SPECIES OF THE MONTH: PACIFIC

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.

Land-clearing in Hawai‘i has possibly improved conditions for kōlea by creating more open habitats with an abundance of insects. It is estimated that there are 1.4 birds per 100 acres on golf courses and 5.2 birds per 100 acres on lawns, versus 0.22 to 44.7 birds per 100 acres in wild habitats. Despite the fact that the kōlea can live in both developed and wild environments, the U.S. Shorebird Conservation Plan classifies this bird as one of High Concern. Hunting was a significant concern until 1941, when a ban helped populations recover. However, kōlea still frequently come into contact with other human threats. A few possible dangers include herbicides and pesticides used on golf courses, or aircraft strikes on unsuspecting juvenile birds attempting to set up foraging territories near airports. To better protect and monitor kōlea in Hawai‘i, efforts in conservation include the protection of current habitats and the continuation of population and distribution surveys in known and likely habitats. Kōlea. By: Troy McKaskle, Flickr.