Hawaii is home to many species of birds, but not all of them started out here. Residents now, but at one point, alien invaders. All below are watercolor, all painted from life.
Red-Vented Bulbul. These, along with Mynahs, are the most plentiful birds on the island. Not so welcome. Considered invasive, injurious to native species and plants. Native to Asia, illegally introduced on Oahu in the 1950's. They are *everywhere*. The other islands either don't have them, or only a few (so far).
The Common Myna(h), also an Asian import, is so ubiquitous that many people don't know they didn't originate here. Believed to pair for life, they are extremely prolific and displace other birds, even robbing nests. Mynahs are related to starlings, and their huge gatherings generate quite a lot of noise. They are funny and endearing to watch, though, so it's hard not to love them. We don't have crows here, and I miss them.
NOT an alien. The Pacific Golden Plover, also quite numerous, is a welcome migratory species. Breeding season is spent in northern Alaska, then they winter in Asia, Hawaii, even Southern California. They are seen everywhere here in the fall and winter, even on grassy areas in very urban environments. This one was fast-moving, the painting was done quickly with no drawing.
