What is a Manu O Kū?

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Manu o Kū means "Bird of Kū" in Hawaiian (Kū, the god of war in Hawaiian mythology)

Look familiar? You've probably seen these birds at Kapiʻolani Community College. These graceful seabirds are known as the Manu-o-Kū (Gygis alba) on Oahu. Outside of the Hawaiian Islands they are commonly known as White Tern, Fairy Tern, Angel Tern or White Noddy.

These native Hawaiian seabirds can be found throughout tropical and subtropical regions of the Pacific, Southern Atlantic and Indian Oceans. Most of the Hawaiian population of Man o kū  are found mainly on the island of Oahu. On Oahu, you don't have to hike to see these birds; they can easily be spotted in urban and suburban areas of Honolulu, from Niu Valley to Sand Island.

Manu o Kū breed during all months of the year. Reaching 5 years of age, they will begin to find a mate. After a successful breeding, one egg is laid and it takes about 35 days to hatch.

What's quite unique about these birds are that they don't build a nest! You're probably thinking, "What? Wouldn't the egg roll off?". I thought the same thing while one day nervously observing one of the eggs at KCC nearby the Lama library, bobby up and down with the branch, at the mercy of the strong winds. Somehow it stayed put, and chick is just hanging out there now, chilling.

 The Manu o Kū adults search for a depression in the branch or rough spot on the branch to lay their egg on.



After hatching, the chick will stay very close the its hatching site. Both parents will bring fish to the chick multiple times in the day. It takes about 45 days until the chick is ready to try flying.


Their diet consist of small fish and squid that they find in inshore and offshore waters.

Manu o Kū are under the protection of the Migratory Bird Treaty Act, it is illegal to hunt, capture, the birds or the eggs. Violations can result in a fine of up to $15,000. Due to small populations these birds are listed under Threatened by the State of Hawaii. If you see someone disturbing a Manu o Kū please call Hawaii Department of Land and Natural Resource Enforcement (808)643-3567.

Comments

  1. faithmariemMarch 3, 2019 at 4:09 PM

    First off I want to say, I love the pics you've included. It really helped get engaged on your topic and who doesn't love cute birds?! I would see these birds a lot and didn't really think about what kind they are. I also like how you included a contact number for the Hawaii Dept. and Nature resource place, it really shows how passionate you are towards the safety of wildlife. We should all be more aware of our surroundings and the wildlife that inhabit it. :)

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