Aug 17, 2025
Day 17 of Avian August 2025, Birds of Hawaii, hosted by @cookiedoves: Zebra Dove (Geopelia striata)
The zebra dove is one of the most commonly seen birds in Hawaii, but they haven’t always called the islands home. In 1922, a shipment of birds was deliberately released on several islands, and they spread quickly.
In Hawaii, they thrive in open, human-dominated areas like parks and seaside resorts. These same spaces are also commonly occupied by another species introduced to the islands—the coconut palm. The trees have contributed to the dove’s success by providing sheltered perches above bustling sidewalks, excellent nesting platforms, and husk fibers from coconuts make great nesting material for these year-round breeders.