Nihoa Millerbird Receives Hawaiian Name

Endangered and endemic ulūlu (Nihoa Millerbird) perched on ʻāweoweo (Chenopodium oahuense), a plant endemic to the Hawaiian Islands. Credit: Robby Kohley/USFWS

The Nihoa Millerbird, an endangered terrestrial bird species living exclusively within Papahānaumokuākea Marine National Monument (PMNM), has been given a Hawaiian name. Developed by PMNM’s Native Hawaiian Cultural Working Group, the name reflects Hawaiian cultural perspectives of this bird as well as its characteristics and behaviors.

Adult ulūlu niau (Nihoa Millerbird living on Laysan Island). Credit: Robby Kohley/USFWS

Endangered and endemic ulūlu (Nihoa Millerbird) in flight. Credit: Robby Kohley/USFWS

The Nihoa Millerbird, endemic to the island of Nihoa, was named ulūlu. It was given this name, which means “growing things,” with the hope that its population will continue to grow in the coming years. For more information, click here.

An ulūlu niau (Nihoa Millerbird living on Laysan Island) sits on a branch of naupaka, a Hawaiian beach shrub. Credit: Robby Kohley/USFWS

In 2011 and 2012, a small number of ulūlu were translocated from Nihoa to Laysan Island to improve the long-term survival of the species and to fill a gap in Laysan’s ecosystem that was once filled by the now-extinct Laysan Millerbird.

The subset of Nihoa Millerbirds translocated to Laysan Island were named ulūlu niau. During transport on the second translocation, the 650 miles of ocean that separated the two islands were uncharacteristically calm, thus inspiring the name ulūlu niau – niau meaning “moving smoothly, swiftly, silently, and peacefully; flowing or sailing thus.” For more information, click here.

This ulūlu niau (Nihoa Millerbird living on Laysan Island) is the first Millerbird fledgling on Laysan in nearly 100 years. Credit: Robby Kohley/USFWS

Developing new Hawaiian names for species in Papahānaumokuākea that have either lost or never had a Hawaiian name is an important step towards honoring Hawaiian traditions and maintaining a living culture in the Hawaiian Islands.

See more pictures

Watch the Millerbird translocation project video

Read the Press Release