A seabird native to Hawaii is flourishing in the middle of Honolulu’s concrete towers, traffic-clogged roads, and Waikiki hotels. The white tern, known locally as manu-o-Kū, is experiencing a remarkable resurgence in the state’s largest metropolis.

A Growing Population

New data reveals that the white tern population has jumped more than 50% in the past decade. As of this week, volunteers counted 691 eggs and chicks in Honolulu trees, a testament to the bird’s ability to thrive in an urban setting. This growth is particularly significant given the struggles faced by many other native Hawaiian birds.

A Sign of Land for Navigators

Kaʻiulani Murphy, a traditional navigator and Honolulu Community College professor, notes the significance of the white tern. Like her, who look to the stars, waves and other elements in nature to pilot across the ocean, see the bird’s presence as a sign that land is near. She observes more white terns now than at any other time in modern history.

Defying the Trend

The manu-o-Kū is defying the fate of many other native birds in Hawaii, where disease and non-native predators have caused indigenous bird numbers to collapse. “This is our big city,” said Murphy, who has navigated canoes to Tahiti, Japan and Rapa Nui. “It’s crazy to me that they’re getting to such a big population within Honolulu.”

Unique Nesting Habits

White terns have unique nesting habits, laying their eggs on bare tree branches, cliff ledges, or even window sills – they don’t build nests at all. After hatching, the young birds sit on branches, using their strong claws to hold on even during storms. They are found near islands in warm waters globally, but in Hawaii, they primarily inhabit remote atolls.

Why Honolulu?

Scientists aren't certain why the birds are thriving in Honolulu. Eric VanderWerf, the executive director of Pacific Rim Conservation, suggests the city may be hospitable because humans have reduced predator populations around restaurants and buildings. Busy roads may also deter predators.

Urban Adaptations

“All the lights and the noise, the commotion of people and traffic, and things like that, doesn’t seem to bother them,” VanderWerf explained. Well-maintained trees with scar tissue from trimming even provide ideal egg-laying spots.

A History of Resilience

A 2023 population survey by Hui Manu-o-Kū showed Oahu’s breeding adult population jumped 1.5 times to 3,600 compared to 2016. While native to the islands, manu-o-Kū were not observed breeding on Oahu until 1961. Honolulu officially named the manu-o-Kū its official bird in 2007, and the species is celebrated through songs and an annual festival.

Community Involvement

Hui Manu-o-Kū volunteers tie blue ribbons around trees hosting eggs and chicks to alert tree trimmers. Bird-watchers also use the ribbons to track the white terns. Dedicated individuals, like Joyce Hsieh, have been documenting the birds’ lives for years.

Murphy, a Native Hawaiian, draws parallels between the resilience of the manu-o-Kū and her people, both having overcome significant challenges to survive. “It’s just a special feeling,” she said.