Animals On Earth: India, Asia, China, Hawaii, And Madagascar

Hawaiian Duck

The Hawaiian duck (Anas wyvilliana) or koloa is a species of bird in the family Anatidae that is endemic to the large islands of Hawaiʻi.

Kōloa means "a long cane with a crook." The "native duck" is the correct translation for the similar-looking koloa (without the macron). According to one account, the district of Kōloa was named for a steep rock called Pali-o-kō-loa which was found in Waikomo Stream.

Koloa are opportunistic feeders and consume a variety of aquatic invertebrates, small fish, green algae, and leaves and seeds of aquatic plants (Swedberg 1967, Engilis et al. 2002). They most often feed in water less than 24 centimeters (9 inches) deep (Engilis et al. 2002).

Although the Hawaiian Islands were once home to a remarkable diversity of waterfowl, only three species remain-the Hawaiian Goose (Nene), Laysan Duck, and Hawaiian Duck (Koloa mao/i)-all Federally endangered.

They are very secretive birds and do not associate with other animals much. Hawaiian ducks are strong, agile fliers and move mainly between the islands. The birds usually are not very vocal; they quack like mallards, but their call is softer and they quack less frequently.

Many common nest predators are invasive species, such as feral cats (Felis catus), feral dogs (Canis lupus familiaris), small Indian mongooses, black-crowned night herons, and common mynas.