What happened to the Mallards that found their way to the Hawaiian Islands long, long ago? They became their own species! The Hawaiian Duck is also known as KOLOA. Wild populations are still found on Kaua段, especially in the National Wildlife Refuges.
At first glance, these Birds look like small, dark hen Mallards. This is, however, a drake Koloa. Hanalei NWR. Kaua段, HI. USA. March-2004. Canon EOS-10D, EF 100-400mm F4.5-5.6L IS USM Lens. ISO 800, Evaluative metering.
Here is the female, a bit paler. Hanalei NWR. Kaua段, HI. USA. March-2004. Canon EOS-10D, EF 100-400mm F4.5-5.6L IS USM Lens. ISO 800, Evaluative metering.
A drake in the irrigation ditch near the Taro fields. Hanalei NWR. Kaua段, HI. USA. March-2004. Canon EOS-10D, EF 100-400mm F4.5-5.6L IS USM Lens. ISO 800, Evaluative metering.
Hanalei NWR. Kaua段, HI. USA. March-2004. Canon EOS-10D, EF 100-400mm F4.5-5.6L IS USM Lens. ISO 800, Evaluative metering.
Here is the pair together, unfortunately the foreground female is dabbling. Note how she is paler next to the adjacent male. Hanalei NWR. Kaua段, HI. USA. March-2004. Canon EOS-10D, EF 100-400mm F4.5-5.6L IS USM Lens. ISO 800, Evaluative metering.