Numenius tahitiensis | bristle-thighed curlew | kioea
Regular Migrant
Other Names: kiowea
The kioea, or bristle-thighed curlew, is found in small numbers wintering throughout tropical Pacific islands. It wasn’t until 1949 that their breeding grounds near the mouth of the Yukon river in Alaska was found. Their world population is less than 10,000. Since they don’t breed until their third or fourth summer, a remnant population can be found in Hawaii year round. During their winter molt in Hawaiʻi, kioea lose their ability to fly making them extremely vulnerable to humans and predators.
Hotspots for bristle-thighed curlew
- Keālia Pond National Wildlife Refuge | Details for Keālia Pond National Wildlife Refuge
- Kanahā Pond State Wildlife Sanctuary | Details for Kanahā Pond State Wildlife Sanctuary
- Keāhole Point | Details for Keāhole Point
Keālia Pond National Wildlife Refuge
Coastal Wetland









Kanahā Pond State Wildlife Sanctuary
Coastal Wetland


Keāhole Point
Open Ocean


