The Hawaiian duck is a ravishing hen native to the state of Hawaii. These geese are distinctive in that they’re the one species of duck that may be discovered within the wild on all the Hawaiian Islands. Hawaiian geese are additionally recognized by the identify Koloa.
The Hawaiian duck is a member of the Anatidae household, which incorporates all geese, geese, and swans. These birds are carefully associated to the mallard duck and share many similarities.
Fast Information about Hawaiian Duck
| Breed Title: | Hawaiian Duck |
| Different identify(s): | Koloa, Koloa maoli |
| Place of Origin: | Hawaii |
| Habitat: | Wetlands, mountain streams, lakes, rivers |
| Drake (Male) Dimension: | 19–19.5 inches, 21 ounces |
| Duck (Feminine) Dimension: | 15.5–17 inches, 16 ounces |
| Colour: | Brown, blue, inexperienced |
| Lifespan: | 13–18 years |
| Conservation standing: | Endangered |
Hawaiian Duck Origins
The Hawaiian duck was as soon as regarded as a subspecies of the mallard, which is native to Asia and North America, however was launched throughout the globe.
New proof discovered that the species arose from mallard and Laysan duck breeding, and it’s now classed as a separate species.
It’s believed that early Polynesians introduced these geese to the Hawaiian Islands, the place they ultimately established populations on all the foremost islands.
The Hawaiian duck is the one species of duck that’s native to Hawaii.
Hawaiian Duck Traits
This species is named a secretive hen and is cautious of different animals and people. They’re usually present in pairs or teams in tall grasses close to water sources.
They quack similar to a mallard however a lot much less steadily and extra quietly.
They’re opportunistic omnivores feeding on:
vegetation
bugs
aquatic invertebrates
algae
mollusks
They differ from mallards as they aren’t migratory and keep in Hawaii all yr lengthy. These geese are additionally recognized to perch in bushes, which is one thing that mallards don’t usually do.
Makes use of
These geese had been as soon as hunted for his or her meat and feathers, however they’re now protected by state and federal legislation.
Hawaiian geese are usually not stored as pets nor for farming functions, however they play an vital position within the ecosystem of the islands.
These geese assist to maintain mosquito populations in test and disperse the seeds of native crops. As well as, the duck’s paddling motion helps to aerate ponds and streams, which is essential for the well being of fish and different aquatic creatures.
The species can act as an indicator species, that means that they can assist biologists monitor the well being of an ecosystem.
Look & Varieties
The Hawaiian duck is a wild species and doesn’t have any varieties. Each the female and male look very comparable and are brown in coloration. They give the impression of being very like a feminine mallard.
In contrast to mallards, there is no such thing as a distinct sexual dimorphism in feathering, which is unusual for geese. The male is barely slightly greater than the feminine however shares the identical coloration.
Males are additionally identifiable by their olive-green payments, that are distinct from the uninteresting orange and brown of the females.
The speculum feathers (a patch on the secondary feathers) have prospers of inexperienced and blue, and the toes and legs are orange.
The seasonal plumage of mallards and rampant hybridization make differentiating pure Hawaiian geese from frequent mallards tough.
Inhabitants, Distribution & Habitat
Hawaiian geese are endemic to Hawaii and had been as soon as discovered on all islands besides Lānaʻi and Kaho‘olawe. After disappearing from most islands, a pure inhabitants was discovered on Kaua’i.
They had been then established on Oʻahu, Hawaiʻi, and Maui from captively bred birds. Sadly, they went on to breed with feral mallards, which diluted the inhabitants.
So, though the inhabitants in all fairness widespread, “pure” populations are nonetheless solely discovered on Kaua’i.
Are Hawaiian Duck Good for Small-Scale Farming?
No, Hawaiian geese are an endangered species and are usually not appropriate for farming. Their inhabitants is dwindling to simply over 2,000 recognized birds.
They’re protected by legislation, so it’s unlawful to hunt, seize, or hurt them in any method.
The lack of pure habitat and hybridization with feral mallards are the most important threats to this species. They’re additionally prone to predation from launched species reminiscent of cats, pigs, mongooses, and canines.
As an endangered species, Hawaiian geese shouldn’t be stored as pets or on small farms. If you’re fortunate sufficient to see one, it’s best to admire it from a distance and depart it’s.
Featured Picture Credit score: Phillip B. Espinasse, Shutterstock
