Hawaii is home to some truly unforgettable birds, and among them, the white ones stand out in a quiet, elegant way. Whether it’s the graceful glide of a tropicbird over the ocean or the sudden appearance of a White Tern in an urban park, these birds bring a sense of lightness to the islands. Their white plumage often makes them easier to spot against the green forests or deep blue sky, even though many are still surprisingly elusive.
Some of these birds, like the Hawaiian Petrel, are rarely seen and spend much of their lives far out at sea. Others, like the White Tern, have adapted well to city life and can be seen nesting in trees around Honolulu. Each species has its own rhythm and role in the island ecosystems, some are native and deeply tied to the land, while others have arrived more recently.
This article takes a closer look at several of Hawaii’s white birds, where to find them, what makes them unique, and why some need our help to survive. Whether you’re a local or a visitor, spotting one of these white-feathered birds adds something special to any day spent outside in the islands.
1. Great Egret
- Scientific name: Ardea alba
- Life span: 15 years
- Size: 81-101 cm (32-40 in)
- Weight: 0.7-1.4 kg (1.5-3.1 lbs)
- Wingspan: 140-170 cm (55-67 in)
- Status: Least Concern
- State status: Migratory and rare
- Migratory behaviour: Rare migrant; does not stay long in Hawaii.
The Great Egret is one of the largest and most recognizable white birds in the world. Native to much of North and South America, parts of Europe, Asia, and Africa, it is a widespread species known for its stately movements and elegant presence. In Hawaii, the Great Egret is a rare migrant, occasionally observed in wetlands and shallow water bodies. It has all-white plumage with a long S-curved neck, a sturdy yellow bill, and black legs.
During the breeding season, adults develop long, delicate plumes on their backs, which are displayed in courtship rituals. The bird’s flight is slow and powerful, with neck tucked and legs trailing behind. While it’s not a regular resident in Hawaii, its appearance is unmistakable and often draws attention when seen. The Great Egret’s graceful form and calm demeanour make it one of the more memorable white birds to encounter in the field.
Great Egrets nest high in trees or shrubs, often above water, where they build large platform nests out of sticks and reeds. Nesting in colonies, they often mix with other egrets or herons. Males begin construction, attracting a female who helps complete the nest. They typically lay three to four eggs, with both parents taking turns incubating. In Hawaii, however, the Great Egret is a rare visitor and does not breed regularly in the islands.
These stately birds feed in shallow water, patiently waiting before striking at fish, amphibians, or invertebrates. They also walk slowly through wetlands, scanning for movement and stabbing downward with precision. Their feeding style is less erratic than that of smaller egrets. In Hawaii, sightings usually occur in lowland wetlands or estuaries where food is plentiful and competition is low, though they don’t stay long or establish territories.
Great Egrets were once heavily hunted for their ornamental plumes, especially during the 19th-century hat trade. After near extinction in some regions, they became a symbol of early bird conservation. Though they’ve recovered well on the mainland, their appearances in Hawaii remain rare. Efforts here focus on habitat preservation, ensuring wetlands are healthy for the variety of native and migratory birds that rely on them.
2. Snowy Egret
- Scientific name: Egretta thula
- Life span: 17 years
- Size: 56-66 cm (22-26 in)
- Weight: 0.3-0.6 kg (0.7-1.3 lbs)
- Wingspan: 86-102 cm (34-40 in)
- Status: Least Concern
- State status: Migratory and rare
- Migratory behaviour: Rare visitor; comes and goes unpredictably.
The Snowy Egret is a slender, elegant white heron that breeds in North and Central America and migrates to parts of South America and coastal areas for the winter. In Hawaii, it is a rare visitor, occasionally spotted in wetlands or along coastlines. This bird is immediately recognizable by its snowy white feathers, thin black bill, and striking black legs with bright yellow feet that look like it’s wearing golden slippers. In breeding condition, it grows long, lacy plumes on its head, neck, and back, which once made it a target for the plume trade.
The Snowy Egret has a sleek, upright posture and a confident, sometimes almost energetic way of moving through shallow water. Though not commonly seen in the islands, its occasional presence adds an unexpected brightness to marshes and estuaries, offering a rare treat for observant birdwatchers or coastal visitors.
Snowy Egrets are colonial nesters, usually building stick nests in trees, shrubs, or reed beds near water. They often nest in mixed colonies with other herons and egrets, creating large, noisy groups in coastal wetlands. Males begin by selecting a site and displaying to attract a mate, after which both partners help build the nest and raise the chicks. In Hawaii, nesting is extremely rare and not well documented, as the species is considered a rare visitor.
Their diet mainly consists of small fish, crustaceans, and aquatic insects. They hunt in shallow water, using quick movements, fluttering feet, and sudden stabs to stir and catch prey. Snowy Egrets are active feeders, often darting and pacing through wetlands with a lively energy. In the rare instances they’re seen in Hawaii, they typically forage in similar habitats, shallow coastal ponds or brackish marshes, where their golden feet flash against the water.
Historically, Snowy Egrets were nearly wiped out in the 19th century due to demand for their breeding plumes in the fashion industry. Legal protection through the Migratory Bird Treaty Act helped their populations rebound. In Hawaii, they’re not native and only show up as occasional visitors, so conservation actions here focus more on monitoring sightings and ensuring wetland habitats remain protected for a range of shorebirds.
3. Cattle Egret
- Scientific name: Bubulcus ibis
- Life span: 9 years
- Size: 46-56 cm (18-22 in)
- Weight: 0.2-0.5 kg (0.5-1.1 lbs)
- Wingspan: 88-96 cm (35-38 in)
- Status: Least Concern
- State status: Breeding and common
- Migratory behaviour: Resident; remains in Hawaii throughout the year
Originally from parts of Africa and Asia, the Cattle Egret is now found across much of the world, including North and South America, Australia, and many Pacific islands. In Hawaii, it was introduced in the 1950s and quickly became established across the main islands. This bird is mostly white, with a short neck and stocky build compared to other egrets. During the breeding season, adults show golden plumes on the crown, chest, and back, giving them a washed tint that stands out in colonies.
At other times, they appear fully white with a slightly yellow bill and pale legs. They are commonly seen in pastures and fields, often walking near cattle or other large animals. While not native to Hawaii, the Cattle Egret has carved out a niche here and remains a familiar sight in rural areas, wetlands, and even on roadsides.
Cattle Egrets nest in colonies, often with other waterbirds, building platform nests out of sticks in trees near wetlands, ponds, or rice fields. In Hawaii, they nest mostly in mangroves or trees bordering agricultural areas. Breeding pairs share nest duties, and they can raise more than one brood per season in favourable conditions. Their nesting areas can be noisy and lively, with many birds crowding into a single grove, creating a busy communal scene full of interaction and activity.
These egrets are opportunistic feeders, eating a wide range of small animals including insects, frogs, and even small reptiles. In Hawaii, they’re frequently seen near cattle or mowers, catching bugs stirred up by movement. They also forage in fields and roadsides, snapping up whatever scurries in their path. Their diet is flexible and influenced by availability, which has helped them thrive in human-modified landscapes across the islands.
Originally introduced to Hawaii in 1959 to help control agricultural pests, Cattle Egrets quickly established and spread throughout the main islands. Though they did help reduce insect numbers, their growing population has raised concerns, particularly for native bird species whose eggs they sometimes prey on. Management efforts now aim to balance their presence with the needs of sensitive native ecosystems.
4. Hawaiian Petrel
- Scientific name: Pterodroma sandwichensis
- Life span: 20-25 years
- Size: 16–18 in (41–46 cm)
- Weight: 15.2–17.6 oz (430–500 g)
- Wingspan: 36–38 in (91–97 cm)
- Status: Endangered
- State status: Breeding and rare
- Migratory behaviour: Leaves after breeding; spends months at sea.
The Hawaiian Petrel, or ‘Ua‘u in Hawaiian, is a rare and endangered seabird that breeds only in the Hawaiian Islands. It spends most of its life over the open ocean, returning to land only to nest in high-altitude, remote areas like Haleakalā on Maui or Mauna Loa on Hawaii Island. It has a dark grayish-black head and back, with contrasting white underparts that make it look almost like a small shearwater from a distance. In flight, its wings are long and narrow, well-suited to dynamic soaring over ocean swells.
The Hawaiian Petrel is a nocturnal nester, arriving inland under the cover of darkness to avoid predators. It is rarely seen by most residents or visitors, but conservationists and birders know it as a symbol of native Hawaiian wildlife. Its soft, haunting calls at night are sometimes the only evidence of its presence on land.
The Hawaiian Petrel nests in burrows dug into high-elevation volcanic slopes and ridges, typically in remote areas like Haleakalā on Maui or Mauna Loa on Hawaii Island. Nesting occurs underground to protect the birds from predators and heat. Adults visit only at night to avoid visual detection, and pairs may return to the same burrow year after year. They lay a single egg, and both parents take long shifts incubating and later feeding the chick with food gathered far out at sea.
Hawaiian Petrels forage across vast stretches of the open Pacific Ocean, often traveling thousands of miles to find squid, small fish, and crustaceans. They skim the surface of the water or dive briefly to capture prey. Since they feed entirely at sea and return only to breed, their diet reflects a deep-ocean lifestyle. Their long, narrow wings are well-suited for soaring over waves with minimal effort.
Classified as endangered, the Hawaiian Petrel has faced steep declines due to habitat loss, introduced predators, and light pollution that disorients fledglings. Conservation efforts include predator-proof fences around nesting areas, night-time lighting regulations, and tracking programs to monitor their at-sea behaviour. Recovery is slow but ongoing, with dedicated work being done on multiple islands to protect and restore breeding colonies.
5. Red-tailed Tropicbird
- Scientific name: Phaethon rubricauda
- Life span: Up to 17 years
- Size: 35–40 in incl. tail (89–101 cm)
- Weight: 28–33 oz (800–950 g)
- Wingspan: 44–47 in (112–120 cm)
- Status: Least Concern
- State status: Breeding and common
- Migratory behaviour: Resident breeder; may roam ocean, but returns yearly.
The Red-tailed Tropicbird, known as Koa‘e ‘ula in Hawaiian, is a striking white seabird with a unique look and graceful flight style. It ranges across tropical parts of the Pacific and Indian Oceans, and in Hawaii, it nests on remote islets and cliffs of the main and Northwestern Hawaiian Islands. The bird is mostly white with bold black markings around the eyes and on the wings. Its most distinctive feature is the pair of long, trailing red tail streamers that flutter behind it in flight.
When seen gliding over cliffs or circling near the sea, its aerial movements are both strong and smooth, almost like a kite on the wind. Though not rare in Hawaii, the Red-tailed Tropicbird is more often observed in protected coastal areas. Its elegant flight and unmistakable shape make it one of the most visually captivating white birds of the islands.
Red-tailed Tropicbirds nest on remote, rocky cliffs and sandy islets, laying their eggs in shallow scrapes on the ground. They typically choose protected spots under vegetation or in crevices where they’re hidden from predators and harsh sun. Unlike many seabirds, they don’t build much of a nest structure. They are solitary or loosely colonial, and both parents take turns incubating and feeding the chick. Nesting sites in Hawaii include islets off O‘ahu, Kaua‘i, and the Northwestern Hawaiian Islands.
These birds feed by plunge-diving from high above, folding their wings and diving headfirst into the ocean to catch squid and fish. They often forage far offshore, gliding with ease over the open sea. Their foraging technique is elegant and fast, with long aerial searches followed by sudden, direct dives. While they range widely, they return faithfully to nesting sites each year to raise a single chick.
Red-tailed Tropicbirds have a stable population overall, but threats such as invasive predators, human disturbance, and plastic pollution pose risks at nesting sites. In Hawaii, conservation focuses on protecting offshore breeding areas, especially from rats, cats, and mongoose. Some sites have predator-free zones, and long-term monitoring helps track population trends and nesting success across the islands.
6. White Tern
- Scientific name Gygis alba
- Life span: Up to 18 years
- Size: 11–13 in (28–33 cm)
- Weight: 3.5–4.2 oz (100–120 g)
- Wingspan: 26–30 in (66–76 cm)
- Status: Least Concern
- State status: Breeding and common
- Migratory behaviour: Stays year-round; does not leave Hawaii.
The White Tern, also known locally in Hawaii as Manu-o-Kū, is a graceful seabird found widely across tropical oceans, including the central Pacific, Indian Ocean, and parts of the Atlantic. In Hawaii, it’s most commonly seen on O‘ahu, where it has adapted to urban life and breeds in city parks and even downtown areas. Its appearance is striking, pure white plumage, black eyes and bill, and long pointed wings that give it a delicate, almost floating flight style. It has a forked tail and no visible feet in flight, adding to its ghost-like elegance in the sky.
This bird rarely lands except to nest, and when it does, it often chooses the bare limbs of trees, balancing eggs directly on the branches without a traditional nest. Its presence brings a gentle energy to Honolulu and other coastal spots, where it has become a cherished urban seabird.
White Terns nest in an unusual but charming way, they lay their single egg directly on bare tree limbs, without building a nest at all. Somehow, the egg balances there through wind and weather, often right in bustling urban areas. In Honolulu, these birds nest in monkeypod, kukui, and banyan trees, often just feet above sidewalks and streets. Parents take turns guarding and feeding the chick, which stays perched in place until fledging. This nesting style is both risky and fascinating
White Terns primarily eat small fish and squid, which they catch by swooping down and plucking prey from the ocean’s surface. Their flight is agile and buoyant, making them excellent fishers in both calm and breezy conditions. They often forage close to shore, especially around reefs, and return swiftly to their nesting trees to feed their chicks. Watching them deliver freshly caught fish is a common and heartening sight in coastal Honolulu.
The White Tern was once uncommon in Hawaii, but a small population began nesting in Honolulu in the 1960s and has grown steadily since. Designated as the official bird of Honolulu, it now benefits from local protections and community awareness. Education efforts, including tagging and monitoring programs, have helped ensure its continued success in the urban landscape.
Where to look for White birds in Hawaii
If you’re hoping to spot white birds in Hawaii, you’re in luck, some of them are surprisingly easy to find, while others take a bit more effort. One of the best places to start is along the coast. Birds like the Red-tailed Tropicbird and White Tern are often seen gliding above the ocean or perched on cliffs and trees near shorelines. The key is to bring a pair of binoculars, head out early in the day, and take your time. Standing still and simply watching the sky or the water often works better than rushing around.
If you’re in Honolulu, look up, White Terns often nest right in the city. But for a deeper experience, head to these great spots:
- Kaʻena Point (Oʻahu) – Great for seabirds like tropicbirds and albatrosses.
- Kīlauea Point National Wildlife Refuge (Kaua‘i) – A coastal sanctuary with good visibility and visitor access
- Hakalau Forest Reserve (Hawaii Island) – A bit tougher to access but great for native species.
- Waimea Valley (Oʻahu) – A good mix of accessibility and bird diversity, including White Terns.
Conclusion
White birds in Hawaii may not always steal the spotlight, but they offer a quiet beauty and play essential roles in island ecosystems. From the urban-nesting White Tern to the elusive Hawaiian Petrel, each species tells a story of adaptation, survival, and connection to place.
Whether you’re walking through a city park or scanning coastal cliffs, these birds are worth noticing. Protecting their habitats ensures that future generations can enjoy their presence too. With a little attention and care, we can keep Hawaii’s skies filled with their graceful forms and coastal winds echoing with their calls.
