Birds...

African Grey Parrot
Psittacus erithacus erithacus
Family: Psittacidae
The range of this bird encompasses the forested areas of Ghana to Lake Victoria into Angola and through the area formerly known as the Congo. The species consists of three subspecies with the type race represented by Psittacus erithacus. All are similar in appearance but differ in size and variation of colors.

The birds of the type race are grey with silver grey on the crown, nape, neck, and mantle. The under parts are whitish, the flight feathers are dark grey, and the tail coverts and tail a bright scarlet. The beak and legs are dark or black.

The Greys are very gregarious and are reputed to be the best mimics among the parrots. They are found in large groups and cause considerable damage to cultivated crops. They feed on fruits, seeds, young shoots, and nuts. Because of their nature, the young of this parrot are taken in considerable numbers yearly and hand-raised for the export trade where they are sold for high prices. When hand-raised they become extremely tame and affectionate toward their owner. These birds are long-lived if given proper care and survive 70 or more years. Our bird arrived in 1998, gender unknown.

Amazon Parrots
Genus: Amazona spp.
Family: Psittacidae
Lilac Crowned
The genus Amazona comprises some 26 species and about 51 subspecies. All are similar in size and shape, being of medium size and stocky birds. Their tails are short and either rounded or square in outline. They range throughout Central and South America and the offshore islands to include the islands in the Caribbean. The Amazons are one of the more popular cage or aviary birds and are trapped for the bird trade quite extensively in some areas.

They are also considered pests as they cause tremendous crop losses; so many of the birds are destroyed by the local people. In other localities these birds are considered as a source of protein and are hunted or trapped for food. These factors and the destruction of habitat have caused several species to decline to a point of extinction. Populations of all other species are also declining at an accelerated rate.

The Amazons feed on fruits, various kinds of seeds and greens and are therefore easily maintained in captivity. As with most of their relatives they make good pets when hand raised and given the proper care and attention. Once they are acclimated they are hardy birds and do well in an outdoor aviary with adequate shelters. It is recommended that they be kept outside in large aviaries as they maintain their condition when allowed exercise and opportunities to wet their plumage with water. Pairs are reported to bond for life, and such pairs nest readily in captivity if given the proper accommodations.

In 2002 the zoo was given 3 pairs of Amazon Parrots, along with their new enclosures, from Dr. Jack Armstrong and Sherrie Moore. They are all enjoying their spacious new home, and making good use of the nesting boxes.

Orange Wing Yellow Crowned

The orange wing has an orange speculum on the four outer "secondaries." The yellow crowned has a red speculum on the outer five "secondaries."

Southern Crowned Crane
(East African)
Balearica pavonina gibberifrons
Family: Gruidae Subfamily: Balearicinae
There are several subspecies of the African Crowned crane, and all are similar in appearance and are recognized by the crown of yellowish feathers on the back of their heads. They are colorful birds and are popular with hobbyists. The endangered northern subspecies is black-necked and is considered the most impressive of these cranes. The vulnerable gray-necked group consists of the southern and eastern subspecies.

The East African crowned crane ranges through Uganda and Kenya frequenting the grasslands bordering marshes or swamps. Adults are four feet tall weighing 8.5 pounds with wing spans of six to seven feet. Their life span is fifty to sixty years. Males and females are nearly identical but the females may have a smaller crest. They feed on insects and small animals along with some vegetation and grains. They also consume aquatic animals. Their foraging technique consists of moving through grass and stamping their feet to scare up insects or other small animals. They are usually seen in pairs or small groups.

Pairs are very territorial, mate for life and are aggressive when defending their territory or chicks. Nests are either built on the ground or in low trees, our birds prefer to roost in the trees. Two to three large rough green eggs are laid with an incubation period of thirty days. Because these birds consume great quantities of insects, especially grasshoppers, locusts, and reptiles, including snakes, these cranes are kept as pets by the Africans. When hand-raised as pets they are reputed to become extremely tame and attached to their owners. The zoo diet is a cup of crowned crane diet, ½ cup gamecock mix with oyster shell, and a cup of chopped fruits and lettuce.

These birds are very showy and pairs often engage in displays. If you are lucky enough to witness these displays, you will be treated to a spectacular show.

The single female now on display was hatched at the zoo in 1994 or 1996. On July 8, 2005 she hatched a chick (photo on left) then 2 days later killed her mate protecting it. On August 14 the chick was found killed - probably by a mongoose.

`Alae `ula;
Hawaiian Gallinule; Hawaiian Common Moorhen
Gallinula chloropus sandvicensis
Family: Rallidae
This endangered endemic bird was once found on most of the main islands, but now only small populations are found on Kaua`i, O`ahu, and Moloka`i. Because of habitat destruction, predation, and illegal shootings these birds are in serious trouble and may soon be lost to us. The `alae `ula is a sub-species of the common gallinule of North America and Eurasia. Because of isolation they have evolved a non­migratory behavior and have become distinct enough to be considered as separate. Their habitat includes freshwater wetlands, reservoirs, irrigation ditches with dense vegetation. Although they swim well they remain in shallow protected water feeding on algae and aquatic animals. Their zoo diet consists of diced greens and fruits, a wet mixture of poultry mash, grain, trout pellets, fruit fly pupae, and a vitamin-mineral additive.

The red frontal shield was acquired by this bird while obtaining fire for the Hawaiian people, so this bird is revered in Hawaiian culture. The legend says the bird felt sorry for the Hawaiian people not having fire to cook or warm themselves, so the gallinule stole a burning log from the gods and scorched its forehead while bringing the log to the people.

The gallinules were donated in 1999, and there have been several successful clutches hatched.

Helmeted Guineafowl;
Grey-breasted Guineafowl
Numida meleagris galeata
Family: Numididae
The domesticated strain of the guineafowl was obtained from the Grey-breasted or Helmeted guineafowl, which ranges in western Africa's dry areas. They prefer open grasslands and rocky areas. These birds were introduced into the Americas and Europe by Portuguese explorers.

In the wild these birds form large groups that move about and forage as a group. Food consists of a variety of items such as seeds, grasses, fruits, insects, and small animals. During the breeding season, the hens go off on their own to nest but return to the group with their chicks.

Domesticated birds are easy to keep if given room to wander. However, they are aggressive by nature and will attack other animals and people as a protective response. They are not the most successful of birds when it comes to incubating eggs or raising their chicks. In captivity eggs are artificially incubated and surrogate mothers raise the chicks. Guineafowl are constantly on the move.

Our eight guineafowl were donated in July 1997 and are fed gamecock mix and dog chow. The top photo is of a Pearl or "wild type" guineafowl with black and white spotted feathers. There were a pair whose feathers are all white, and we also have a Lavender with grey feathers and light dots.

Sacred Ibis
Threskiornis aethiopica
Family: Threskiornithidae
Sacred ibises are native to Africa and Madagascar. Part of the group of medium-sized wading birds, they are 30 inches in length with bills which are long, thin and strongly down-curved; and their faces are without feathers. They are gregarious birds, traveling and breeding in flocks. They fly with their necks straight out in front and their long legs trailing behind, alternately flapping and soaring.

These birds inhabit shores and marshes and feed on amphibians, insects, insect larvae, and other small aquatic animals. They feed by touch, not sight, as an adaptation to the muddy waters. Nests are formed on the ground in papyrus thickets or bushes or in trees. Three to four eggs are laid. The chicks have dark plumage and are fledged in 5 - 6 weeks.

Ibises are an ancient group of birds: their fossil record goes back 60 million years. Their record in human history goes back 5,000 years. The ancient Egyptians venerated the Sacred Ibis and made it an integral part of their religion and of their written hieroglyphics. To them it was the god Thoth (the scribe to the gods), so Thoth was pictured with the head of an ibis. In Egypt today the sacred ibis is very rare; it is common only in Africa south of the Sahara. They have not been bred in Egypt since the first half of the nineteenth century.

Our pair of ibises, Cleo and Thoth, were donated in 1994. Thoth (top photo, with the reddish feathers) died in 2005. The other birds have learned to stay clear of Cleo when she is defending her favorite rock perch. Her zoo diet is a dozen smelt, dog chow, and waterfowl diet.

`Io; Hawaiian Hawk
Buteo solitarius
Family: Accipitridae
Our only endemic hawk lives on the island of Hawaii where it is often seen in various types of habitat. From observation, it appears the `io is an adaptable bird and will nest in the vicinity of human habitation. There are two color phases -- the dark phase birds are dark gray brown overall, whereas the light phase birds are dark dorsally with a light colored head and under parts which is often streaked with brown. The color phases are not sex-linked. Because it is only found on the island of Hawaii it is considered endangered.

Although the complete biology of this species is not known, the breeding season runs from February through August and possibly September, with pairs having their own schedule that may be dependent on locality. Nests are constructed of twigs picked up from the ground or broken off from trees. The nest cup is lined with leafy material. Eggs are similar in size and shape to a medium chicken egg, light blue in color and either speckled or streaked with brown or reddish brown. The clutch size is normally one egg, and should the egg be lost within a few days of laying, a second clutch is laid within three weeks. Pair bonding appears to be permanent, and a pair uses the same nesting site in succeeding years. A territory or home range may be important only during the breeding season, while during the remainder of the year birds may range over a greater distance returning periodically to their breeding territory. Nesting may or may not occur every year. Offspring are dependent on the parents for a long period to include care after fledging.

The `io is a generalist in feeding since they will eat insects, small animals, birds, and aquatic animals. Zoo diet is 3 pieces of raw meat daily, and 2 times a week, 3 mice.

Our `io’s name is Kapono. We believe he was taken from his nest and hand raised, giving him no fear of humans, thereby making him un-releasable.

Red Jungle Fowl; Jungle Fowl
Gallus gallus
Family: Phasianidae
These birds are native to southern Asia, India, and some of the Indo­Malayan islands. It is believed that the early domestic breeds of chicken were developed from this species. The early Polynesians who kept the birds for food, religious ceremonies and for fighting introduced them to Hawaii. The early introductions probably were the source of birds that formed wild populations on the main islands. Wild populations are currently reported on Kaua`i and Hawai`i.

These birds congregate in social groups and have a definite social structure. Our birds were obtained at Koke'e on Kaua`i by the State Forestry and Wildlife Division. From this group of eight pairs our population has steadily increased. The Jungle fowl are ground nesters so their eggs and chicks are subject to predation by the mongoose and feral cat. Survivability of chicks belonging to a large group tends to be better as there appears to be a group effort in protecting the chicks. Adults roost in trees at night. They are fed gamecock mix and dog chow, and can be found throughout the zoo.


Lady Amherst Pheasant
Chrysolophus amherstiae
Family: Phasianidae
Lady Amherst pheasants inhabit bamboo thickets in the interior of China from southeastern Tibet to upper Burma. Their body length can be up to 50 inches including tail feathers. The tail is long and ornate and is arched or "vaulted" into an inverted V-shape in cross section. Their legs are clean and may be spurred.

Lady Amherst pheasants are among the showiest of all birds. The males are the ones with the fine feathers; their mates are very drab. When European naturalists saw paintings of these "flower" pheasants, they thought they could not be real birds!

They are closely related to the golden pheasant and interbreed with them, so pure examples are now rare.

Our first 3 pheasants were born in Jan. 2001 and donated in April 2002. The two females have laid many eggs, two of which were successfully artificially incubated. Their zoo diet is 2 cups of gamecock mix, and 1-cup fruits and lettuce with vionate.



Blue and Yellow Macaw
Ara ararauna
Family: Psittacidae
The Blue and Yellow macaw is found throughout tropical South America including Ecuador, eastern Peru, Bolivia, northern Paraguay, and Brazil. This species is about the same size as the Scarlet macaw, and their dietary requirements are similar. As with the Scarlet, they can become very tame and playful if hand-raised but require other birds, a lot of attention, or other distractions to keep from becoming bored and destructive. They also require wood to chew on to maintain beak condition and to divert their attention from chewing on other things. They can be housed in an outdoor aviary if an adequate shelter is provided. We feed our birds a diet of a parrot mix which contains seeds of various plants, fruits, dog or monkey biscuits; and vegetable items. We have 2 Blue & Golds- a male who was one of the first zoo residents, and Polly a more recent addition with an interesting vocabulary. Back Up Next




Catalina Macaw
Ara macao x Ara ararauna
Max is our greeter at the zoo entrance. He was born on July 15, 1988 and donated to the zoo in 2000. He has an extensive vocabulary and knows how to use it properly. He is gregarious by nature and needs a whole lot of people attention. He has a tendency to chew on things and can make short work of anything made of wood. Max’s favorite word is “cookie” and Nutter Butters used to be a daily treat for him. He delighted those who would watch him open the cookie, lick off all the peanut butter, and sometimes dunk the rest in his water before finishing it. His "cookie" has been replaced with nuts which are more nutritious but not as much fun to watch.



Nene; Hawaiian Goose
Branta sandvicensis
Family: Anatidae
The endangered nene is the state bird of Hawaii and is endemic to the islands of Maui and Hawaii. It is believed that these birds evolved from a common ancestral type, which also produced the Canada goose. The ancestors of the nene probably arrived as storm blown birds. They evolved characteristics suitable for a terrestrial existence on the rough terrain of old lava flows. Most prominent of the evolved characteristics is the reduced webbing on their feet.

Because of predation, habitat degradation, and hunting the nene was on the brink of extinction in the early 1940's. Efforts by individuals locally and in England and the Territorial government, led to a restoration project and the slow recovery of the nene. Presently the population consists of a few hundred birds confined to the sparsely vegetated slopes of Haleakala National Park on Maui, Hawaii Volcanoes National Park, and the upper elevations of Mauna Loa and Mauna Kea on Hawaii.

The birds feed on a variety of native and introduced plants, eating leaves, seeds, and fruits. Their nesting season begins in November. Clutch size varies from two to five eggs laid in a well-concealed nest. The gander sets up an observation point in proximity to the nest that has a good view of the surrounding area. The nene's vocalizations include their threat and alarm calls that are on the soft side. The future of the nene is still in question, but their status is much more secure today than in the past 40 years. Predation of the mongoose on eggs and goslings is still a threat.

Currently we have two nene on display- AJ and Kuhina. AJ is named after the letters on his leg band, and Kuhina is named for the Hawaiian word for ambassador. Kuhina was imprinted on people when he hatched Dec. 16, 1999 in an incubator, so he does not relate to other geese- only men (especially if they have beards). Their zoo diet is 2 cups waterfowl diet, 1 cup gamecock mix with ¼ cup oyster shell, and 1 cup chopped fruits and lettuce. Kuhina is also an Outreach and Petting Zoo favorite who enjoys being fed romaine lettuce, cut grapes, and hazelnut bread cubes.

Indian Blue Peafowl; Peacocks
Pavo cristatus
Family: Phasianidae
One of two species of peafowl, the other is the Java Green. The Indian Blue consists of several subspecies and domestic breeds. The natural range of the species includes the Indian subcontinent through Sri Lanka. The male, or peacock, has the striking plumage. The elongated upper tail feathers are the ones that are used in courtship displays as the "spreading fan". These feathers are molted at the end of the breeding season in May – June, and grow back by the next season.

In young males the adult plumage develops in their second year, but the elongated tail plumage becomes evident in the third year and increases in length thereafter. The peahen also has beautiful plumage, but it is not as strikingly colored and doesn't develop the elongated tail feathers of the peacock.

These birds are found in groups of one male with several hens usually in open terrain with jungle or thick vegetation nearby. They are omnivorous in feeding habit and are reported to be especially fond of small reptiles, specifically young cobras. Because of this feeding behavior, Indian villagers will raise the peafowl or protect the wild birds to provide snake control around the village.

The white peafowl is an albino form of the Blue peafowl, and this condition is a recessive trait. White peafowl are fairly common, as they have been bred as a separate race for a long period of time. The chicks of the white peafowl are not as hardy as the Blue chicks and require more care.

Our peafowl have the run of the zoo and often surprise visitors when they are seen flying or perching on roof tops. They can live 30 years.

Silver Pheasant
Gennaeus nycthemerus nycthemerus
Family: Phasianidae
The Silver pheasant has a sizeable range as the various subspecies are found in southern China, Laos, Viet Nam, Cambodia, and Thailand. The bird of the type species is the bird on exhibit here. The various subspecies have distinctive characteristics or may differ only in coloration. Basic characteristics include a rearward lying crest on both genders. Males have a dark ventral color and white on the upper body laced with black markings. The facial area is bare and deep red in color. Hens are buff or darker brown with black lines on their feathering.

The habitat for this pheasant is the mountainous terrain with dense tree or bamboo growth at mid-elevations. They are for the most part general feeders eating fruits, seeds, young plant shoots, insects, worms, small reptiles, tubers, and bulbs. Although sizeable coveys may be formed, their normal social grouping is polygamous with one male and two to five hens. These groups stay together year round. During the breeding season each hen prepares her own nest and incubates the eggs for 25 days. The male does not share in incubation but patrols the nesting territory and checks on the hens during his rounds. After the eggs hatch, hens and chicks rejoin or reform the family group after two weeks. The male will assume the responsibility of raising the chicks if the hen is lost.

This pheasant has been raised in captivity for a long time. They adapt well and are very hardy. The males are very territorial and extremely aggressive during the breeding season. Territorial displays consist of whistles and rapid beating of outspread wings, which produces a whirring sound. Our male’s white tail feathers often look green during wet weather due to growth of algae.

Swainson’s Toucan;
Chestnut Mandible Toucan
Ramphastos Swainsonii
Family: Ramphastidae
Swainson’s Toucans are the second largest of the 37 species of toucans. They are just a little smaller than a Toco Toucan. These colorful 20-24 inch birds are noted for their huge, hollow yellow and chestnut beaks, bright yellow bibs edged in red, white rumps with red under-tails, green rings around their brown eyes and blue feet. Their distinctive hollow beak can grow up to eight inches long, is much lighter than it looks and slightly translucent. A narrow bristly tongue reaches the tip of their bill and resembles a feather. The beak's serrated edges help the toucans hold fruit/food at the tip, which then is thrown into their throat with an upward toss of the head. The long beak helps to pluck fruits that are on branches too thin to hold their weight, as they reach far out from their perch on thicker branches. They have two toes forward and two in back for more secure perching and when they sleep their tails stick straight up! Their bodies are heavy but they have strong legs which make them much better hoppers than flyers.

They are native to the neotropical forests of Central America, and range from Honduras south to Colombia. Visitors to Costa Rica will frequently see this species in areas inhabited by humans. Socially they prefer being solitary or in small groups rather than large flocks.

They are fairly common in the wild where they eat fruits from nearly 100 species of plants and trees. During their nesting period they will also consume insects and lizards for protein. Their nest of choice is a naturally hollowed palm tree where they will dig a deep nesting hole to lay 3-4 white ellipsoid eggs. They take turns incubating the eggs for 16 days. When the chicks hatch they are featherless and blind but they will fledge in about seven weeks. Toucans are friendly, playful, intelligent and curious about their surroundings

Can-Can and Tou-Tou arrived in Hilo, August 12, 2004 from Florida (just before hurricane Charley hit). They eat fresh papayas and bananas every day along with cooked white rice (very Hawaiian) but that was their diet in Florida. Keeping them healthy is very important, and that means we need the public to not feed them anything. You might see them tossing food to each other, and if Tou-Tou the male starts sharing food with female Can-Can – they might be ready to start a family. Our pair is easy to tell apart as Tou-Tou has an identifying band on his right leg, he is larger and has a longer beak.

White-faced Whistling Tree Ducks
Dendrocygna viduata
Family: Anatidae
Whistling tree ducks are long-legged waterfowl found in warm-temperate and tropical regions throughout the world especially tropical South America, Africa, and Madagascar. They are 17 to 18 inches in length and are similar in habit and behavior to geese and swans.

"Tree ducks" is a poor name as few perch or nest in trees! They do produce a melodious whistle instead of a quack. They are rather shy, mostly nocturnal feeders and rest during the day. Their diet consists of plants, snails, larvae, and insects. Their zoo diet is 1-cup waterfowl diet with oyster shell, and ¼ cup chopped fruits and lettuce.

These ducks mate for life; male and female share the incubation of eggs, and both lead the ducklings after hatching. The adults arrived in May 1996.

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