Puka Kana Keiki he Aukuʻu, Lele!

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Photo: ʻAukuʻu carrying a pufferfish
A pufferfish makes a tasty meal. – Photos: Bobby Brett, Keālia Pond National Wildlife Refuge, Maui

One of the most frequently asked-about birds for identification due to their striking posture, focused gaze, and colorful features is the ʻAukuʻu, or Hawaiian black-crowned night heron (Nycticorax nycticorax hoactli).

Adult males reach about two feet in length, with steely blue and yellow bills, vermillion eyes, bluish-gray crowns, and several long white plumes extending down the back. Females are smaller with mottled brown plumage and bright yellow-orange eye color.

Photo: Aukuʻu
“Hanau ka Unana ka makua, puka kana keiki he Aukuʻu.” – Kumulipo, Wā III

Our Hawaiʻi subspecies of night heron is one of only six native water birds in the main Hawaiian Islands. ʻAukuʻu has an impressive genealogy recorded in the Kumulipo, relating its appearance and ecological function with dozens of other native land and water birds.

Despite being called a night heron, ʻaukuʻu hunt during the day and night in their wetland environment. They are skilled fishers, using vegetation and chum to lure prey into their strike zones – a rare example of tool usage and social learning in birds. The Federal Migratory Bird Treaty Act protects these predatory wading birds, ensuring their conservation in Hawaiʻi.