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Hawaii

The books are listed by publication date with the most recent at the top.

Pacific

Pacific Ocean bird books

USA

USA bird books

Hawai‘i's Kolea: The Amazing Transpacific Life of the Pacific Golden-Plover

Oscar W. Johnson, Susan Scott

2016

"Oscar "Wally" Johnson, the undisputed world expert on Pacific Golden-Plovers, and Susan Scott, a popular-science writer, have combined their knowledge and enthusiasm to create a book for everyone who admires the exceptional birds known as Kolea in Hawaiian. With easy-to-understand, yet scientifically accurate, text and outstanding color photographs, Hawai'i's Kolea:The Amazing Transpacific Life of the Pacific Golden-Plover is a handy, reliable source of information for both general readers and ornithology specialists."

Extinct Birds of Hawai'i

Michael Walther

Mutual Publishing

2016

"Extinct Birds of Hawaii captures the vanishing world of unique bird species that has slipped away in the Islands mostly due to human frivolity and unconcern. Richly illustrated, including paintings by Julian P. Hume (many painted specifically for Extinct Birds of Hawai'i), it enables us to vicariously enjoy avian life unique to Hawai'i that exists no longer. Extinct Birds of Hawai'i also sends a powerful message: Although Hawaii is well-known for its unique scenic beauty and its fascinating native flora, fauna, bird and marine life, it is also called the extinction capital of the world. The Islands' seventy-seven bird species and sub-species extinctions account for approximately fifteen percent of global bird extinctions during the last 700 years. On some islands over 80 percent of the original land bird species are now extinct. With the many agents of extinction still operating in the Islands' forests, Hawai'i's remaining native land birds are at a high risk of being lost forever. Many birdwatchers, nature lovers, and eco-tourists are unaware of the tremendous loss of species that has occurred in this remote archipelago. Extinct Birds of Hawai'i, shows the bird life that has been lost and calls attention to the urgent need for preservation action."

Holy Moli: Albatross and Other Ancestors

Hob Osterlund

2016

"Hob Osterlund moved to Hawai'i after being visited in a dream by an ancestor, Martha Beckwith, author of the monumental classic, Hawaiian Mythology. It was there, on the island of Kaua'i, where she happened upon a few courting albatross and felt an inexplicable attraction to the birds an attraction too powerful to be explained by their beguiling airbrushed eye shadows, enormous wingspans, and rollicking dances. In Hawaiian mythology, ancestors may occupy the physical forms of animals known as 'aumakua. Laysan albatross known as moli are among them. Smitten with these charismatic creatures, Osterlund set out to learn everything she could about moli. She eventually came to embrace them as her 'aumakua not as dusty old myths on a museum bookshelf, but as breathing, breeding, boisterous realities.....Holy Moli is a natural history of the albatross, a moving memoir of grief, and a soaring tribute to ancestors. Within its pages are lyrics of wonder for freedom, for beauty, and for the far-flung feathered creatures known to us as "albatross"

A Pocket Guide to Hawaii's Birds

Text and artwork: H. Douglas Pratt

Photographs: Jack Jeffrey

2013

"This guide is an introduction to the beautiful and varied birds that inhabit America's only tropical state. Whether you are a visitor or a resident, you will find something in these pages that will broaden your horizons and increase your knowledge and appreciation of the birds and the environment of this unique archipelago. While not a "field guide" in the usual sense, this fact-packed volume helps identify all the birds likely to be seen while walking, hiking, or exploring the islands' many natural treasures. In fact, it covers more species than any other small guidebook available today. You will learn how Hawaii's modern bird community came to be, from the tragic history of the native birds of ancient Hawaii to the dozens of immigrant species seen today. You will learn the special nature of island forest and wetland birds, the long and sad story of the extinction of so many species, how seabirds have made these islands their home, base and how Hawaii came to have more introduced species than anywhere else in the world. You will find valuable information about where to see the remaining native birds as well their naturalized neighbors."

Birds of Hawaii, New Zealand, and the Central and West Pacific

Ber Van Perlo

Princeton University Press

2011

(Same plates and text as Collins book below)

"This is the only comprehensive and handy pocket guide that illustrates and describes the bird species of Hawaii, New Zealand, and the Central and West Pacific. Featuring more than 750 species illustrated in vivid and stunning detail on 95 color plates, this authoritative guide provides information on key identification features, habitat, songs, and calls. Birds of Hawaii, New Zealand, and the Central and West Pacific is a must-have for birders of all levels interested in this region of the world."

Birds of New Zealand, Hawaii, Central and West Pacific

Ber Van Perlo

Harper Collins

2011

(Same plates and text as Princeton book above)

"Featuring over 750 species, Birds of New Zealand, Hawaii, Central and West Pacific is the only field guide to illustrate and describe every species of bird you may see in the area, from New Zealand and New Guinea to Melanesia, Micronesia, and Polynesia. Text gives information on key identification features, habitat, and songs and calls. All plumages for each species are illustrated, including those of males, females and juveniles. The stunning 95 colour plates appear opposite their relevant text for quick and easy reference. Distribution maps are included, showing where each species can be found and how common it is, to further aid identification. This comprehensive and highly portable guide is a must for all birdwatchers visiting the region."

Hawaiian Birds of the Sea: Na Manu Kai

Robert J. Shallenberger

2009

"In excess of 14 million birds, representing nearly two dozen species, make their home in the Hawaiian islands. These are na manu kai, the birds of the sea. In addition to his photographs, the author shares the lessons he has learned during the many years spent with his camera in seabird colonies, providing an engaging personal perspective on life with seabirds."

A Photographic Guide to the Birds of Hawai'i: The Main Islands and Offshore Waters

Jim Denny

2009

A photographic guide to 165 of the species to be found on and around the Hawaiian islands.

Conservation Biology of Hawaiian Forest Birds: Implications for Island Avifauna

Editor: Thane K. Pratt, Carter T. Atkinson, Paul C. Banko, James D. Jacobi, Bethany L. Woodworth

2009

"Hawaii's forest bird community is the most insular and most endangered in the world and serves as a case study for threatened species globally. Ten have disappeared in the past thirty years, nine are critically endangered, and even common species are currently in decline. Thane K. Pratt, his coeditors, and collaborators, all leaders in their field, describe the research and conservation efforts over the past thirty years to save Hawaii's forest birds. They also offer the most comprehensive look at the reasons for these extinctions and attempts to overcome them in the future. Among the topics covered in this book are trends in bird populations, environmental and genetic factors limiting population size, avian diseases, predators, and competing alien bird species. Colour plates by award-winning local photographer Jack Jeffrey illustrate all living species discussed or described."

Seeking the Sacred Raven: Politics and Extinction on a Hawaiian Island

Mark Jerome Walters

2006

"How the species once flourished, how it has been driven to near-extinction, and how people struggled to save it, is the gripping story of "Seeking the Sacred Raven". For years, author Mark Jerome Walters has tracked the sacred bird's role in Hawaiian culture and the indomitable 'Alala's sad decline. Trekking through Hawaii's rain forests high on Mauna Loa, talking with biologists, landowners, and government officials, he has woven an epic tale of missed opportunities and the best intentions gone awry. A species that once numbered in the thousands is now limited to about 50 captive birds. "Seeking the Sacred Raven" is as much about people and culture as it is about failed policies. From the ancient Polynesians who first settled the island, to Captain Cook in the 18th century, to would-be saviors of the 'Alala in the 1990s, individuals with conflicting passions and priorities have shaped Hawaii and the fate of this dwindling cloud-forest species."

The Hawaiian Honeycreepers: Drepanidinae

H. Douglas Pratt, Jack Jeffrey, Shelia Conant

Oxford University Press

2005

361 pages, numerous halftones, colour plates, maps and line drawings

This volume comprises 10 general chapters on the biology, feeding ecology, breeding behaviour, evolutionary relationships, and conservation of the birds in the family. There are 9 specially commissioned colour plates showing adults of all species and many juveniles, immatures and subspecies and 164 black-and-white drawings illustrating special features and behaviour. Includes descriptions of each species individually, including appearance, weights, and measurements; field characters; voice; habitat and food; breeding behaviour; life cycle; and range and status (with distribution map). This provides the most comprehensive and up-to-date species-level information available.

"The Hawaiian Honeycreepers are typified by nectar feeding, their bright colouration, and canary-like songs. They are considered one of the finest examples of adaptive radiation, even more diverse than Darwin's Galapagos finches, as a wide array of different species has evolved in all the different niches provided by the Hawaiian archipelago. The book will therefore be of interest to evolutionary biologists and ecologists, as well as professional ornithologists and amateur bird watchers. As with the other books in the Bird Family of the World series, the work is divided into two main sections. Part I is an overview of the Hawaiian Honeycreeper evolution and natural history and Part II comprises accounts of each species."

Hawaii's Birds

Hawaii Audubon Society

2005

"Field guide with detailed descriptions of native, introduced, and migratory birds that are found in Hawaii. Includes maps that show popular birding sites on the islands of Oahu, Maui, Kauai, and the Big Island. "Endemic Birds of Hawaii" chart provides current taxonomic nomenclature, distribution, and abundance data for the 71 endemic species and subspecies of birds."

Hawaii: Traveller's Wildlife Guides

Les Beletsky

2005

"Travellers to Hawaii go for sun, sand, and surf, but increasingly leave the beach for part of their stay to explore the islands' incredible natural attractions: stunning mountain scenery, wonderful hiking trails, glimpses of birds - many of them highly endangered - that occur nowhere else on earth. This book contains all the information you need to find, identify, and learn about the region's magnificent animal life. Full-color illustrations of about 475 of Hawaii's most common fish, amphibians, reptiles, birds, mammals, and plants - including essentially every bird species that occurs in the main Hawaiian Islands. Information on Hawaii habitats and on the most common plants visitors encounter. Information on the underwater animals most snorkelers and divers actually see, and on the region's whales and dolphins. Descriptions of the region's most frequently visited parks and reserves."

Hawaii Birds: An Introduction to Familiar Species

James Kavanagh and Raymond Leung

2003

"A must-have, reference guide for beginners and experts alike. This guide covers birding hotspots and sanctuaries on Kauai, Oahu, Maui and Hawaii. Whether you're on a nature hike or in your own backyard, you'll want to take along a copy of this indispensable guide. The Pocket Naturalist series is an introduction to common plants and animals and natural phenomena. Each pocket-sized, folding guide highlights up to 150 species and most feature a map highlighting prominent sanctuaries and outstanding natural attractions. Each is laminated for durability."

Evolution, Ecology, Conservation, and Management of Hawaiian Birds: A Vanishing Avifauna

Editors: J. M. Scott, S. Conant, and C. Van Riper, III

Cooper Ornithological Society

2001

Hawaii

Les Beletsky

Academic Press

2000

"Ecotravellers to the islands know that Hawaii is a special place biologically, harboring many native animal and plant species that occur nowhere else on Earth. Contained in this book is all the information you need to find, identify, and learn about the island's magnificent animal life. The author visited parks and preserves, discussed wildlife with local and international experts, and then selected his color illustrations from more than 300 of the islands' most common fish, amphibians, reptiles, mammals, and birds (including essentially every Hawaiian bird)."

Birds of Kaua'i

Jim Denny

1999

"This text provides a guide to birdwatching on the Hawaiian island of Kaua'i. The text covers every avian species that can be seen on the Garden Island, and describes native forest birds, seabirds, alien birds and migratory visitors. One of the world's rarest birds is the Kaua'i O'o, the victim of predation and extensive changes to its environment. These and other threats to the island's fragile bird population are discussed."

A Pocket Guide to Hawai'i's Birds

H. Douglas Pratt

1998

Part guide to birdwatching sites, part photographic field guide.

The Birdwatcher's Guide to Hawaii

Rick Soehren

1997

"This guide has been written especially for the casual or novice birdwatcher. It covers more than 60 birding sites in the Hawaiian islands, gives particular attention to the most common birds and also details facilities, access for the disabled and directions to the sites."

Hawaii's Beautiful Birds

H. Douglas Pratt

Mutual Publishing

1996

"A photographic guide to the beautiful avian inhabitants of the islands, their habitat and their behavior. Featuring full-color photographs of over 100 species, with an informative text."

Enjoying Birds and Other Wildlife in Hawaii

H. Douglas Pratt

Revised edition

1996

"Enjoying Birds and Other Wildlife in Hawaii is the new, expanded and updated edition of the popular Enjoying Birds in Hawaii guide. It provides the inside track on where to best see Hawaii's birds, mammals and other wildlife, as well as their unique habitats. Detailed road and trail directions, maps and site photographs enable the reader to explore national and state parks, wildlife refuges and private preserves, along with many hidden sites off the beaten path. Included are 74 sites on Kauai, Oahu, Molokai, Maui, Hawaii, Midway Atoll and in offshore waters. Learn where and when to go, how to get there, what you can expect to see and logistical tips on accommodation, transportation and other services. Whether your main interest is birds, wildlife in general or just the great outdoors, Enjoying Birds and Other Wildlife in Hawaii is your key to Hawaii's exotic natural environment."

Images of Natural Hawaii: A Pictorial Guide of Aloha State's Native Forest Birds and Plants

Michael Walther

1996

Seabirds of Hawaii: Natural History and Conservation

Craig S. Harrison

1990

"Describes 22 species of seabirds, discusses the similarities and differences in their nesting, food habits, migration, and adaptation, describes the threats they face, and ongoing conservation efforts."

The Hawaiian Goose: An Experiment in Conservation

Janet Kear and Andrew Berger

1990

An account of the near extinction and subsequent captive breeding and restoration of the Hawaiian Goose, or Nene.

A Field Guide to the Birds of Hawaii and the Tropical Pacific

H. Douglas Pratt, Phillip L. Bruner and Delwyn G. Berrett

1987

A field guide to birds found in the Hawaiian islands, Micronesia, Fiji and tropical Polynesia. Colour plates provide various plumages for 419 species. Black and white drawing provide additional identification assistance. Text gives information on appearance, distribution, and song.

Forest Bird Communities of the Hawaiian Islands : Their Dynamics, Ecology, and Conservation

J.M. Scott, S. Mountainspring, R.L. Ramsey, and C.B. Kepler

Cooper Ornithological Society

1986

Hawaiian Birdlife

Andrew Berger

1972

A guide to all native and introduced birds with 27 colour plates and additional colour and black and white photographs. Includes an annotated checklist

Birds Of Hawaii

George C.Munro

Revised edition

1960

Text covers over 230 native and introduced species. 125 of these are shown in colour plates.

Birds Of Hawaii

George C.Munro

1944

Birds of the Central Pacific Ocean

Thomas M. Blackman

1944

Report Of An Expedition To Laysan Island In 1911

Under The Joint Auspices Of The United States Department Of Agriculture And University Of Iowa

Homer R. Dill and W.M. Alanson Bryan

Biological Survey Bulletin 42

US Department of Agriculture

Government Printing Office

1912

From the introduction:

The Hawaiian Islands Reservation is composed of the islands and reefs included in the leeward chain extending in a northwesterly direction from the main Hawaiian Group. These islands are situated from 100 to 300 miles apart and are composed principally of lava. Laysan, the largest island of the reservation, is low and flat, the highest point being only 50 feet above sea level. On the surface of this island is a layer of coral sand and phosphate rock. Laysan has an area of about 2 square miles; the others vary in size from 1 square mile to small rocky reefs. Bird Island is high and precipitous, having a peak of 903 feet, and one side of the island is perpendicular. These islands have a vegetation of low bushes and sand grasses. The climate is warm but not enervating, tempered as it is by the northeast trade winds. Severe thunder storms are almost unknown. At the present time the islands are entirely uninhabited by man, and indeed landing can be effected only in favorable weather; but they offer excellent nesting sites and abundant food for the millions of sea birds winch resort to this remote oceanic reservation.

Birds Of The Hawaiian Islands

Being A Complete List Of The Birds Of The Hawaiian Possessions, With Notes On Their Habits

Henry W. Henshaw

1902

From the introduction:

Of recent years the study of nature has become popular and widespread in America. Not only is Nature Study taught in many of the schools, but the publications relating thereto have become very numerous. Unfortunately these various treatises apply wholly or in large part to the birds, insects, animals and plants of the mainland, few or none of which are found in the Hawaiian Islands. Such publications are hence of comparatively little use to island teachers and pupils or to the Islanders generally. There being at present no popular work upon Hawaiian birds, the present little volume has been prepared with the view of break ing ground in this department, and with the hope that it may prove of assistance to those who are already bird-lovers and, as well, may stimulate others to become such.

The Avifauna of Laysan and the Neighboring Islands with a Complete History to Date of the Birds of the Hawaiian Possessions

Walter Rothschild

R.H. Porter

1893