Photo : P. Raust
50 cm. Introduced in 1885 to control rats, the swamp harrier is the only bird of prey in the sky of French Polynesia. He feeds on rats and birds caught on the ground. He is said to be part of the extinction of the Society lorikeet, and keeps the numbers of White terns, Fruit doves and Imperial pigeon low.
Photo : P. Raust
50 cm. The Polynesian brought with them their own poultry during their migrations through the Pacific ocean. The wild birds originates from this introduced stock.
Photo : P. Raust
30 cm. Many Rock dove populations have now gone wild, specially on high islands.
Photo : D. Saulnier
20 cm. Originating from Australia or Malaysia, the zebra dove was introduced to Tahiti in the 1950's and is know found in the Society islands. It is abundant in coastal areas and common at the beginning of valleys but is not often found at higher altitudes. It feeds on the ground where it searches for seeds and small invertebrates.
Photo : Dubonnet
50 cm. The Great horned Owl was introduced on Hiva Oa (Marquesas islands) in 1927 to destroy rats. Found in the costal areas and high in the mountains up to1 000 m, he nests in the cliffs, With a large wingspan (1,50 m), he may be a cause of the decline of fruit doves in this island.
Photo : D. Saulnier
20 cm. Introduced from Asia to Tahiti around 1970, the red-vented bulbul became common in the urban districts of Papeete during the 1980's. The whole island has subsequently been colonised since 1990. It is found in gardens and cultivated areas in the coastal regions and up to an altitude of 2000m, where it feeds on fruits and insects. The species is regarded as detrimental to native birds.
Photo : H. Paugam
13 cm. Originating in Tasmanie and introduced in Tahiti in 1937, the silvereye colonized all the high islands of the Society, but also the Tuamotu and the Austral islands. It often gather in troop in all the forested areas, from the littoral til the highest mountains. It is the only small bird present in altitude where its fine and soft call sounds in a melodic song. It flies in the goyava trees, the papaw trees, the mango trees where it feeds on fruits and seeds. Unfortunately it contributes to the dissemination of the Miconia by eating its seeds.
Photo : D. Saulnier
16 cm. Originating from Central America, the crimson-backed tanager was introduced to Tahiti in 1940. Its distribution is restricted to coastal gardens where it feeds on fruits, seeds and insects.
Photo : P. Raust
12 cm. Originating from Africa and introduced at the beginning of the 20th century, the common waxbill often gathers in flocks with red-browed firetails and chestnut-breasted mannikins. It lives on the mountain slopes in Tahiti and Moorea, up to 800 m high. It feeds on seeds while perching on high grasses.
Photo : H. Paugam
12 cm. Originating from Australia and introduced at the end of the XIXth century, the Red-browed Firetail colonized Tahiti, Moorea and the Marquesas Islands. Common on the littoral and in mountain at average altitudes, he perches on grass to eat the seeds he likes.
Photo : P. Raust
12 cm. Arrived from New Guinea at the end of the XIXth century, the Chestnut-breasted Munia occurs in the Society islands and the Marquesas , from the littoral up to 800 m of altitude. calling in flight, this bird is frequently accompanied by a troop of some astrilds. Primarily seed-eater, he perches on high grasses.
Photo :P. Raust
Common
mynah, Acridotheres tristis, Komako farani (Marquesas).
23 cm. Originating from Asia it was introduced in 1910 to combat insects,
among them wasps. Sadly it is now found throughout the Society islands,
on some atolls of Tuamotu and on Hiva Oa in the Marquesas. It is found
everywhere in coastal areas except forests and does not occur above 700m
altitude. It is vocal, making a series of harsher calls followed by melodius
flute-like whistles. It is regarded as detrimental to other birds being
a competitor especially against kingfishers, warblers and flycatchers.
It feeds on various foods including fruits, insects, seeds and rubbish.
