Hawaiian Petrel / `Ua`u (Pterodroma sandwichensis) 4K

The Hawaiian name `Ua`u comes from the moaning "uu-aa-uu" sound the bird makes at night in its burrow during nesting season. This call is also given in flight. This endemic species is listed as endangered by the USFWS. Feral cats and the alien mongoose prey upon nesting birds and have drastically reduced its numbers. Until recently, the most well-known colony was at the summit of Haleakalā, but a new, rather large colony has been discovered on the high slopes of Lāna`i. It is also know to nest on Kaua`i. It is very dark above and white below. The white extends up on to the forehead. The wings are narrow and long. It is strictly pelagic and rarely see from shore. When seen flying overhead at dusk on its way inland, it looks very much like a very large bat.