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Status and population trends of Hawaii's native waterbirds, 1977-1987

The Wilson Bulletin
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Abstract

Status and population trends of Hawaiis ’ native waterbirds were examined from 1977 through 1987. Waterbird population fluctuations were analyzed in relation to rainfall and land use dynamics. Numbers of Hawaiian Duck (Koloa) (Anus wyvilliana) and Hawaiian Common Moorhen (Gallinula chloropus sandvicensis) appeared stable over time; however, surveys were limited. Increase in Black-crowned Night-Heron (Nycticorux nycticorux) abundance appeared linked to expansion of aquaculture, particularly on Oahu, and not to climatic events. Annual rainfall patterns help explain and predict population fluctuations and anomalous distribution patterns involving Hawaiian American Coots (Fulica americana alai), moorhens, and Hawaiian Black-necked Stilts (Himantopus mexicanus knudseni). Coot, stilt, and moorhen populations fluctuated with climatic events, and intraisland dispersal to ephemeral wetlands occurred. Stilts exhibited regular inter-island migratory behavior, but coots dispersed in relation to major rainfall events. Seasonal fluctuation recorded for coots by past observers is the result of survey techniques not accounting for seasonal dispersal patterns.

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Publication type Article
Publication Subtype Journal Article
Title Status and population trends of Hawaii's native waterbirds, 1977-1987
Series title The Wilson Bulletin
Volume 105
Issue 1
Year Published 1993
Language English
Publisher Wilson Ornithological Society
Contributing office(s) Pacific Island Ecosystems Research Center
Description 17 p.
First page 142
Last page 158
Country United States
State Hawai'i
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