Micronesian Megapode (Megapodius laperouse) is endemic (found only in a specific small area) to the Mariana Islands and listed as an endangered species by the United States Fish and Wildlife Service as well as the CNMI. The Megapode is a chicken like bird which primarily lives in native limestone forests, however can also be found in coconut forests. The Megapodes of the Marianas lay and bury their eggs in forest soil. They do not incubate the eggs by sitting on them. When the young Megapodes hatch they are ready to take care of themselves and are not cared for by the parents.
The Bridled White-eye, Nosa (Zosterops conspicillatas) is endemic to the Mariana islands although the Rota subspecies is very distinct in appearance and habits. The variety found in Saipan and Tinian is small, slighly greenish and almost always found in noisy flocks. The Bridled-White eye feeds on plants and insects in a variety of habitat types from tangantangan to native limestone forests. They tend to nest and forage in the upper canopy. The Rota Bridled-White eye is distinctly more yellow from the bill to the feet. The Rota species is currently restricted to a small area of native forest in the upper elevations of Rota although historical accounts confirm that it use to inhabit a wide range of habitats on Rota.
Recognized as the CNMI State Bird and protected accordingly, the Marianas Fruit Dove (Ptilonopus roseicapilla) is endemic to the Mariana islands and probably the most colorful bird. It lives and nests mainly in native forests, although also occupies secondary forests as well. The Marianas fruit dove has been a popular game species but is becoming more rare due to overhunting.
White Throated Ground Dove (Gallicolumba xanthonura) is endemic to the Mariana Islands. It is very shy and usually keeps itself well hidden. The male is very distinctive with a white head and throat and more robust than most doves. The female is all brown and not often seen. The White-throated ground dove feeds on berries and seeds most often in trees in forests.
The Cardinal Honeyeater (Myzomela rubratra ) is found throughout Micronesia and differ slightly in color between local regions. The males tend to be a slightly brighter red and the females tend to have more brown making them duller in appearance. Honeyeaters forage on flower nectar and probably pollinate many flowering species. They are found in a variety of habitats and are common around houses with nectar producing plants.
Marianas Crow, Aga ( Corvus kubaryi) is endemic to Rota and Guam. The Marianas Crow is listed as an endangered species by the United States Fish and Wildlife Service as well as the CNMI. The Crow builds it's nest in native forest and forages on fruits, lizards, crabs and small mammals. Crows are very shy and reserved. Young Crows stay under their parents care for a relatively long time compared to other birds in the Marianas. Crow juveniles will stay near their parents for as long as a year after they have left the nest. The Marianas Crow is distinct from the Black drongo of Rota which has a very long forked tail, often harasses other birds and is usually perched in the open. The Crow differs from the Starling in that it is larger and has brown eyes not yellow as the Starling.
The Golden White-eye (Cleptornis marchei) is endemic to the Mariana islands. It is distinctively bright yellow and larger more robust than the Bridled White eye. It appears to favor life in native limestone forests and does appear as abundant in tangantangan. It feeds primarily on insects, seeds and berries.
Collard Kingfisher (Halcyon chloris) is found throughout Micronesia. It is a common site perched overhead on telephone lines or tree branches looking for lizards or insects to prey upon. They have a long dark beek, white underparts and blue wings and tail feathers. They live and nest in tree hollows or holes and sometimes on cliff faces.
Marianas Common Moorhen (Gallinula Chloropus guami) is a sub species endemic to the Marianas and listed as an endangered species by the US Fish and Wildlife Service and the CNMI. The Moorhen is a fresh water wetland species. The Moorhen population has been declining probably due to a combination of factors working in unison. These factors include the destruction of wetlands by development, over hunting, and the introduction of the fish Tilapia which competes with Moorhens for food.
Micronesian Starling, Sali (Aplonis Opaco) is widespread throughout Micronesia. The Starling is glossy black, rather chunky with a short tail and distinctive yellow eyes. On Rota the Starling is often confused with the endemic Marianas Crow and the introduced Black drongo. The Starling is much smaller than the Marianas Crow. The Marianas crow also has brown eyes and not bright yellow eyes. The Black Drongo is also larger with a very distinctive long forked tail. The Micronesian Starling feeds on plants and seeds, wild hot peppers being one of it's more notorious favorite foods.
