kolea

Kolea, or kōlea in Hawaiian, refers to the Pacific golden plover (Pluvialis fulva), a small migratory shorebird in the family Charadriidae. In Hawaii it is commonly known by its Hawaiian name and is a familiar winter resident on beaches, shorelines, and floodplains.

Taxonomy and naming

The species is classified in the genus Pluvialis. The Pacific golden plover has historically been treated as a subspecies of the European golden plover (Pluvialis apricaria) in some classifications, but current consensus recognizes Pluvialis fulva as a distinct species. In Hawaii, the bird is culturally associated with the term kōlea and has long been observed as part of the archipelago’s reinvading migratory fauna.

Description

Kōlea are medium-sized plovers with a rounded body, relatively long legs, and a short bill. Non-breeding plumage tends to be brownish and subdued, while breeding plumage features brighter, more golden upperparts and contrasting markings on the face and neck. They measure roughly 20 to 28 centimeters in length and display a robust, ground-feeding lifestyle.

Distribution and habitat

The Pacific golden plover breeds on Arctic tundra in Asia and North America and migrates to tropical and subtropical Pacific locales for the winter. In Hawaii, kōlea are a common sight on sandy shores, coastal plains, and fields that provide foraging opportunities.

Behavior and diet

Kōlea are ground-foraging birds that probe the sand or mud for invertebrates, including insects, crustaceans, and mollusks. They are migratory, undertaking lengthy journeys between breeding and wintering grounds, and they often form loose flocks outside the breeding season.

Conservation

The species is listed as Least Concern by major conservation bodies, owing to a wide range and large population. Ongoing monitoring focuses on protecting breeding habitat in the Arctic and managing introduced predators on breeding grounds, as well as preserving suitable wintering habitat in the Pacific.