat seeds, grains, and berries. They have a particular fondness for sunflower seeds and can be commonly seen at bird feeders. Occasionally, they will also consume insects, especially during the breeding season.

Reproduction: House Finches are cavity-nesters and might choose ledges, vents, ledges, and other urban settings. They might also utilize trees or shrubs. Their nests can be made of a wide array of materials, from feathers to twigs.