Indigenous / Migratory Birds

Rather than being confined to a specific area, indigenous species tend to be more widely dispersed and adaptable. These birds are found in Hawaiʻi, but not exclusively - some migrate and some also live in other places.

Aeʻo

The aeʻo or Hawaiian stilt is a slender, graceful waterbird. This bird is listed endangered federally and by the State of Hawai‘i. Ae‘o are generally found in wetlands below 660ft elevation.

ʻAkekeke

ʻAkekeke or ruddy turnstone is a small, calico-colored shorebird. Pairs are monogamous and territorial, often returning to the same area to mate with the same individual year after year.

ʻAukuʻu

The ʻaukuʻu or black-crowned night heron is found near ponds, streams, marshes and shorelines where it hunts and fishes. Juveniles are brown striped and transition to gray.

Dunlin

A small wading shorebird seen near marshes, beaches and ponds in winter. The dunlin migrates, with a few reaching and wintering on Pacific Islands including Hawai'i.

Kōlea

The kōlea or Pacific golden-plover winters in Hawai‘i and breeds in Siberia and westernmost Alaska. Adults arrive in Hawai‘i in August and depart in late April for a 5,000-13,000km trip!

Lesser Scaup

This diving duck is widespread in North America and winters in Hawaiʻi. They migrate, typically arriving on the main Hawaiian islands in October and departing as early as February.

Manu o Kū

The beloved Manu o Kū or Fairy Tern feeds by dipping the surface or diving for small fish. State listed as threatened, they are found on the Northwestern Hawaiian Islands and on O‘ahu.

Noio

The noio or black noddy is a medium-sized, gregarious tern. Noio forage in nearshore waters and feeds mainly by dipping the surface from the wing or by making shallow dives.

ʻŪlili

The migratory ʻūlili or wandering tattler winters in Hawai‘i. Their diet varies with season and in winter consists of invertebrates such as marine worms, aquatic insects, crustaceans and fish.