The Kōlea, or Pacific Golden-Plover (Pluvialis fulva), is a migratory shorebird that’s incredibly important to Hawai’i. It depends on the islands as a wintering ground.
These birds are known for their distinctive golden-flecked plumage and their strong connection to particular locations, returning to the same spots year after year. They also play a role in Hawaiian culture.
This article will explore the biology, habitat, and threats facing the Kōlea, as well as the conservation efforts underway to protect these amazing birds.
Kōlea: Names and species information
Let’s take a closer look at the kōlea, its name, and some key facts about this remarkable bird.
Names and taxonomy
- Scientific name: Pluvialis fulva
- Common name: Pacific Golden-Plover
- Hawaiian name: Kōlea
Physical characteristics
The kōlea is a medium-sized shorebird with golden-brown speckled plumage in the winter. During breeding season, its coloring changes to black and white.
Kōlea have dark legs and bills. One of their most distinctive features is the scattering of golden spots across their backs.
Where do they live?
Kōlea are world travelers. Every year, they migrate thousands of miles between their breeding and wintering grounds.
Breeding grounds
Kōlea spend the summer months in the Arctic regions of Siberia and Alaska, where they nest and raise their young.
Wintering grounds
As winter approaches, kōlea fly south to warmer climates, with Hawai’i being a major destination. These birds are also found across the Pacific, from Hawai’i to Japan. You’ll see them in both the Main Hawaiian Islands (MHI) and the Northwestern Hawaiian Islands (NWHI).
Habitat preferences
Kōlea are adaptable birds and can thrive in a variety of habitats, including pastures, grasslands, mudflats, beaches, and even mountain slopes as high as 8,125 feet above sea level. You might even spot them foraging for food on airport grounds.
Kōlea behavior and diet
Migration patterns
Adult kōlea begin arriving in Hawai’i in August, with juveniles arriving in October. They begin to depart in late April.
Remarkably, kōlea are known for “site fidelity,” which means they return to the exact same wintering grounds, year after year.
Diet
Kōlea are opportunistic feeders, foraging in a variety of habitats for insects, berries, leaves, and seeds.
Threats and conservation
Kōlea have faced threats in the past and continue to face them now. Centuries ago, they were hunted. Today, they’re at risk from exposure to pesticides, collisions with aircraft, habitat loss, and human disturbance.
Luckily, there are a number of programs in place to protect the Pacific golden plover.
These include:
- Surveys and monitoring programs
- Kauaʻi Endangered Seabird Recovery Project (KESRP)
- Maui Nui Seabird Recovery Project (MNSRP)
- Lehua Island Ecosystem Restoration Project
- State of Hawai’i Biannual Waterbird Surveys
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does it take a Kolea to fly to Hawaii?
These birds are incredible athletes. The kolea migrates non-stop for approximately 3,000 miles from their breeding grounds in Alaska and Russia to Hawaii. This journey typically takes them about 3-4 days of continuous flight. Imagine that kind of endurance!
What is the lifespan of a kolea?
Kolea are known to live quite a long time for shorebirds. In the wild, a kolea can live for 20 years or more. Some individuals have even been recorded living over 25 years! That’s a lot of winters spent soaking up the Hawaiian sun.
Is Kolea native to Hawaii?
While the kolea spends a significant portion of its life in Hawaii, it is not native to the islands. They are migratory birds that visit Hawaii during the non-breeding season (typically August/September to April/May). Their breeding grounds are located in Alaska and Siberia.
What is kolea in Hawaiian?
“Kolea” is the Hawaiian name for the Pacific Golden-Plover. The word “kolea” may be derived from the Hawaiian word “olea” meaning “dark” or “sooty”, referencing the bird’s dark plumage during the breeding season. It’s a beautiful and fitting name for these remarkable birds.
Wrapping Up
Hawai’i is absolutely vital to the survival of the Kōlea, so we must continue our conservation work.
These incredible birds face numerous threats, and we need to mitigate these dangers to ensure their continued presence in our islands. Protecting the Kōlea is everyone’s kuleana.
The good news is that these birds are adaptable, and if we all do our part, we can ensure the Kōlea thrives in Hawai’i for generations to come.