Feeding backyard birds in Hawaii
Hawaii sits in the Hawaii feeder region. No winter season to speak of. Many feeder birds in Hawaii are introduced species; native forest birds do not use seed feeders. State bird: Nene (Hawaiian Goose).
Which birds visit feeders in Hawaii?
| Bird | Best food | Feeder | Season |
|---|---|---|---|
| House Finches | Black oil sunflower | Tube feeder | Year round; often the most numerous bird at suburban feeders |
| Mourning Doves | White proso millet | Platform or tray feeder | Year round across most of the US |
| Native Sparrows | White proso millet | Ground tray | Year round, with more species in winter |
| Cardinals | Safflower | Hopper feeder | Most active at dawn and dusk, often the first and last birds at the feeder |
| Mockingbirds | Fruit (oranges, apples, berries) | Platform or tray feeder | Year round across the South |
Feeders that suit Hawaii
Prices move constantly; the button shows the current figure.
What seed should you buy in Hawaii?
- Black oil sunflower: the one seed to buy if you buy one. High oil content and a thin shell make it the widest-appeal seed there is. Most feeder birds in most of North America eat it.
- White proso millet: for ground-feeding birds. The best of the small grains, but also a favourite of non-native house sparrows and cowbirds. Offer it on a tray, not in a hanging feeder.
- Safflower: the cardinal seed squirrels tend to skip. Bitter to many squirrels, grackles, starlings and house sparrows. Birds may need a week or two to switch to it; mix it with sunflower at first.
- Fruit (oranges, apples, berries): for orioles, tanagers and catbirds. Orange halves on a spike are the standard oriole offer. Replace fruit before it ferments.
What about hummingbirds and nest boxes?
Hummingbirds: None: hummingbirds do not occur in Hawaii.
Bird feeding in other states
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Get the Hawaii feeding calendar
What to put out through the year and when to clean, on one printable page.
Used only to send the checklist.Frequently asked questions
What birds come to feeders in Hawaii?
Common feeder birds across the Hawaii include house finches, mourning doves, sparrows, cardinals and mockingbirds. Exact species vary with habitat and elevation, and winter brings visitors that do not breed locally. Project FeederWatch counts are the best guide to what a feeder in your part of Hawaii will actually see.
What is the state bird of Hawaii?
The official state bird of Hawaii is the Nene (Hawaiian Goose). It is not a typical feeder bird, but the setup on this page brings in the common backyard species of the state.
When should I put out hummingbird feeders in Hawaii?
Hummingbirds do not occur in Hawaii, so nectar feeders mainly attract bees and introduced birds. Native Hawaiian forest birds are best helped by native plantings rather than feeders.
How do I feed birds in Hawaii in winter?
No winter season to speak of. Many feeder birds in Hawaii are introduced species; native forest birds do not use seed feeders. Keep feeders clean, since crowded winter feeders spread disease, and stock high-energy foods such as black oil sunflower and suet.
Are there bird feeding restrictions in Hawaii?
Some towns, HOAs and wildlife agencies restrict feeding where bears, deer or rodents are a problem. Check your local rules and take feeders down during disease outbreak advisories.