Koloa Hawaiian Duck Reproduction

Koloa Maoli breed year round. Most reproduce between January through May. During the courting period,the male and female fly into the air, high and straight up. They begin chasing each other in a small circular pattern. Having chosen a partner, the female makes a nest on the ground in low wetlands.

The Koloas' eggs are white. After the young hatch, they can soon swim in water, but they cannot fly for another nine weeks. On Kaua'i, the Koloa Maoli breed all year round. Sometimes the Koloa Maoli breed with mallards. This threatens the purity of their species. If nothing is done, they may become extinct. Pure bred Koloa Maoli can only be found in the wild on Kaua'i.

The Kolao Maoli's nest is hidden among the tall grasses, and is lined with the females' breast feathers. The nest may hold from two to ten light tan or creamy white eggs. The incubation period lasts about 30 days.

The downy chicks are light brown or yellow. The Koloa Maoli are wary, or careful when nesting or molting. After the breeding season, they molt and are unable to fly. During this time, they lose their old feathers and grow new ones. They hide in the marsh grass until they can fly again.