Species of the Month: Kōlea (Pacific Golden Plover) By: Darienne Kealoha, UHH MOP Student
“Kōlea kau āhua, a uliuli ka umauma ho‘i i Kahiki. Plover that perches on the mound waits till its breast darkens, then departs for Kahiki.” An ‘ōlelo no‘eau from Mary Kawena Pukui compares a person who comes to Hawai‘i, acquires wealth, and leaves to the kōlea. Although compared scornfully to foreigners who take from Hawai‘i, in some areas, these birds are considered ‘aumākua, a family protector or a deified ancestor. This small yellow-and-buff mottled shorebird migrates to Hawai‘i in the winter and flies back to Siberia and westernmost Alaska to breed in the spring. Adults begin to arrive in Hawai‘i in August, with juveniles following in October to feed on terrestrial insects like caterpillars, moths, and cockroaches. Once these migratory birds get their fill, they leave for spring and return to Hawai‘i again at the conclusion of the breeding season. Kōlea are recognized as indigenous to Hawai‘i and are common in the Northwestern Hawaiian Islands yearround, but are also common on all the main Hawaiian Islands between August and May. This small bird can be found in various environments, including beaches, mangroves, residential lawns, and golf courses. Kōlea can be found at up to 2,500 meters elevation, as the most suitable habitats are found on mountain slopes. Kōlea in flight. By: Thomas, Flickr.
6| Seawords
