The Hawaiian Islands host a diverse array of bird species, many exhibiting striking white plumage. From tiny seabirds in urban centers to large, soaring ocean giants, many birds here are primarily white. Understanding the specific location and behavior of a sighting helps distinguish between native residents and introduced species. The most commonly sighted white birds are categorized by their typical habitat, such as coastal regions, urban areas, or inland wetlands.
The Iconic White Tern
The small, pure white bird commonly seen flying through the urban canyons of Honolulu is the native White Tern, or manu-o-Kū (Gygis alba). This species has an entirely white body, a slender black bill, and large, dark black eyes. It measures about 12 inches long with a wingspan up to 34 inches.
The most unique characteristic of this tern is its nesting behavior. Instead of building a nest, the White Tern lays a single egg directly onto a branch or a small depression on a tree limb. This precarious placement, often in the canopy of large urban trees, provides protection from ground predators. Nesting within the city led to its designation as the official bird of the City and County of Honolulu.
The White Tern is indigenous to Hawaii, with the Oahu population being the most visible to residents and visitors. They are highly protective of their single chick, which hatches after about 35 days and remains dependent on its parents for several months. These birds fly out to sea to forage for small fish and squid, using their near-translucent feathers to help them hunt near the water’s surface.
Large Soaring Coastal Species
The coastlines and open ocean skies are dominated by much larger white birds known for their impressive soaring capabilities. The Laysan Albatross (Moli) is one of the most recognizable, featuring a white head and body contrasted by dark gray-brown upper wings. Its flight pattern utilizes dynamic soaring, allowing it to glide low over the waves while rarely flapping its wings.
Another prominent coastal species is the White-tailed Tropicbird (Koaʻe Kea), a mostly white pelagic bird that nests primarily on steep sea cliffs. This bird is easily identified by two extremely long, narrow, white central tail feathers, often called streamers, which can double its body length of about 15 inches. Tropicbirds are frequently seen soaring near high cliffs, such as those along the Nā Pali Coast, using rapid wing beats interspersed with long glides.
The Red-footed Booby (ʻĀ) also has a mostly white color phase in Hawaii, though it is smaller than the albatross. This booby is distinguishable by its bright red feet and legs, which contrast with its white body and blackish-brown flight feathers. Unlike many other seabirds, the Red-footed Booby often roosts and nests in trees and shrubs, particularly on offshore islands, and plunge-dives into the ocean to catch fish and squid.
Common Non-Native Wetland Birds
Inland areas, including wetlands, fields, and marshy habitats, are frequently inhabited by large, long-legged white wading birds that are not native to the islands. The most common is the Cattle Egret (Bubulcus ibis), an introduced species that is short and stocky, typically measuring 18 to 21 inches tall. These birds are often seen foraging in open fields near grazing livestock, where they feed on insects and small vertebrates flushed out by the animals.
The Cattle Egret was introduced to Hawaii in the late 1950s as a biological control to combat flies affecting cattle. However, the introduction has had negative ecological consequences, and they are now considered an invasive species. They prey on the eggs and chicks of native Hawaiian waterbirds, including several endangered species. During breeding season, this egret develops buff-colored plumes on its head, chest, and back.
A less common white wading bird is the Great Egret (Ardea alba), which is substantially taller and more lanky than the Cattle Egret. The Great Egret has a very long neck and a yellow bill, making it a more imposing figure when standing in the water or marsh. Both the Cattle Egret and the Great Egret compete with native wildlife and contribute to challenges facing Hawaii’s fragile wetland ecosystems.