Koloa Mottled brown,green,blue Hidden nest, soft with feathers, Wary ducks in pairs. Hawaiian Duck

In 1967, the Koloa Maoli were declared an endangered species , threatened with disappearing forever. Conservation efforts have included a ban on hunting, wetland habitat protection, and the release of captive bred Koloa Maoli. Since the 1960s, the Koloa Maoli have been restored to Hawaii, Oahu, and Maui. In 1993, the Koloa Maoli population was estimated at 2,500 ducks. Koloa ducks are endemic to Oahu.

Some of the Koloa Maoli males have central tail feathers which curl upwards. They are careful, wary birds while they are molting, they hide quietly among the freshwater marsh grasses until they are able to fly again. The Koloa Maoli are able fliers , active in the water and on the ground. The females quack and the males hiss . Koloa Maoli have been observed hiding in the marsh vegetation when injured, quacking for their mates to return.

The Hawaiian Duck or Koloa Maoli, meaning native, which is different from the migratory and domestic ducks. The Koloa Maoli is a small mottled brown duck, 20 inches in length. The top of its head is black, its neck, back, rump, and throat are brown. The males usually have a darker head and neck feathers, and are sllightly larger than the female. Their head is olive green. The male's bill is olive-green, while the female's bill is orange. Both have bright emerald green to blue speculums, the area on their wings.