What sorts of water birds can you discover in Hawaii?
Attributable to its proximity to the ocean, you might be virtually sure to see some kind of hen close to the water. From geese to herons to gulls, you’ll be taught the commonest water birds you would possibly see in Hawaii under.
Along with the widespread identify of every hen under, additionally, you will discover the Hawaiian identify in parentheses. ????
#1. Laysan Albatross (Moli)
- Phoebastria immutabilis
- Species is native however not endemic to Hawaii
- Big white seabirds with wingspans of roughly 78 inches (2m).
- They’ve darkish patches in entrance of every eye.
- They’ve darkish wings and darkish tricks to their massive payments.
Laysan Albatrosses, or “Moli”, are big seabirds that may journey immense distances. They use air currents and their extremely dynamic physique form to soar virtually effortlessly.
These stunning birds vary broadly throughout the North Pacific Ocean. Apparently, greater than 90% of the world’s inhabitants of Laysan Albatrosses are discovered within the Northwestern Hawaiian Islands. They’re deemed indigenous by the state of Hawai’i.
The IUCN RedList considers Laysan Albatrosses to be “Close to Threatened”. Within the early twentieth century, people hunted albatrosses to close extinction for feathers to make hats. Then, within the late twentieth century, the driftnet methodology of economic fishing triggered one other steep decline within the recovering inhabitants.
The overwhelming majority of breeding Laysan Albatrosses in Hawaii may be discovered on Halfway Atoll, Laysan Island, and French Frigate shoals.
All these colonies are on very low-lying land plenty with little human presence. Sadly, rising sea ranges have led to tragic disasters from flooding of the breeding grounds.
Sea-level rise is predicted to extend and will spell the top of the Laysan Albatross. So, conservationists in Hawai’i hope to protect small, outlying Laysan Albatross colonies on greater floor. On Kauai and Oahu, sparse clifftop colonies and birds settling in human habitations are protected against flooding. Nonetheless, invasive predators, most notably rats, mongooses, and home canines, pose a really excessive threat to nesting Albatrosses.
#2. Hawaiian Black-necked Stilt (Ae’o)
- Himantopus mexicanus
- Subspecies H.m.knudseni is native and endemic to Hawai’i.
- Lengthy, skinny, black payments.
- Black wings, black caps, and black backs with white elsewhere.
- They’ve very lengthy, skinny, pink legs.
Hawaiian Black-necked Stilts are a kind of wading water hen in Hawaii.
They’ve the second longest legs in comparison with their physique measurement of any hen. Hawaiian Black-necked Stilts use their lengthy legs to wade into shallow water and forage for meals. They are often noticed foraging in freshwater, marine, or brackish water habitats.
Black-necked Stilts are plentiful birds with an enormous vary throughout the American continent and numerous islands. The Black-necked Stilts discovered within the Hawaiian Islands are a subspecies referred to as Himantopus mexicanus knudseni. They’re generally often called the Hawaiian Stilt or the Ae’o.
The subspecies is endemic, so shouldn’t be discovered wherever else. Ae’o are acknowledged as indigenous to Hawai’i.
Hawai’ian Black-necked Stilts happen to various levels on all the primary Hawaiian Islands. Maui, Oahu, and Kauai have the biggest populations, particularly between March and August, as there are breeding colonies on these islands. Hawaiian Black-necked Stilts are most definitely to be present in shallow wetlands close to to the ocean.
Hawai’ian Black-necked Stilts face a complete host of threats. They’re instantly predated by invasive mammals together with cats, canines, and rats. Their grazing and breeding habitats additionally face degradation from improvement, invasive crops, sea-level rise, and pollution.
#3. Nice Frigatebird (‘Iwa)
- Fregata minor
- Subspecies F.m.palmerstoni is native however not endemic to Hawai’i
- Black seabirds with massive wingspans in comparison with physique measurement.
- Males are smaller and have massive crimson inflatable sacks on their throats.
- Females are bigger and have white throats.
Nice Frigatebirds are massive seabirds that fly nice distances throughout the open ocean. They’ve a really massive wingspan of round 85 inches (215cm), in comparison with small and lightweight our bodies. That is preferrred for hovering effortlessly on air currents.
There are 5 subspecies of Nice Frigatebird. Fregata minor palmerstoni is a subspecies discovered on islands all through the western and central Pacific Ocean.
They arrive in massive numbers to breeding colonies within the Hawai’ian archipelago, the place they’re often called ‘Iwa. “Iwa are thought-about indigenous by the state of Hawai’i.
Nice Frigatebirds construct their nests on the tops of bushes and bushes on distant islands. In Hawai’i, the biggest colonies are on the Nihoa and Laysan Islands.
Invasive animal and plant species have lowered the supply of excellent nesting websites for these water birds in Hawaii. Luckily, conservation efforts to eradicate rabbits from Frigatebird colonies have had a constructive affect in Hawaii.
#4. Black-crowned Night time Heron (‘Auku’u)
- Nycticorax nycticorax
- Subspecies N.n.hoactli is native however not endemic to Hawai’i
- Black tops on their heads and backs.
- Wings are pale grey, whereas their our bodies are white.
- They’ve lengthy legs and straight, slim black payments.
Black-crowned Night time Herons are wading birds. They often forage in shallow water, at night time or daybreak. Their regular habitat is recent or saltwater wetlands.
N.n.hoactli is a subspecies of Black-Topped Night time Heron discovered throughout the American continent from Southern Canada to Northern Chile. N.n.hoactli are additionally discovered within the Hawai’ian archipelago, the place they’re thought-about indigenous by the state. Regionally, N.n.hoactli are known as ‘Auku’u.
‘Auku’u are totally different from different Black-crowned Night time Herons as a result of they’re diurnal! They hunt within the daytime, which makes them simpler to identify. ‘Auku’u may be seen on all main islands within the Hawaiian archipelago.
The primary risk to Black-Topped Night time Herons in Hawaii is habitat degradation. Massive areas of wetlands have been misplaced during the last century. Oil spills additionally contaminate the ecosystem, and invasive species alter the biome.
#5. Crimson-footed Booby (‘A)
- Sula sula
- Subspecies S.s.rubripes is native however not endemic to Hawai’i
- Lovely white birds with black wing edges.
- Hanging crimson legs and ft.
- They’ve lengthy blue payments, and blue and crimson markings round their eyes.
Crimson-footed Boobies are highly effective birds that spend lengthy intervals flying throughout the open sea. They return to land for breeding however in any other case are not often noticed.
Crimson-footed Boobies are an plentiful species that’s distributed by way of the equatorial area worldwide. The IUCN RedList considers them a species of “Least Concern”.
The subspecies S.s.rubripes is a water hen present in Hawaii, the place it is named ‘A and regarded indigenous by the state.
Apparently, there are numerous colour morphs of Crimson-footed Boobies. Elsewhere, they are often white, brown, and even black. Nonetheless, virtually all Hawaiian birds are white!
Crimson-footed Boobies collect in breeding colonies all through the distant North-Western Hawaiian Islands. They’re solely not often noticed in the primary Hawaiian Islands, on Kauai and Oahu.
#6. Hawaiian Goose
- Branta sandvicensis
- Discovered on Maui, Kauai, and the Huge Island.
- Hawaiian geese have black heads, gold cheeks, white necks, and brown our bodies.
- Their plumage has a definite barred sample over the wings and flanks.
- Females look much like males however are often smaller.
Hawaiian geese are massive, stunning water birds that symbolize Hawaii because the official state hen.
These endemic birds are grazers that feed on leaves, seeds, flowers, and fruits. They’re crucial to the ecosystem, as they disperse plant seeds of their feces.
Hawaiian geese virtually turned extinct within the early twentieth century. Since that point, numbers have begun to get well. The species is presently categorised as “close to threatened” on the IUCN RedList.
Today, Hawaiian geese can solely be seen on Hawaii Island, Kauai, and Maui.
Up to now, looking by people was a serious risk to Hawaiian geese. In fashionable occasions, looking by invasive species is the larger situation. As ground-nesting birds, they’re very weak to invasive predators, together with Barn owls, home cats, canines, rats, and mongooses.
#7. Hawaiian Coot
- Fulica alai
- Discovered on Maui, Kauai, Oahu, Molokai, and the Huge Island.
- Hawaiian coots have shiny black plumage throughout.
- They’ve shiny white payments with tall frontal shields which might be white or brown.
- They’ve small, rounded our bodies with small heads.
These water birds are endemic to Hawaii!
They often dwell in shallow, saline water, resembling brackish lagoons and estuaries alongside the shoreline. However they may also be present in freshwater ponds, streams, lakes, and wetlands.
Maui, Oahu, or Kauai are the most effective locations to see Hawaiian coots.
Nonetheless, small populations of them may be seen on virtually all Hawaiian islands.
Hawaiian coots are thought-about “close to threatened” by the IUCN RedList in 2023. That is an enchancment on their “weak” standing within the early twenty first century. Nonetheless, Hawaiian coots nonetheless face many threats.
Habitat loss is the first risk to Hawaiian coots. Coastal plains and wetlands, which make the most effective breeding websites, have been quickly misplaced during the last century.
Invasive predators additionally negatively affect Hawaiian coots. Rats and mongooses are prolific egg stealers, and canines, home cats, barn owls, and different launched predators will predate grownup coots, too.
#8. Hawaiian Duck
- Anas wyvilliana
- Pure Hawaiian geese are solely more likely to be discovered on Kauai and Niihau.
- Hawaiian geese’ plumage is mild and darkish brown, with scale-like patterning.
- They’ve a clearly outlined patch of shiny blue on each wings.
- Women and men look very comparable, however females are often smaller.
Hawaiian Geese are endemic to Hawaii.
These water birds look similar to Mallards and are intently associated. Nonetheless, they aren’t very social birds. They don’t are likely to kind flocks. As an alternative, they’re often noticed in pairs or alone. They’re pretty cautious and discrete.
Hawaiian geese make a delicate and discrete quacking sound. It is extremely suited to their nature! Hearken to them within the video under.
Traditionally, Hawaiian geese lived on all Hawaiian islands besides Lanai and Kaho’olawe. Nonetheless, people hunted the Hawaiian duck to the sting of extinction within the early twentieth century. By 1960, the final remaining geese lived remoted on Kauai and Niihau.
Since then, efforts have been made to preserve this species. A wildlife refuge was created on Kauai, and Hawaiian geese had been bred and reintroduced to Oahu, Maui, and the Huge Island.
Sadly, invasive feral mallard geese weren’t faraway from these islands earlier than the Hawaiian duck was reintroduced. Mallards breed readily with Hawaiian geese. They produce viable offspring, resulting in the hybridization of the species.
At this time, pure Hawaiian geese are solely more likely to be discovered on Kauai and Niihau. Sadly, the success of the mallard hybrid is predicted to result in the disappearance of the pure Hawaiian duck.
#9. Mallard
- Anas platyrhynchos
- Species is invasive to Hawaii.
- Males have shiny inexperienced heads and white neck banks.
- Females are mild and darkish brown, with blue wing patches.
- Each have orange legs and ft.
Mallards are extraordinarily plentiful worldwide. They’re a kind of “dabbling duck”, which get their identify from the way in which they lean ahead and dabble their payments within the water to gather meals. They’re very social and collect collectively in small flocks.
These water birds had been launched to Hawaii within the late nineteenth century for farming, sport looking, and as decorative pond geese.
Over time, a few of these geese escaped or had been launched and commenced to dwell feral.
Mallards will breed with different species of duck. In repeated examples all over the world, Mallards have demonstrated a captivating capacity to supply viable offspring with numerous different species of duck. This has led to Mallards creating hybrid species, resulting in the lack of the native species in its pure kind.
In Hawaii, that is taking place with the Hawaiian Duck (Anas wyvilliana), identified domestically because the Koloa Maoli. Luckily, on the island of Kauai, there are nonetheless populations of Hawaiian Geese with extraordinarily low genetic hybridization from Mallard Geese. They’re largely discovered within the Hanalei Nationwide Wildlife Refuge. That is the results of ongoing efforts to take away feral Mallards and cut back possession of Mallards on Kauai.
#10. Muscovy Duck
- Cairina moschata
- Species is invasive to Hawai’i.
- Heavy-set. Males may be double the dimensions of females.
- Usually white and/or black, with darkish inexperienced plumage across the wing space.
- Distinguished crimson wattling is often current across the beak and face.
Muscovy Geese may be discovered throughout Hawaii as home birds close to human habitation.
Some feral birds might also be seen, having escaped from human care.
Launched birds all the time pose an inherent threat to native wildlife. Muscovy Geese are very massive and simply able to driving native birds away from good meals sources or taking on our bodies of water.
Muscovy Geese lay their eggs in tree cavities, which aren’t plentiful in Hawaiian native forests. Some native Hawaiian birds depend on these cavities for their very own nesting and replica and may very well be outcompeted by feral Muscovy Geese.
There are few to no reviews on the affect of Muscovy Geese as an invasive species in Hawaii. In contrast with launched mammals or the Mallard, Muscovy Geese don’t look like having an enormous unfavourable affect.
#11. Northern Pintail (Koloa Mapu)
- Anas acuta
- Species is native however not endemic to Hawai’i.
- Males have brown heads, white breasts, and grey wings.
- Males have the lengthy, black, upturned tails that the species is called for.
- Females have tawny heads and darkish brown and white plumage.
Northern Pintails are plentiful and have an enormous vary throughout the northern hemisphere and equator. Populations of those small dabbling geese migrate to the Hawai’ian Islands every winter.
Northern Pintails, identified domestically as Koloa Mapu, are acknowledged as indigenous by the state. The time that Northern Pintails spend in Hawai’i is throughout their non-breeding section.
These water birds are most definitely to be present in shallow freshwater wetlands, or intertidal wetlands. They largely graze on plant matter, together with seeds, roots, and grains.
Globally, Northern Pintails are assessed as being of “Least Concern” by the IUCN RedList. In Hawaii, the lack of wetland habitats to city improvement, agriculture, and invasive crops has led to a discount within the variety of Northern Pintails overwintering on the islands.
#12. Lesser Scaup
- Aythya affinis
- Species is native however not endemic to Hawai’i
- Males have black heads and tails that distinction with white our bodies.
- Their payments are bluish-gray and their eyes are yellow.
- Females have black payments ringed with white feathers. They’re brown elsewhere.
Lesser Scaups have a wide range spreading throughout Central and North America. Within the fall, some populations of those water birds migrate from Alaska and Canada to Hawaii. They keep till February and are thought-about indigenous by the state.
Lesser Scaups are more likely to be present in freshwater marshlands and lakes, in addition to estuaries and brackish water. Nonetheless, they’ll typically be noticed in bays and even the open ocean often.
These wading birds face habitat loss in Hawaii. The wetland areas the place they overwinter are being misplaced to improvement. Oil spills and air pollution, in addition to invasive crops, additionally degrade the habitat.
#13. Northern Shoveler (Koloa Moha)
- Spatula clypeata
- Species is indigenous however not endemic to Hawaii.
- Males have massive, scoop-like black payments and black heads with inexperienced iridescence.
- Their chests are white, and their undersides are auburn.
- Females have massive, scoop-like orange payments, orange legs, and lightweight brown our bodies.
Northern Shovelers are plentiful geese with an enormous world vary. Some populations of Northern Shovelers journey from Alaska each fall to overwinter on the Hawaiian Islands.
Northern Shovelers are acknowledged as indigenous by the state. They’re identified domestically as Koloa Moha. They arrive round October and depart round April.
Koloa Moha males have totally different plumage throughout their winters in Hawaii, than they do in the course of the breeding season. They appear to be females (pictured above) till round February however retain their tell-tale black payments.
Northern Shovelers may be noticed in recent or saline waters. They like extensive, shallow, marshy wetlands with loads of vegetation. Nonetheless, they may also be present in ponds and reservoirs.
The inhabitants of those water birds in Hawaii is reducing. The wetland habitats that they depend on are being misplaced to improvement, air pollution, and invasive crops.
#14. Snow Goose
- Anser caerulescens
- Species is an occasional vagrant customer to Hawai’i.
- Snow Geese have white plumage with black major feathers at their wing ideas.
- They’ve pinkish-orange payments and ft.
- A secondary colour morph exists, referred to as “blue”, with white heads and grayish our bodies.
Snow Geese are a species of goose that’s indigenous to North America. They’re extremely migratory birds.
Snow Geese kind robust pair bonds with their companions when they’re round two years outdated and can keep collectively for all times. When they’re three, they are going to start to breed.
For the spring migration, the pair will fly north to Northern Canada or Alaska, and return to the nesting website the place the feminine was born. The feminine builds a nest in a scrape on excessive floor and contours it with twigs and down.
Snow Geese are generally noticed exterior of their pure vary.
Lately, these water birds have been recorded usually on the Island of Hawaii (Huge Island), and sometimes on Kauai. A number of Snow Geese in Hawaii seem to have taken up everlasting residency year-round.
#15. Wandering Tattler (‘Ulili)
- Tringa incana
- Species is native however not endemic to Hawaii
- Lengthy payments and lengthy legs.
- Their heads, backs, and wings are a delicate gray-brown.
- Their chests are mottled brown and white.
Wandering Tattlers have an enormous vary that covers a lot of the Pacific Ocean’s islands and coastlines. In summer time, they journey to northeastern Russia and northwestern America to breed. From late summer time by way of to spring, Wandering Tattlers return to Hawai’i.
These water birds are thought-about indigenous to Hawaii and are identified domestically as Ulili. They are often noticed on most islands all through the Hawaiian archipelago. Search for them alongside the shoreline or on close by mudflats and wetlands.
Wandering Tattlers are primarily threatened by local weather degradation. Wetlands are being quickly misplaced to improvement and the impact of invasive crops. Foraging close to the shore additionally places Wandering Tattlers in touch with pollution resembling oil spills and plastic waste.
#16. White-tailed Tropicbird (Koa’e kea)
- Phaethon lepturus
- Species is native however not endemic to Hawai’i.
- Yellow, pointed, barely downturned beaks.
- Largely white plumage, with lengthy, white, slender tails.
- They’ve black markings over their eyes, shoulders, and wingtips.
White-tailed Tropicbirds are extraordinarily eye-catching, sleek, and slender seabirds in Hawaii. They spend lengthy intervals over the open ocean.
These water birds are laborious to trace after they’re not breeding, as they’re solitary, and fly lengthy distances. Nonetheless, their vary extends virtually totally across the circumference of the equator.
White-tailed Tropicbirds have a tendency to assemble in Hawai’i between March and October to breed. They’re thought-about indigenous to Hawai’i, and are identified domestically as Koa’e kea.
In Hawai’i, there are breeding colonies on Kaua’i, Moloka’i, Lana’i, and Hawai’i Island (Huge Island). Smaller teams may be discovered on O’ahu, and a few islets.
Invasive predators threaten White-tailed Tropicalbirds in Hawaii. Rats goal eggs, and feral cats can catch birds.
#17. Hawai’ian Gallinule (‘Alae ‘Ula)
- Gallinula galeata
- Subspecies G. g. sandvicensis is native and endemic to Hawai’i.
- Black plumage with some white feathers within the tail.
- Payments and frontal shields are shiny crimson, with yellow tip to the invoice.
- Their legs are shiny yellow, with crimson bands the place they be part of the physique.
Hawai’ian Gallinules are a waterbird, and considered one of many subspecies of the Frequent Gallinule. It additionally appears to be like much like the Hawai’ian Coot, which is black, with a tall white frontal protect.
Hawai’ian Gallinules are shy birds. They’re usually disguised below the foliage of aquatic crops whereas swimming and feeding. Sometimes they are often noticed swimming within the open, however shortly duck for canopy when disturbed.
Hawai’ian Gallinules are indigenous and endemic water birds to Hawai’i, and are subsequently not discovered wherever else. They’re domestically often called ‘Alae ‘Ula.
Traditionally, Hawai’ian Gallinules may very well be discovered on virtually all of the Hawai’ian Islands. In fashionable occasions, they dwell in low-elevation wetland habitats on Kaua’i and O’ahu. They’ve additionally been sighted on O’ahu and Maui.
Hawai’ian Gallinules face many threats and are thought-about endangered by the state. They’re very vulnerable to predation, each from pure, native predators and from invasive predators. Mongooses, rats, feral canines, and cats, can all goal Gallinules and their nests.
#18. White Tern (Manu-o-Ku)
- Gygis alba
- Species is native however not endemic to Hawai’i.
- Small birds with all-white plumage.
- They’ve black-blue legs and payments.
- Their eyes are massive and black.
White Terns have an enormous vary that covers a lot of the circumference of the equator, and as far south as New Zealand. They’re pelagic, flying over the open ocean when not breeding on small islands and coastlines.
White Terns go to Hawaii to breed all year long. Nonetheless, most people arrive between February and June. They’re identified domestically as Manu-o-Ku.
In Hawaii, these water birds may be seen all through the Northwestern Hawaiian Islands, in addition to on Oahu. They collect loosely in woodlands close to the ocean and on rocky cliff faces.
White Terns are threatened by invasive predators together with cats, canines, and rats. Nonetheless, the precarious method they lay their eggs on excessive branches offers them a sure degree of safety from rat assaults.
#19. Brown Booby (‘A)
- Sula leucogaster
- Subspecies S.l.plotus is native however not endemic to Hawai’i.
- Brown heads, necks, again, and higher wings.
- They’re white on the stomach and underwing.
- Males have blue markings ringing their heads across the eyes. Females have yellow.
Brown Boobies are massive seabirds with distinctive and endearing sexual dimorphism. Males have blue on their faces and legs. Females are shiny lemon yellow on their faces and legs as an alternative.
They’re glorious plunge divers and hunt for fish by diving into the water from a top.
Brown Boobies have an enormous vary, stretching a lot of the circumference of the equator. They’re thought-about indigenous in Hawaii and are known as ‘A domestically; the identical identify used for Crimson-footed Boobies.
Brown Boobies collect in colonies to breed on the Northwestern Hawaiian Islands. In addition they happen on small islets all through the archipelago, and probably on Oahu island itself.
Brown Boobies are very delicate to human presence. They might abandon their nests if people strategy inside 20 meters. Nesting seabirds are additionally in peril of predation. Luckily, these water birds largely nest on distant islands with minimal to no invasive mammals.
#20. Western Cattle Egret
- Bubulcus ibis
- Species is invasive to Hawaii
- Tall, slender, white birds.
- They’ve pretty lengthy, pointed, orange beaks.
- Throughout summer time, they’ve lengthy golden feathers on their heads, backs, and chests.
Following fast growth during the last century, Western Cattle Egrets have an enormous world vary overlaying tropical and temperate zones on all continents besides Antarctica.
Western Cattle Egrets had been deliberately launched to Hawaii within the Fifties. The intention was to cut back the fly swarms that harassed cows on farms and ranches.
Sadly, Western Cattle Egrets turned a extra important situation than flies. They’re opportunistic feeders and have tailored shortly to a brand new meals supply: the chicks of native birds.
Now, invasive Western Cattle Egrets may be discovered generally on most Hawaiian Islands. They’ve turn out to be a major risk to the breeding success of the Hawaiian Duck, Hawaiian Gallinule, Hawaiian Coot, and Hawaiian Stilts.
#21. Black Noddy (Noio)
- Anous minutes
- Subspecies A. m. marcusi is native however not endemic to Hawai’i
- Subspecies A. m. melanogenys is native and endemic to Hawai’i
- Black plumage, graduating to pale tones at their heads.
- Slender, pointed black beaks.
- They’ve darker black markings over their eyes.
Black Noddies are seabirds that may be discovered over the open ocean, often inside 80km (50m) of land, or nesting on tropical islands.
In Hawai’i, there are two subspecies of Black Noddy.
- A. m. melanogenys is endemic to Hawai’i, which implies it’s not discovered elsewhere. They breed within the Southeastern Hawaiian islands. They’re distinctive due to their orange legs and ft.
- A. m. marcusi shouldn’t be endemic to Hawaii and is widespread within the Pacific. They’ve black legs and ft. In Hawai’i, they are often discovered breeding within the Northwestern Hawaiian Islands.
The 2 subspecies have been discovered occurring collectively in some particular places. Specifically. Kaʻula Rock, Lehua Islet, Nihoa, and Necker.
Black Noddies are pretty widespread and profitable in Hawai’i. Nonetheless, they face comparable threats to different seabirds. Specifically, predation by invasive predators, habitat loss, and discount in meals availability from overfishing.
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