description Hawaiian Duck Overview
The Hawaiian Duck, or Koloa Maoli, is the endangered endemic duck Anas wyvilliana, one of the native waterfowl species of the Hawaiian Islands. It is closely related to the introduced mallard and uses freshwater wetlands, including artificial wetlands, for feeding and breeding. Hybridization with feral mallards, habitat loss, predation, and past hunting have contributed to its decline.
help Hawaiian Duck FAQ
What is the Hawaiian Duck's scientific and Hawaiian name?
The Hawaiian Duck is Anas wyvilliana and is commonly called koloa maoli or koloa. It is an endemic native waterfowl species of the Hawaiian Islands.
Where does the Hawaiian Duck live?
Koloa maoli use freshwater wetlands from sea level to about 3,000 meters on the main Hawaiian Islands, except Kahoʻolawe. Wetlands may be natural or artificial, and the species feeds and breeds around these waters.
Why is the Hawaiian Duck endangered?
The species is threatened by wetland loss, introduced predators, and hybridization with the nonnative Mallard, Anas platyrhynchos. US wildlife agencies describe Mallard hybridization as a risk of genetic extinction for the native duck.
Can a duck seen in Hawaii be identified as a pure Hawaiian Duck by appearance alone?
Not reliably, because Hawaiian Ducks closely resemble Mallards and many island birds have mixed ancestry. Populations on islands other than Kauaʻi also originated from reintroduced birds, which makes location and genetics important for identification.
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