Doves in Hawaii: 4 Beautiful Species with (Photos, Guide & Facts)
Doves in Hawaii are a sight to behold. They are among the many animals that thrive in this island paradise. In this article, you will meet the four types of doves that live in Hawaii. You will also learn some fascinating facts about them and their population. I researched this topic using reliable sources. Let’s dive in!
Types of Doves in Hawaii
Hawaii’s rich and varied ecosystems are home to a wide variety of bird species. Even doves are represented throughout the islands by four distinct species.
1. Zebra Dove
Have you ever seen a bird with zebra stripes? If you live in Hawaii, you might have. The Zebra Dove is a small and cute dove with black and white stripes on its neck and chest. It looks like a zebra, but it flies and sings. You can find these doves in many places around the islands. They like to visit backyards and gardens.
Some interesting facts about the Zebra Dove are:
- It stays with the same partner for life. It is very loyal and loving to its mate.
- It eats seeds and insects from the ground. It uses its beak to pick them up.
- It has a soft and sweet voice. It makes a “coo-coo-coo” sound that is very soothing.
2. Spotted Dove
Do you like polka dots? If you do, you will love the Spotted Dove. This dove has many white dots on its wings and back. It looks like it is wearing a polka dot dress. It is a bit bigger than the Zebra Dove, about 11 inches long. You can see these doves sitting on wires or looking for food in gardens and forests.
Some interesting facts about the Spotted Dove are:
- It has a beautiful and calm voice. It makes a “coo-coo-coo” sound that is very relaxing.
- It likes to build nests in trees. It uses twigs and branches to make its home.
Related Article: 7 Types of Doves in Arizona
3. Mourning Dove
Have you ever seen a dove with a tear in its eye? If you have, you might have met the Mourning Dove. This dove has a soft, grayish-brown color and a mark on its face that looks like a tear. It is a thin and elegant bird, about 9 inches long. You can find these doves in many places in Hawaii. They live in cities and countryside.
Some interesting facts about the Mourning Dove are:
- It eats different kinds of food. It likes seeds, grains, and small fruits.
- It has a sad and soothing voice. It makes a “coo-coo-coo” sound that is very peaceful.
4. Eurasian Collared Dove
How a Foreign Bird Conquered Hawaii
The Eurasian Collared Dove is a bird that came from Europe and Asia, but now lives in Hawaii. You can tell them apart from other doves by the black ring around their necks. They are also bigger than Mourning Doves, measuring about 13 inches long. These doves are very common in Hawaii and can be found in different places, from farms to cities.
Why are they so successful?
One reason why these doves are doing so well in Hawaii is that they can adapt to many situations. They can live in hot or cold weather, eat different kinds of food, and nest in various places. They are also very good at spreading their genes, as they can breed all year round and have many offspring.
Another reason why these doves are thriving in Hawaii is that they have a loud and catchy voice. They make a fast and rhythmic cooing sound, which can be heard from far away. This helps them attract mates and defend their territory. It also makes them stand out from other birds, which may be quieter or less musical.
What does this mean for Hawaii?
The Eurasian Collared Dove is an example of an invasive species, which is an animal or plant that comes from another place and causes problems for the native ones. Some people may like these doves because they are pretty and friendly, but others may not because they are noisy and messy. They may also compete with native birds for food and space, or spread diseases to them.
The Eurasian Collared Dove is not the only invasive species in Hawaii. There are many others, such as the mongoose, the coqui frog, and the strawberry guava. These species can harm the environment and the economy of Hawaii, which depends on its natural beauty and diversity. That is why it is important to protect Hawaii’s native species and prevent more invasive ones from coming.
You May Want to Read: Ducks in Michigan: 12 Bird Species with Pictures
How to Enjoy Hawaii’s Amazing Birds
Hawaii is a paradise for bird lovers. You can see many beautiful and unique birds on any of the islands. But did you know that some of these birds are in danger of disappearing? Here’s how you can enjoy Hawaii’s amazing birds and help protect them at the same time.
Meet the Doves
One of the most common birds you’ll see in Hawaii is the dove. There are two kinds of doves that live in Hawaii: the Zebra Dove and the Spotted Dove. They are both small, brown birds with black and white markings on their necks. They make a soft, cooing sound that is very relaxing to hear.
Zebra Doves and Spotted Doves are not native to Hawaii. They were brought by humans from other parts of the world. They have adapted well to the Hawaiian environment and can be found in gardens, parks, farms, and urban areas. They eat seeds, fruits, and insects.
Save the Doves
Even though doves are common in Hawaii, they are not safe from threats. Doves, like many other animals, are losing their natural habitats because of human activities. They also face predators like cats, dogs, rats, and mongooses that are not native to Hawaii. These predators can kill or injure the doves and their eggs.
You can help protect the doves and other birds by supporting local conservation efforts. You can donate money, volunteer your time, or join a birdwatching group. You can also be mindful of the doves’ habitats and avoid disturbing them. For example, you can keep your pets indoors or on a leash, and dispose of your trash properly.
Enjoy the Doves
Doves are wonderful birds to watch and listen to. They can bring you joy and peace. You can find them almost anywhere in Hawaii, but if you want to see more of them, you can visit some of the best birdwatching spots on the islands. Here are some of them:
- Kilauea Point National Wildlife Refuge on Kauai: This is a sanctuary for seabirds, such as albatrosses, boobies, and frigatebirds. You can also see nene, the endangered Hawaiian goose, and monk seals. The refuge has a lighthouse that offers a stunning view of the ocean and the cliffs.
- Hakalau Forest National Wildlife Refuge on the Big Island: This is a forest reserve that is home to many native birds, such as honeycreepers, thrushes, and hawks. You can also see rare plants and trees, such as koa and ohia. The refuge has hiking trails that let you explore the diverse ecosystem.
- Kealia Pond National Wildlife Refuge on Maui: This is a wetland that attracts many waterbirds, such as stilts, coots, and ducks. You can also see migratory birds, such as sandpipers, plovers, and terns. The refuge has a boardwalk that lets you observe the birds and the pond.
Hawaii is a birdwatcher’s dream. You can see many kinds of birds, from doves to honeycreepers, and from seabirds to waterbirds. You can also help preserve these birds by being a responsible visitor and a conservation supporter. By doing so, you can ensure that Hawaii’s amazing birds will be around for generations to come.
FAQ’s:
Q: Are doves in Hawaii endangered?
Fortunately, none of the dove species in Hawaii are currently considered endangered. They have adapted well to the islands’ environment and are relatively common throughout, serving as a testament to the successful coexistence of wildlife and the unique Hawaiian ecosystem.
Q: What do doves eat in Hawaii?
Doves in Hawaii primarily feed on seeds, grains, small fruits, and insects. They are ground foragers, often seen pecking at the ground in search of sustenance. This dietary preference plays an essential role in the ecosystem by aiding in seed dispersal.
Q: Do these doves migrate?
While some dove species are known for long-distance migrations, the doves in Hawaii are predominantly resident birds. They choose to stay on the islands year-round, taking advantage of the favorable climate and abundant food resources.
Q: Are doves in Hawaii protected?
In Hawaii, all native birds, including doves, are protected by law. It is illegal to harm or harass them in any way, underscoring the importance of preserving the natural beauty and ecological balance of the islands.
