Midway Atoll National Wildlife Refuge
Pacific Region
 

Birds of Midway Atoll

Laysan Duck / Anas laysanensis

photo of Laysan duck

Description

Laysan ducks are between 15 and 17 inches in length, are brown with a bright green-blue to purple speculum (the feathers on the secondary wing feathers), and have a white area of feathers around their eyes. The male duck has darker brown face, and the head sometimes is iridescent green. Males have a blue-green bill with black spots along the upper mandible (bill). The female usually has more white around the head and neck, and has a dull brownish yellow bill. Both sexes have orange legs and feet.

Laysan Duck
Photo credit: Jimmy Breeden/USGS

  

Midway Population

The endangered Laysan duck is considered the rarest native waterfowl in the United States. They once were widespread across the Hawaiian Islands, but by 1860, they ceased to exist anywhere except Laysan Island, part of the Hawaiian Islands National Wildlife Refuge. As part of an effort to ensure recovery of this endangered species, 42 wild ducks made a 750-mile Pacific voyage from Laysan to Midway Atoll in 2004 and 2005. The re-establishment of a second population at Midway reduces the risk of extinction from a catastrophic event stripping Laysan Island, such as a hurricane or avian disease. The translocations followed extensive habitat restoration at Midway. The Midway population has grown steadily with the population expanding to approximately 300 ducks in 2008.

Feeding Habits

The ducks are primarily insect feeders, but may also feed on leaves and seeds.

Breeding

Nests are built on the ground under thick vegetation where four to six pale ivory eggs are laid.
Last updated: May 21, 2009