What sorts of water birds can you discover in Hawaii?
On account of its proximity to the ocean, you might be nearly sure to see some kind of hen close to the water. From geese to herons to gulls, you’ll be taught the most typical water birds you may see in Hawaii under.
Along with the widespread title of every hen under, additionally, you will discover the Hawaiian title 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 giant payments.
Laysan Albatrosses, or “Moli,” are enormous seabirds that may journey immense distances. They use air currents and an extremely dynamic physique form to soar nearly effortlessly.
These stunning birds vary extensively 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 Hawaii.
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 technique of economic fishing brought on one other steep decline within the recovering inhabitants.
The overwhelming majority of breeding Laysan Albatrosses in Hawaii could be discovered on Halfway Atoll, Laysan Island, and French Frigate shoals.
All these colonies are on very low-lying land lots 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 tip of the Laysan Albatross. So, conservationists in Hawaii hope to protect small, outlying Laysan Albatross colonies on larger floor. On Kauai and Oahu, sparse clifftop colonies and birds settling in human habitations are protected against flooding. Nevertheless, invasive predators, most notably rats, mongooses, and home canines, pose a really excessive danger to nesting Albatrosses.
#2. Hawaiian Black-necked Stilt (Ae’o)
- Himantopus mexicanus
- Subspecies H.m.knudseni is native and endemic to Hawaii.
- 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 ample birds with an enormous vary throughout the American continent and varied islands. The Black-necked Stilts discovered within the Hawaiian Islands are a subspecies referred to as Himantopus mexicanus knudseni. They’re generally often known as the Hawaiian Stilt or the Ae’o.
The subspecies is endemic, so it isn’t discovered anyplace else. Ae’o are acknowledged as indigenous to Hawaii.
Hawaiian Black-necked Stilts happen to various levels on all the principle Hawaiian Islands. Maui, Oahu, and Kauai have the most important populations, particularly between March and August, as these islands have breeding colonies. Hawaiian Black-necked Stilts are most certainly present in shallow wetlands close to the ocean.
Hawaiian Black-necked Stilts face an entire host of threats. They’re straight predated by invasive mammals, together with cats, canines, and rats. Their grazing and breeding habitats additionally face degradation from growth, invasive vegetation, sea-level rise, and pollution.
#3. Nice Frigatebird (‘Iwa)
- Fregata minor
- Subspecies F.m.palmerstoni is native however not endemic to Hawaii
- Black seabirds with giant wingspans in comparison with physique measurement.
- Males are smaller and have huge purple inflatable sacks on their throats.
- Females are bigger and have white throats.
Nice Frigatebirds are giant seabirds that fly nice distances throughout the open ocean. They’ve a big wingspan of round 85 inches (215cm) in comparison with small, mild our bodies. That is supreme for hovering effortlessly on air currents.
There are 5 subspecies of the Nice Frigatebird. Fregata minor palmerstoni is a subspecies discovered on islands all through the western and central Pacific Ocean.
They arrive in giant numbers to breeding colonies within the Hawaiian archipelago, the place they’re often known as ‘Iwa. ‘The state of Hawaii considers ‘Iwa indigenous.
Nice Frigatebirds construct their nests on the tops of timber and bushes on distant islands. In Hawaii, the most important colonies are on the Nihoa and Laysan Islands.
Invasive animal and plant species have lowered the provision of fine nesting websites for these water birds in Hawaii. Thankfully, conservation efforts to eradicate rabbits from Frigatebird colonies have had a constructive affect in Hawaii.
#4. Black-crowned Evening Heron (‘Auku’u)
- Nycticorax nycticorax
- Subspecies N.n.hoactli is native however not endemic to Hawaii
- 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 Evening Herons are wading birds. They often forage in shallow water at night time or daybreak. Their regular habitat is contemporary or saltwater wetlands.
N.n.hoactli is a subspecies of Black-Topped Evening Heron discovered throughout the American continent from southern Canada to northern Chile. It’s additionally discovered within the Hawaiian archipelago, the place it’s thought-about indigenous by the state. Regionally, N.n.hoactli are known as ‘Auku’u.
‘Auku’u are totally different from different Black-crowned Evening Herons as a result of they’re diurnal! They hunt within the daytime, which makes them simpler to identify. ‘Auku’u could be seen on all main islands within the Hawaiian archipelago.
The principle risk to Black-Topped Evening Herons in Hawaii is habitat degradation. Giant 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 Hawaii
- Lovely white birds with black wing edges.
- Hanging purple legs and ft.
- They’ve lengthy blue payments and blue and purple 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 ample species that’s distributed by 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. Nevertheless, nearly all Hawaiian birds are white!
Crimson-footed Boobies collect in breeding colonies all through the distant Northwestern Hawaiian Islands. They’re not often noticed in the principle 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 giant, 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 essential to the ecosystem, as they disperse plant seeds of their feces.
Hawaiian geese nearly turned extinct within the early twentieth century. Since that point, numbers have begun to get well. The species is presently labeled as “close to threatened” on the IUCN RedList.
Today, Hawaiian geese can solely be seen on Hawaii Island, Kauai, and Maui.
Prior to now, searching by people was a serious risk to Hawaiian geese. In trendy instances, searching by invasive species is the better problem. 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 brilliant white payments with tall frontal shields which can 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, equivalent to brackish lagoons and estuaries alongside the shoreline. However they will also be present in freshwater ponds, lakes, and wetlands.
Maui, Oahu, or Kauai are the perfect locations to see Hawaiian coots.
Nevertheless, small populations of them could be seen on nearly 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. Nevertheless, Hawaiian coots nonetheless face many threats.
Habitat loss is the first risk to Hawaiian coots. Coastal plains and wetlands, which make the perfect 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 prone 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.
- Men and women look very related, however females are often smaller.
Hawaiian Geese are endemic to Hawaii.
These water birds look similar to Mallards and are carefully associated. Nevertheless, they aren’t very social birds. They don’t are inclined to kind flocks. As an alternative, they’re often noticed in pairs or alone. They’re pretty cautious and discrete.
Hawaiian geese make a mushy and discrete quacking sound. It is vitally suited to their nature! Take heed to them within the video under.
Traditionally, Hawaiian geese lived on all Hawaiian islands besides Lanai and Kaho’olawe. Nevertheless, 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 have 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 prone to be discovered on Kauai and Niihau. Sadly, the success of the mallard hybrid is anticipated to result in the disappearance of the pure Hawaiian duck.
#9. Mallard
- Anas platyrhynchos
- 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 ample worldwide. They’re a kind of “dabbling duck,” which will get their title from how 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 have been launched to Hawaii within the late nineteenth century for farming, sport searching, and as decorative pond geese.
Over time, a few of these geese escaped or have been launched and started to dwell feral.
Mallards will breed with different species of duck. In repeated examples all over the world, Mallards have demonstrated an interesting skill to provide viable offspring with varied 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 regionally because the Koloa Maoli. Thankfully, on the island of Kauai, there are nonetheless populations of Hawaiian Geese with extraordinarily low genetic hybridization from Mallard Geese. They’re principally discovered within the Hanalei Nationwide Wildlife Refuge. That is the results of ongoing efforts to take away feral Mallards and scale back possession of Mallards on Kauai.
#10. Muscovy Duck
- Cairina moschata
- Species is invasive to Hawaii.
- Heavy-set. Males could be double the dimensions of females.
- Typically white and black, with darkish inexperienced plumage across the wing space.
- Distinguished purple wattling is often current across the beak and face.
Muscovy Geese could 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 danger to native natural world. Muscovy Geese are very giant 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 his or her nesting and copy and might be outcompeted by feral Muscovy Geese.
There are few to no studies on the affect of Muscovy Geese as an invasive species in Hawaii. In contrast with launched mammals or the Mallard, Muscovy Geese don’t seem to have an enormous destructive affect.
#11. Northern Pintail (Koloa Mapu)
- Anas acuta
- Native to Hawaii.
- Males have brown heads, white breasts, and grey wings.
- Males have the lengthy, black, upturned tails for which the species is known as.
- Females have tawny heads and darkish brown and white plumage.
Northern Pintails are ample and have an enormous vary throughout the northern hemisphere and equator. Populations of those small dabbling geese migrate to the Hawaiian Islands every winter.
Northern Pintails, identified regionally as Koloa Mapu, are acknowledged as indigenous by the state. The time that Northern Pintails spend in Hawaii is throughout their non-breeding section.
These water birds are most certainly present in shallow freshwater or intertidal wetlands. They principally 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 growth, agriculture, and invasive vegetation has lowered the variety of Northern Pintails overwintering on the islands.
#12. Lesser Scaup
- Aythya affinis
- Native to Hawaii
- 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 variety 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 prone to be present in freshwater marshlands, lakes, estuaries, and brackish water. Nevertheless, they’ll sometimes be noticed in bays and even the open ocean.
These wading birds face habitat loss in Hawaii. The wetland areas the place they overwinter are being misplaced to growth. Oil spills and air pollution, in addition to invasive vegetation, additionally degrade the habitat.
#13. Northern Shoveler (Koloa Moha)
- Spatula clypeata
- Native to Hawaii.
- Males have giant, scoop-like black payments and black heads with inexperienced iridescence.
- Their chests are white, and their undersides are auburn.
- Females have giant, scoop-like orange payments, orange legs, and lightweight brown our bodies.
Northern Shovelers are ample geese with an enormous world vary. Some populations of Northern Shovelers journey from Alaska each fall to overwinter on the Hawaiian Islands.
The state acknowledges Northern Shovelers as indigenous. They’re identified regionally as Koloa Moha. They arrive round October and depart round April.
Koloa Moha males have plumage that’s totally different throughout their winters in Hawaii than 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 could be noticed in contemporary or saline waters. They like huge, shallow, marshy wetlands with lots of vegetation. Nevertheless, they will also be present in ponds and reservoirs.
The inhabitants of those water birds in Hawaii is reducing. The wetland habitats they depend on are being misplaced to growth, air pollution, and invasive vegetation.
#14. Snow Goose
- Anser caerulescens
- Species is an occasional vagrant customer to Hawaii.
- Snow Geese have white plumage with black main feathers at their wing suggestions.
- They’ve pinkish-orange payments and ft.
- A secondary colour morph, referred to as “blue, ” has 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 may 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.
In recent times, these water birds have been recorded usually on the Island of Hawaii (Huge Island) and sometimes on Kauai. Just a few Snow Geese in Hawaii seem to have taken up everlasting residency year-round.
#15. Wandering Tattler (‘Ulili)
- Tringa incana
- Native to Hawaii.
- Lengthy payments and lengthy legs.
- Their heads, backs, and wings are a mushy gray-brown.
- Their chests are mottled brown and white.
Wandering Tattlers have a large 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 to spring, Wandering Tattlers return to Hawaii.
These water birds are thought-about indigenous to Hawaii and are identified regionally 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 growth and the impact of invasive vegetation. Foraging close to the shore additionally places Wandering Tattlers involved with pollution equivalent to oil spills and plastic waste.
#16. White-tailed Tropicbird (Koa’e kea)
- Phaethon lepturus
- Native to Hawaii.
- Yellow, pointed, barely downturned beaks.
- Principally 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 arduous to trace after they’re not breeding, as they’re solitary and fly lengthy distances. Nevertheless, their vary extends nearly fully across the circumference of the equator.
White-tailed Tropicbirds have a tendency to assemble in Hawaii between March and October to breed. They’re thought-about indigenous to Hawaii and are identified regionally as Koa’e kea.
There are breeding colonies in Hawaii on Kauai, Molokai, Lanai, and Hawaii Island (Huge Island). Smaller teams could be present in Oahu, in addition to some islets.
Invasive predators threaten White-tailed Tropicalbirds in Hawaii. Rats goal eggs, and feral cats can catch birds.
#17. Hawaiian Gallinule (‘Alae ‘Ula)
- Gallinula galeata
- Subspecies G. g. sandvicensis is native and endemic to Hawaii.
- Black plumage with some white feathers within the tail.
- Payments and frontal shields are brilliant purple, with a yellow tip on the invoice.
- Their legs are brilliant yellow, with purple bands the place they be part of the physique.
Hawaiian Gallinules are waterbirds and one in every of many subspecies of the Frequent Gallinule. They appear much like the Hawaiian Coot, which is black with a tall white frontal defend.
Hawaiian Gallinules are shy birds. They’re usually disguised beneath the foliage of aquatic vegetation whereas swimming and feeding. Often, they are often noticed swimming within the open however shortly duck for canopy when disturbed.
Hawaiian Gallinules are indigenous and endemic water birds to Hawaii and are due to this fact not discovered anyplace else. They’re regionally often known as ‘Alae ‘Ula.
Traditionally, Hawaiian Gallinules might be discovered on nearly all of the Hawaiian Islands. In trendy instances, they dwell in low-elevation wetland habitats on Kauai and Oahu. They’ve additionally been sighted on Oahu and Maui.
Hawaiian Gallinules face many threats and are thought-about endangered by the state. They’re very inclined 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
- Native to Hawaii.
- Small birds with all-white plumage.
- They’ve black-blue legs and payments.
- Their eyes are giant and black.
White Terns have an enormous vary overlaying a lot of the equator’s circumference 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. Nevertheless, most people arrive between February and June. They’re identified regionally as Manu-o-Ku.
In Hawaii, these water birds could be seen all through the Northwestern Hawaiian Islands and on Oahu. They collect loosely in woodlands close to the ocean and on rocky cliff faces.
Invasive predators, together with cats, canines, and rats, threaten white Terns. Nevertheless, the precarious approach they lay their eggs on excessive branches provides them safety from rat assaults.
#19. Brown Booby (‘A)
- Sula leucogaster
- Subspecies S.l.plotus is native however not endemic to Hawaii.
- 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 giant seabirds with distinctive and endearing sexual dimorphism. Males have blue on their faces and legs. Females are brilliant 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 many of the circumference of the equator. They’re thought-about indigenous in Hawaii and are known as ‘A regionally, the identical title 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 doubtlessly on Oahu island itself.
Brown Boobies are very delicate to human presence. They could abandon their nests if people method inside 20 meters. Nesting seabirds are additionally in peril of predation. Thankfully, these water birds principally nest on distant islands with minimal to no invasive mammals.
#20. Western Cattle Egret
- Bubulcus ibis
- Invasive to Hawaii.
- Tall, slender, white birds.
- They’ve pretty lengthy, pointed orange beaks.
- They’ve lengthy golden feathers on their heads, backs, and chests in summer time.
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 have been deliberately launched to Hawaii within the Nineteen Fifties. The intention was to cut back the fly swarms that harassed cows on farms and ranches.
Sadly, Western Cattle Egrets turned a extra vital problem 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 are generally discovered on most Hawaiian Islands. They’ve turn into a big 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 Hawaii
- Subspecies A. m. melanogenys is native and endemic to Hawaii
- 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 discovered over the open ocean, often inside 80km (50m) of land, or nesting on tropical islands.
In Hawaii, there are two subspecies of Black Noddy.
- A. m. melanogenys is endemic to Hawaii, which suggests 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 Hawaii, they are often discovered breeding within the Northwestern Hawaiian Islands.
The 2 subspecies have been discovered collectively in some particular places: Kaʻula Rock, Lehua Islet, Nihoa, and Necker.
Black Noddies are pretty widespread and profitable in Hawaii. Nevertheless, they face threats much like these of different seabirds. Specifically, predation by invasive predators, habitat loss, and discount in meals availability from overfishing.
Do you need to study MORE birds in Hawaii?
Take a look at these ID Guides. Each is particular to birds discovered right here!
Which of those water birds have you ever seen earlier than in Hawaii?
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