Kolea Feathers gold as sun, White s-shape from head to tail, Winter visitor. Golden Plover

The Kolea, or the Pacific Golden Plover, is a winter visitor to Hawaii. It is an active, easy to spot bird, making it a common sight in Hawaii. Standing 11 inches in height, its non-breeding plumage, or feathers are a mix of gray, brown and black., with flecks of gold. Its breast is gray and black.

Before it migrates to the North, the Kolea's breeding feathers look like a black suit. Its throat, breast, and face are black in color. A white streak goes from the top of its eye down its breast, and to its sides. The Kolea's upperbody is speckled with brown, yellow, and gold. The female is less black below and less yellow on top.

Scientists have evidence from fossils that the Kolea have migrated between Hawaii and Alaska for over 120,000 years. The Kolea's flight pattern was watched for hundreds of years by the ancient Polynesian sea voyagers who traveled to Hawaii and other Pacific Islands. In Hawaiian culture, the Kolea is thought to be an 'aumakua, or protective guardian spirit. In the legend of Kapeepeekaiula, the Kolea is sent to steal Hina, his wife. A flock of Kolea is said to have brushed against the rascal Niheu's hair, causing him to let go of Hina. In anger, Niheu beats off the Kolea's tail feathers, which today are very small. The Kolea return Hina to her husband.