19 Birds in Hawaii with Red Heads: Identification with Picture

Hawaii is home to a colorful mix of native forest birds, introduced songbirds, and even escaped tropical parrots. Among them, red-headed species stand out for their striking appearance and unique behaviors. This guide explores 19 birds in Hawaii with red heads, including endemic honeycreepers, established exotics, and rare escapees—each identified by their bold crimson or scarlet crowns, making them some of the most eye-catching birds on the islands.

1. Apapane (Himatione sanguinea)

The ‘Apapane is a brilliantly red honeycreeper native to Hawaii. Found on most of the main islands, it thrives in high-elevation native forests and is one of the most abundant endemic bird species in Hawaii. This vibrant bird is essential for pollinating native flora, especially the ‘ōhi‘a lehua tree, which it frequents for nectar.

Appearance

The ‘Apapane displays a vibrant crimson-red body with contrasting black wings and tail. Its slightly down-curved bill is adapted for sipping nectar, and its small size and quick movements make it a lively presence in native forests.

Habitat

This species is typically found in wet and mesic native forests, especially above 1,000 meters in elevation. It prefers areas rich in blooming ‘ōhi‘a trees and is common in locations like Hakalau Forest National Wildlife Refuge and Volcanoes National Park.

Behavior

‘Apapane are highly active, social birds that often travel in small flocks. They are known for their quick, fluttery flight and varied vocalizations, which include whistles, buzzes, and trills. They are most frequently observed feeding on nectar, playing a key role in pollination.

Identification

Crimson-red body with black wings and tail
Slightly curved black bill
Red extends through the head and chest
Small and agile; often high in the canopy
Frequently seen with yellow pollen on the forehead
More compact and darker-winged than the similar ‘I‘iwi

2. ‘I‘iwi (Drepanis coccinea)

The ‘I‘iwi is one of the most iconic and visually stunning native Hawaiian honeycreepers. Found primarily on the islands of Hawaii, Maui, and Kauai, this bird is instantly recognizable due to its vivid red plumage and long, curved bill. It is a nectar feeder and plays a vital ecological role in pollination.

Appearance

The ‘I‘iwi boasts a brilliant scarlet body contrasted by black wings and tail. Its long, decurved orange bill is perfectly suited for feeding on native Hawaiian flowers like the curved blossoms of the lobelia.

Habitat

This species is mostly restricted to high-elevation native forests, often above 1,200 meters. It favors remote and undisturbed forest habitats where native plants like ‘ōhi‘a lehua are abundant.

Behavior

‘I‘iwi are often seen darting rapidly among flowers. Their flight is fast and undulating. Though less common than the ‘Apapane due to habitat loss and disease, they remain active and vocal in the areas they still occupy.

Identification

Bright scarlet body
Long, curved orange bill
Black wings and tail
Slender body and quick flight
Loud, whistling call often heard before it’s seen
Forages in curved tubular flowers like lobelia and lehua

3. Red-crested Cardinal (Paroaria coronata)

Despite its name, the Red-crested Cardinal is not a true cardinal. This South American native was introduced to Hawaii and has become widespread, especially on Oahu and other lowland areas. Its vivid red head makes it easy to spot in urban parks and gardens.

Appearance

This bird has a striking red head and crest, with a white belly and gray back. Its stout, pale bill and black collar line enhance its bold appearance.

Habitat

Red-crested Cardinals are commonly found in lowland urban, suburban, and coastal environments. They thrive in areas with open grassy spaces, trees, and shrubs.

Behavior

These cardinals are not shy and are often seen hopping on the ground in search of seeds. They can be quite tame, especially in areas frequented by people, and are often seen in pairs.

Identification

Bright red head and pointed crest
White underparts and grayish back
Short, thick pale bill
Frequently seen in parks and lawns
Confident and ground-foraging behavior
Often confused with Northern Cardinal but lacks red body

4. Northern Cardinal – Male (Cardinalis cardinalis)

The Northern Cardinal is a well-known songbird introduced to Hawaii, now widespread in various habitats. The male is known for its fully red plumage, including its head, making it one of the most colorful birds seen across the islands.

Appearance

The male Northern Cardinal is completely red, with a prominent crest and a black mask around its bill. Its thick, conical beak is bright orange.

Habitat

It inhabits lowland forests, gardens, and residential areas. It adapts well to both native and non-native plant landscapes and is frequently seen around bird feeders.

Behavior

Males are territorial and often sing from treetops. Their calls are melodious, and they are especially active during dawn and dusk. Pairs can be seen feeding and nesting together throughout the year.

Identification

Entire head and body are vibrant red
Distinctive black face mask
Tall crest and thick orange-red bill
Larger and bulkier than most other red-headed birds
Found year-round in urban and forested areas
Frequently perches on fences, wires, and open branches

5. House Finch – Male (Haemorhous mexicanus)

The male House Finch is an introduced species in Hawaii that displays a red head and throat, though the intensity of red can vary. Common in both urban and rural areas, it has adapted well to the Hawaiian Islands and is frequently seen at bird feeders.

Appearance

The male shows streaked brown plumage with red coloring on the head, throat, and chest. The female, by contrast, lacks red and is plain brown and streaked.

Habitat

House Finches inhabit urban gardens, coastal shrublands, parks, and forest edges. They thrive in both dry and mesic environments and are widespread across all major Hawaiian Islands.

Behavior

These social birds are often seen in flocks, especially around food sources. Males sing cheerful warbling songs, especially in the early morning.

Identification

Red head, throat, and upper chest (male only)
Brown-streaked body
Short, conical bill
Frequently seen on telephone wires and feeders
Females are brown with no red
Variable red shades—some individuals may appear orange or yellowish

6. Yellow-billed Cardinal (Paroaria capitata)

The Yellow-billed Cardinal, like its red-crested cousin, is a South American species introduced to Hawaii. It is now established in many parts of the Big Island and is admired for its vivid red face and striking coloration.

Appearance

This bird has a bold red head, white chest and belly, and black back. Its most unique feature is the bright yellow bill, which contrasts with the red facial plumage.

Habitat

It prefers lowland open areas near water sources, such as riverbanks, gardens, and parks. It is commonly seen on the Big Island, especially around Hilo and Kona.

Behavior

Often seen in small flocks, Yellow-billed Cardinals are ground feeders and can be quite bold around humans. They are frequently spotted bathing in shallow water and hopping around open lawns.

Identification

Bright red head and throat
Yellow bill with no face mask
White underparts and dark gray to black back
Ground forager, often in groups
Lacks crest seen in Red-crested Cardinal
Common near freshwater areas

7. Red Avadavat (Amandava amandava)

Also known as the Strawberry Finch, the Red Avadavat is a small, colorful finch introduced to Hawaii. Males exhibit a bright red head and body during the breeding season, making them one of the most vividly colored finches seen in grassy areas.

Appearance

The breeding male has a deep red head, chest, and body with white spots scattered across the flanks. Outside of breeding, both males and females appear duller with brown plumage.

Habitat

Prefers grasslands, sugarcane fields, and agricultural lands in lowland Hawaii. It is often found in open country with access to water and cover.

Behavior

These finches are social and usually found in flocks. They forage on the ground for seeds and small insects, often making short, quick flights between cover.

Identification

Bright red head and body with white flank spots (breeding male)
Short, thick red bill
Females are brownish and lack red
Often in groups in grassy fields
Tiny size, fast fliers
Red coloration fades outside breeding season

8. Saffron Finch (Sicalis flaveola)

Though primarily yellow, some male Saffron Finches in Hawaii display reddish-orange coloring on the crown or forehead. This South American species has adapted to the Hawaiian environment and is frequently seen in open, grassy areas across the islands.

Appearance

The bird is mostly bright yellow with olive tones on the back. Males may show a reddish-orange patch on the head, especially on the crown or forehead, adding to their striking look.

Habitat

Saffron Finches are commonly found in open fields, lawns, parks, and roadsides. They are especially abundant in the leeward regions of the Big Island and Oahu.

Behavior

These finches are social and ground-feeding, often seen in loose flocks. They sing from open perches and are active during most of the day, especially in the early morning.

Identification

Mostly yellow body
Males may show orange-red patch on forehead or crown
Slightly curved bill, pale and conical
Often seen foraging on ground in groups
Slightly larger than house finch
Frequently perches on fences, wires, or shrubs

9. Red-headed Quelea (Quelea erythrops)

The Red-headed Quelea is a small, red-faced weaver finch sometimes seen in Hawaii as escapees or rare introductions. Although not widespread, it’s occasionally spotted near aviaries or suburban areas.

Appearance

This bird is small with a mostly brown, streaked body and a bold red head and mask in breeding males. Non-breeding individuals have less vivid coloring.

Habitat

Primarily seen in grasslands and agricultural fields when present, though rare in the wild in Hawaii. Most sightings occur near residential or aviary escape areas.

Behavior

It typically forms flocks and forages for seeds on the ground. Their social nature makes them conspicuous when moving in groups.

Identification

Breeding males have full red head and face
Brown-streaked back and body
Small, finch-like with stout bill
Red fades in non-breeding plumage
Sometimes confused with Red Avadavat
Uncommon in the wild; may be seen near aviaries

10. Red Bishop – Southern Red Bishop (Euplectes orix)

The Southern Red Bishop is a vibrant weaver species occasionally seen in Hawaii due to introductions or escapes. Breeding males have a brilliant red head and chest, contrasting with black on the face and body.

Appearance

The male displays a fiery red crown, head, and chest with black on the face and belly. The non-breeding plumage is dull brown. Females and juveniles are streaky and nondescript.

Habitat

When present, they are found in grasslands, wetland edges, and agricultural fields. Mostly seen on Oahu and the Big Island in limited numbers.

Behavior

Males are known for their fluttering display flights during the breeding season. They are social birds and forage on grass seeds, usually in flocks.

Identification

Bright red head, chest, and upper back (breeding male)
Black face and underparts
Rounded, chunky body
Females are brown with streaks
Red coloration is seasonal
Rarely seen but can occur near grasslands or sugarcane fields

11. Red Lory (Eos bornea)

The Red Lory is a brilliantly colored parrot native to Indonesia but occasionally seen in Hawaii as escaped or feral individuals. While not a widespread wild species, sightings are most common in urban or suburban areas where escaped pets adapt to local environments.

Appearance

This lory is almost entirely crimson red, including the head, with small patches of blue or violet on the wings and tail. It has a strong, curved orange bill and bright orange eyes.

Habitat

When present in Hawaii, Red Lories are seen in suburban areas, gardens, and near flowering trees. They prefer areas where nectar-rich blossoms are available, such as hibiscus and eucalyptus trees.

Behavior

Red Lories are energetic, vocal, and acrobatic. They climb with ease and often hang upside down while feeding. Escaped individuals may join flocks of other parrots or forage alone.

Identification

Entire head and body a deep red
Orange curved beak
Small patches of blue on wings and thighs
Loud screeching calls
Frequently seen near flowering trees
Escaped or feral—rare but locally noticeable

12. Crimson Rosella (Platycercus elegans)

The Crimson Rosella is an Australian parrot species occasionally seen in Hawaii as an escaped pet. Though not naturally established, individual birds with striking red heads have been reported in urban areas.

Appearance

This parrot has a vivid red head, chest, and belly, with deep blue cheeks and black-edged blue on the wings and tail. It is medium-sized with a pale curved beak.

Habitat

In Hawaii, sightings typically occur in suburban gardens, forested parks, or near aviaries. The bird tends to stay close to flowering trees or fruiting shrubs when in the wild.

Behavior

Crimson Rosellas are calm and quiet compared to other parrots. They often perch still in tree canopies, feeding on fruits, seeds, and nectar. Escaped individuals are usually solitary or in pairs.

Identification

Bright crimson-red head and chest
Blue cheeks and wings with black scalloping
Pale beak and long tail
Medium-sized parrot, silent flier
Escaped pet bird—uncommon in the wild
May approach feeders with fruit or seed

13. Red-masked Parakeet (Psittacara erythrogenys)

Also known as the Mitred Conure, the Red-masked Parakeet is an introduced parrot species with established feral populations in Hawaii, particularly on Oahu. It’s one of the few red-headed parrots commonly seen flying in noisy flocks.

Appearance

This bird has a bright green body with a distinct red face and forehead, sometimes extending around the eyes. Some individuals have additional red blotches on the chest and wings.

Habitat

Feral flocks are often seen in urban parks, botanical gardens, and residential neighborhoods with tall trees. They roost communally and favor areas with abundant fruits or flowers.

Behavior

Highly social and noisy, these parakeets travel in flocks and are most active in the early morning and late afternoon. They feed on fruits, flowers, and seeds.

Identification

Red forehead and face, green body
Medium-sized parrot with long tail
Loud, high-pitched screeching calls
Red may vary by individual
Often seen in flocks flying between trees
Commonly spotted on Oahu in the wild

14. Rose-faced Lovebird (Agapornis roseicollis)

The Rose-faced Lovebird, also called the Peach-faced Lovebird, is a small, brightly colored parrot native to southwestern Africa but seen in Hawaii as an escaped pet. While not widespread, individuals have been reported around urban gardens and aviaries.

Appearance

This lovebird has a green body with a rosy-pink face and forehead, giving it the red-headed appearance. The intensity of red can vary, blending into orange or peach.

Habitat

Escapees are occasionally seen in residential neighborhoods, parks, or gardens—particularly where fruit trees and flowers are available. No stable wild populations are known, but individuals may survive short-term in the wild.

Behavior

Lovebirds are social, noisy, and curious. They often perch in pairs or small groups, foraging for seeds, fruits, and flowers.

Identification

Rosy-red face and forehead
Green body with blue rump
Small size and short tail
Quick wingbeats and chattering calls
Often seen in pairs
Escaped cage birds, not naturally established

15. Red-faced Parrotfinch (Erythrura psittacea)

Occasionally seen in Hawaii as an escaped cage bird, the Red-faced Parrotfinch is native to the South Pacific. Its striking red face and forehead distinguish it from other green-bodied finches.

Appearance

The bird has a mostly green body with a vivid red face, throat, and forehead. Some individuals may have red extending onto the crown. The bill is short and conical.

Habitat

Sightings occur near aviaries, gardens, or dense vegetation where food is available. They are not commonly seen in the wild but may survive temporarily after escape.

Behavior

These parrotfinches are shy and usually feed quietly in low shrubs or grasses. They prefer cover and are less likely to appear in open areas.

Identification

Bright red face and forehead
Green body and short tail
Small, thick bill
Often silent or with soft chirps
Rare in the wild; escapee from captivity
Forages close to ground in thick vegetation

16. Red-headed Gouldian Finch (Erythrura gouldiae)

The Red-headed Gouldian Finch is a colorful Australian finch occasionally seen in Hawaii due to escaped pets. Its red-headed morph is the most common variant and is easily recognized by its vibrant face.

Appearance

This small finch features a brilliant red head, with a mix of purple chest, yellow belly, and green back. Other morphs include black-headed and orange-headed variants, but the red-headed one is most popular in captivity.

Habitat

While not established in the wild, sightings occur in suburban areas, near aviaries, or around well-vegetated yards. The finch’s survival in the wild depends on climate and food access.

Behavior

They are peaceful and sociable, often seen feeding quietly or resting on perches. Red-headed Gouldians prefer to stay near cover and are easily startled.

Identification

Bright red head with black mask around eyes
Purple chest, yellow belly, green back
Very small and round-bodied
Short, pale beak
Extremely colorful and rare in the wild
Typically seen near aviary escapes or backyard gardens

17. Chattering Lory (Lorius garrulus)

The Chattering Lory is a vibrant, red-headed parrot native to Indonesia, sometimes spotted in Hawaii as an escaped cage bird. Though not established in the wild, its loud calls and bold colors make it hard to miss when seen.

Appearance

This medium-sized parrot is predominantly bright red, including the head, with green wings and a yellow-orange beak. Some individuals also show yellow on the thighs or shoulders depending on subspecies.

Habitat

Occasional sightings occur in suburban areas with flowering trees or near aviaries. The species is not known to be established in Hawaii but can survive for short periods after escaping.

Behavior

Chattering Lories are known for their high-pitched screeches and playful behavior. They are acrobatic climbers and often seen hanging upside down to reach flowers or fruit.

Identification

Entire head and upper body bright red
Green wings and tail
Thick orange beak
Loud, chattering vocalizations
Active and playful when seen
Rare escapee in residential areas

18. Papuan Lorikeet (Charmosyna papou)

The Papuan Lorikeet is a striking, long-tailed parrot occasionally seen in Hawaii due to exotic bird trade escapes. While not naturally found in the islands, sightings have been recorded in urban areas.

Appearance

This lorikeet has a glossy crimson-red head and body, often with black or dark blue markings on the chest and back. The tail is long and graduated, giving it a unique silhouette in flight.

Habitat

Seen near homes with exotic bird collections or in urban neighborhoods. It prefers areas with flowering trees but is not part of Hawaii’s established bird populations.

Behavior

Active and vocal, this lorikeet feeds primarily on nectar and fruit. It may appear in trees with hibiscus or eucalyptus and is highly agile in flight.

Identification

Deep red head and body with black accents
Long, tapering tail
Bright orange beak
Unmistakable color contrast and elegant shape
Escaped pet, not breeding in the wild
Often solo or paired near flowering trees

19. Red-fronted Lorikeet (Charmosynopsis rubronotata)

Another exotic parrot occasionally observed as an escapee in Hawaii, the Red-fronted Lorikeet features a vivid red patch on its head. Though rare, it may appear in the wild short-term after escaping captivity.

Appearance

Small and predominantly green, this lorikeet has a bright red forehead and face patch. The rest of the body is green with occasional red or yellow markings depending on the sex and subspecies.