In late December 2024 a Koa'e kea (White-tailed Tropicbird) was captured with trail cam footage as it fledged from a tree cavity nest. As you watch the video notice how several curious Mōlī or Laysan Albatross wander by to check-out what is going on. Stick around to the end when the parent returns!
Koaʻe kea prefer nesting on ledges and cliffs so it is very rare for humans to experience a chick taking its first flight in the Hawaiian Archipelago. However, on Kuaihelani (Midway Atoll) they nest in low-lying tree cavities or at the base of a tree. Although much more numerous in the main Hawaiian Islands and south across the Pacific and Caribbean, an average of only ten pairs nest annually on Kuaihelani.
A Koa'e kea solo life at sea begins soon after its leap of faith first flight and they are not likely to return to breed for four more years. They seem to soar effortlessly over the sea with their impressive stream-lined wings but can also plunge dive 65 feet while preying on crabs or squid and at lightning speed they capture flying fish on the wing! According to the Hawai’i Department of Land and Natural Resources, “The long tail feathers were highly valued by Hawaiian artisans, especially in the making of kahili, or feather standards that surrounded royalty.”
White-tailed Tropicbird spotted on Sand Island, Midway Atoll. Photo by Bettina Arrigoni on Jan 20, 2019
Mahalo nui loa (thanks much) to Bird Counter Volunteer Greg Joder who created the video from his trail cam footage and was also able to share it with you via the much improved bandwidth now available from an Atoll in the middle of the Pacific. To help Friends of Midway Atoll continue to share Kuaihelani and her magic with you, click here!
Article written by Ann Bell