U.S. Shorebird Conservation Plan

U.S. Pacific Islands Regional 

Shorebird Conservation Plan

Andrew Engilis, Jr. Maura Naughton

UnitedStates

Shorebird Conservation Plan
For Additional Copies or Information, Contact:

Shorebird Programs Coordinator

U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service 

Migratory Birds and Habitat Programs 

911 NE 11th Avenue

Portland, Oregon 97232

Phone: 503-231-6164 

Fax: 503-231-2019

http://migratorybirds.pacific.fws.gov/reports.htm

Author Contact Information:

Andrew Engilis, Jr.

Museum Curator

Museum of Wildlife and Fish Biology 

Dept. of Wildlife, Fish, and Conservation Biology 

One Shields Avenue, University of California, Davis 

Davis, California 95616

Phone: 530-752-0364

Fax: 530-752-0364

e-mail: aengilisjr@ucdavis.edu

Maura Naughton 

Regional Seabird Biologist

U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service 

Migratory Birds and Habitat Programs 

911 NE 11th Avenue

Portland, Oregon 97232

Phone: 503-231-6164

Fax: 503-231-2019

e-mail: maura_naughton@fws.gov

Recommended Citation:

Engilis, Jr., A. and Naughton, M. 2004. U.S. Pacific 

Islands Regional Shorebird Conservation Plan. U.S. 

Shorebird Conservation Plan. U.S. Department of 

the Interior, Fish and Wildlife Service. Portland, 

Oregon.

Contributors and Acknowledgements:

Numerous individuals and programs have helped support the development of this plan. Initial planning 

efforts were undertaken at a meeting in Honolulu, Hawai`i, 27 July 2001. The following participated at 

that meeting or were helpful in providing initial comments on the plan’s direction and objectives: David 

Smith, Ron Bachman, and Tom Telfer (Hawai`i Division of Forestry and Wildlife); Sharon Reilly and Kim 

Uyehara (Ducks Unlimited); Mike Ord (Hawaii Audubon); Bob Pyle (Bishop Museum); Mark Rauzon 

(Marine Endeavors); Diane Drigot (Marine Corps Base Hawai`i); and, Beth Flint, Mike Nishimoto, Mike 

Silbernagle, Nancy Hoffman, Tony Palermo, Ronald Walker, Chris Swenson, and Karen Evans (U.S. Fish 

and Wildlife Service). Many thanks to the following for insights into species accounts and establishing 

species objectives: Oscar “Wally” Johnson - Pacific Golden-Plover (Montana State University); Jeff Marks 

- Bristle-thighed Curlew (University of Montana); and, Robert Gill - Wandering Tattler and Bristle-thighed 

Curlew (USGS, Alaska Biological Science Center). Several people assisted in drafting and reviewing 

regional summaries, objectives, and seasonal patterns. Hawaiian Islands: Carol Terry and Paul Conry 

(Hawai`i Division of Forestry and Wildlife), Karen Evans and Eric Van der Werf, (U.S. Fish and Wildlife 

Service), Reginald E. David, Robert L. Pyle, and Kim Uyehara; Mariana Islands: Justine B. de Cruz 

(CNMI Department of Fish and Wildlife, Saipan), Gary J. Wiles, retired (Division of Aquatic and Wildlife 

Resources, Guam Department of Agriculture), Michael Lusk and Leilani Takano (U.S. Fish and Wildlife 

Service); American Samoa: Holly Freifeld (U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service) and Mark Rauzon; Central 

Pacific Islands: Beth Flint, Chris Depkin, and Lindsey Hayes (U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service) and Mark 

Rauzon. Our thanks also to the following for reviewing drafts of the plan: Holly Freifeld, Robert Gill, Rick 

Lanctot, Sue Thomas, Kim Uyehara, and Eric Van der Werf. Thanks for the assistance of Irene E. Torres 

(Museum of Wildlife and Fish Biology, U.C. Davis), and Carla Kishinami and Robert L. Pyle (Bishop 

Museum). Data from Internet sites and databases were instrumental in compiling seasonal patterns and 

assessing population trends. These sources included: National Audubon Society Christmas Count Database, 

Bishop Museum SIGHTINGS Database, CNMI surveys from the CNMI Department of Fish and Wildlife, 

personal records of A. Engilis, Jr. and Anthony McCafferty, and project databases from Ducks Unlimited, 

Inc. Maps were provided by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service. Photos were generously donated by: 

Andrew Engilis, Jr., Jack Jeffrey, Jim Denny, Anthony McCafferty, Peter LaTourrette (www.birdphotogra

phy.com), Mike Danzenbaker, the Hawai`i Tourist Industry, Bishop Museum Archives, and U. S. Fish and 

Wildlife Service. Document preparation assistance: Sue Thomas and Nick Haldeman. Technical writing and 

desktop publishing provided by Michelle Whalen (U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service).

Cover photo:

Pacific Golden-Plover © Jack Jeffrey
U.S. Pacific Islands 

Regional Shorebird 

Conservation Plan

U.S. Shorebird Conservation Plan

November 2004

Andrew Engilis, Jr. 1

Maura Naughton 2

1 Museum of Wildlife and Fish Biology, University of California, Davis, California

2 U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, Migratory Birds and Habitat Programs, Portland, Oregon 
 U.S. Pacific Islands Shorebird Conservation Plan 3

US Pacific Islands 

Table of Contents

U. S. Pacific Islands Executive Summary ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------6

Introduction----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------7

Description of the U.S. Pacific Islands (USPI) --------------------------------------------------------------------------------8

 Shorebird Habitats in the USPI-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------8

 Wetland Habitats--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------9

 Upland Habitats ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 10

Occurrence Patterns and Regional Species Priorities --------------------------------------------------------------------- 11

Species of Primary Importance in the Region --------------------------------------------------------------------------- 12

Species of Importance in the Region--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 14

Species of Secondary Importance in the Region ------------------------------------------------------------------------ 14

Species of Limited Importance in the Region---------------------------------------------------------------------------- 15

 Importance of the USPI to Asian Shorebird Populations --------------------------------------------------------- 15

Conservation Priorities for the U. S. Pacific Islands ----------------------------------------------------------------------- 16

Species Objectives -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 16

Monitoring Priorities----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 16

Research Priorities ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 16

Management Priorities -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 16

Outreach and Education------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 17

Implementation and Coordination ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ 17

Hawaiian Islands Subregion------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ 19

Description of the Subregion ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 19

 Main Hawaiian Islands -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 19

 Northwestern Hawaiian Islands -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 20

Shorebird Habitat Use -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 20

 Northwestern Hawaiian Islands ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 23

 Ni`ihau ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ 23

 Kaua`i-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 23

 O`ahu -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 24

 Maui Nui ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 25

 Hawai`i ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ 26

Shorebird Species--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 26

Hawaiian Subregional Population Goals----------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 27

Hawaiian Subregional Habitat Status, Threats and Management Goals------------------------------------------ 27

 Tidal Flats and Estuaries ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 27

 Playas and Ephemeral Basins ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 28

 Permanent, Semi-permanent Wetlands-------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 28

 Managed Water Projects (primary purpose is not wildlife related)--------------------------------------------- 28

 Sand Beach and Dunes ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 29

 Grasslands -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 29

 Rocky Shoreline/Offshore Islets----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 30

Predator Control---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 30

Monitoring Priorities----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 30

Research Priorities ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 30
 4 U.S. Pacific Islands Shorebird Conservation Plan

US Pacific Islands 

Hawaiian Islands Subregion Continued

Education Priorities ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 31

Implementation and Coordination ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ 31

Mariana Islands Subregion ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 33

Description of the Subregion ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 33

Shorebird Habitats ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 33

 Wetlands of Importance to Shorebirds--------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 33 

 Tidal Flats, Beaches and Rocky Shoreline of Importance to Shorebirds-------------------------------------- 34

 Grasslands and Open Spaces of Importance to Shorebirds------------------------------------------------------- 35

Shorebird Species--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 35

Mariana Islands Subregional Population and Habitat Goals --------------------------------------------------------- 37

Mariana Islands Subregional Habitat Status, Threats, and Management Goals-------------------------------- 37

 Wetlands----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 37

 Tidal Flats, Beaches, and Mangrove Estuaries---------------------------------------------------------------------- 37

 Agricultural Lands---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 38

Predator Control---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 38

Monitoring Priorities----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 38

Research Priorities ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 38 

Education Priorities ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ 39

Implementation and Coordination ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ 39

American Samoa Subregion ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ 41

Description of the Subregion ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 41

Shorebird Habitats ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 42

 Wetlands and Enclosed Lagoons ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 42

 Beaches and Rocky Shorelines------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 42

 Estuaries, Littoral Forests, Mangroves, Flats----------------------------------------------------------------------- 42

 Grasslands of Importance to Shorebirds ------------------------------------------------------------------------------ 42

Shorebird Species--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 43

American Samoa Subregional Population and Habitat Goals -------------------------------------------------------- 43

Habitat Status, Threats, and Management Goals----------------------------------------------------------------------- 43

Monitoring Priorities----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 44

Research Priorities ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 44

Education Priorities ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ 44

Implementation and Coordination ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ 44

Central Pacific Islands Subregion ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 45

Description of the Subregion ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 45

Shorebird Habitats ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 45

 Wetlands of Importance to Shorebirds--------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 45

 Beaches of Importance to Shorebirds---------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 45

 Margins of Lagoons--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 45
 U.S. Pacific Islands Shorebird Conservation Plan 5

US Pacific Islands 

Central Pacific Islands Subregion Continued

Shorebird Species--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 46

Central Pacific Islands Subregional Population and Habitat Goals------------------------------------------------- 46

Habitat Status, Threats, and Management Goals----------------------------------------------------------------------- 46

Monitoring Priorities----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 47

Research Priorities ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 47

Education Priorities ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ 47

Implementation and Coordination ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ 47

Appendices --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 49

Appendix 1. United States Shorebird Conservation Plan - Executive Summary (from Brown et al. 2001) ----------49

Appendix 2. Scientific Names of Species -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 51

Appendix 3. U.S. Pacific Islands Covered in the USPI Shorebird Conservation Plan----------------------------- 53 

Appendix 4. Status and Regional Occurrence of Shorebirds in the U.S.P.I.------------------------------------------ 55

Appendix 5. Shorebird Species Conservation Priorities (from Brown et al. 2000)---------------------------------- 58

References --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 63

List of Figures

Figure 1. U. S. Pacific Islands-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------7

Figure 2. Routes of Migration used by Shorebirds in the Pacific Ocean---------------------------------------------- 11

Figure 3. Hawaiian Islands Subregion---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 19

Figure 4. Shorebird Counts on Wetland Complexes of O`ahu’s Kahuku Plain ------------------------------------- 21

Figure 5. Hawaiian Stilts in Aquaculture and Waste Ponds vs. Natural Wetlands, Kona Coast, HI----------- 22

Figure 6. Shorebird Decline Since the Collapse of the O`ahu Sugar Mill in Early 1990s ------------------------ 22

Figure 7. Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands, Subregion --------------------------------------------- 33

Figure 8. Seasonal Variation in Wetland Sites on Rota, 2000 – 2002--------------------------------------------------- 34

Figure 9. Monthly Variation in Wetland/Wading Bird Counts on Saipan, 1999 – 2002 ---------------------------- 36

Figure 10. Seasonal Variation in Numbers of Shorebirds along Saipan’s Coasts ----------------------------------- 36

Figure 11. American Samoa------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ 41

List of Tables

Table 1. Shorebirds of Primary Conservation Importance in the U.S. Pacific Islands---------------------------- 10

Table 2. Migratory Shorebird Totals from the Hawaiian Island Christmas Counts Conducted in 2000 ---------- 15

Table 3. Farmland Acreage in the Hawaiian Islands (includes crops and pasture) -------------------------------- 20

Table 4. Summary of Birds Counted (mean) on Pearl Harbor Tidal Flats Sept. – Dec. 1945-------------------- 21

Table 5. Shorebird Surveys of Moloka`i’s South Coast, 1995 – 1996 -------------------------------------------------- 26

Table 6. Shorebirds Recorded on the 2000 Christmas Counts, Guam, Saipan, and Rota------------------------- 35

Table 7. Characteristics of Primary Islands in Central Pacific Island Subregion ---------------------------------- 45
 6 U.S. Pacific Islands Shorebird Conservation Plan

US Pacific Islands 

The U.S. Pacific Islands (USPI) often are overlooked 

as an important region for shorebirds largely due 

to their isolation, the vast expanse of ocean they 

occupy, and their small land base. However, the 

USPI support a surprising number of birds and 

are important in maintenance of global shorebird 

populations. The USPI occur in an area that 

stretches 5,000 mi (9,265 km) from east to west 

across the Pacific Ocean and 3,000 mi (5,559 km) 

from north to south. The U.S. islands in this area 

include the Hawaiian Islands, Guam and the 

Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands, 

Wake Island, Johnston Atoll, Baker and Howland 

islands (in the Phoenix Island group), Jarvis Island, 

Kingman Reef, and Palmyra Atoll (in the Line Island 

group), and the islands of American Samoa. 

The USPI are home to one endemic shorebird, 

the endangered Hawaiian Stilt, and are important 

wintering areas for three species of HolarcticNearctic breeders: the Bristle-thighed Curlew, 

Pacific Golden-Plover, and Wandering Tattler. The 

majority of these species’ populations overwinter 

in the Pacific Islands, and these islands are critical 

to the maintenance of these birds. The USPI also 

are important, though to a lesser degree, for the 

Ruddy Turnstone. These four species are common 

in winter and widespread across the Pacific. Other 

species occur in lower numbers, but are regular 

winter visitors. These include the Black-bellied 

Plover, Sanderling, Long-billed Dowitcher, Dunlin, 

Pectoral Sandpiper, Lesser Yellowlegs, Sharp-tailed 

Sandpiper, and Bar-tailed Godwit. The Mariana 

Islands support these and several Asian breeders 

including: Asiatic Whimbrel, Grey-tailed Tattler, 

Mongolian Plover, Wood Sandpiper, Common 

Sandpiper, and Red-necked Stint. 

This plan also addresses another Pacific endemic 

species, the Tuamotu Sandpiper. This diminutive, 

non-migratory sandpiper, listed as endangered by 

the IUCN – The World Conservation Union, was 

once widespread throughout the central Pacific, 

but has been extirpated from much of its former 

breeding range and now is restricted to five small 

atolls in the Tuamotu Archipelago. Although it does 

not currently occur on any USPI, predator-free 

islands under U.S. jurisdiction could be important to 

recovery efforts.

Modern threats to shorebirds in the region 

include: urban, industrial, military, agricultural, 

and recreational development (loss of habitat); 

introduction of invasive, non-native plants 

(degradation of habitat) and non-native animals 

(predation, disease, competition); human disturbance; 

and contaminants (sewage discharge, oil spills, 

radioactive wastes, pesticides). Conservation and 

restoration of shorebird habitats in the USPI is a 

growing effort and essential for the protection of 

endangered and declining shorebird populations. 

Wetlands, beach strand, coastal forests, and 

mangrove habitats are particularly vulnerable 

on Pacific islands due to increasing development 

pressures and already limited acreage. Modified 

habitats, such as pastures, urban grass parks, and 

golf courses provide habitat for wintering shorebird 

species across the Pacific Islands.

There is little published literature on the status, 

trends, and ecology of wintering shorebirds in the 

Pacific. Basic information such as seasonal status, 

distribution, abundance, important migration stopover 

locations, and habitat requirements is lacking.

Monitoring and research needs include: assessment 

of population sizes and trends; assessment of the 

timing and abundance of birds at key wintering and 

migration stopover sites; assessment of habitat use 

and requirements at wintering and migration areas; 

exploration of the geographic linkages between 

wintering, stopover and breeding areas; and 

evaluation of habitat restoration and management 

techniques to meet the needs of resident and 

migratory species. 

Education and public outreach are critical 

components of this plan. Expanding public 

understanding of the importance of migratory 

shorebirds as a component of the USPI avifauna 

and the need to protect these species, is a primary 

challenge.

The logistics of a coordinated effort across 

the Pacific are complex. Coordination must be 

undertaken within the political framework of each 

island group. Resource management agencies of 

Federal, Territorial, Commonwealth, and State 

governments will need to work together with 

military agencies, non-governmental organizations, 

and the scientific community. Implementation 

must be coordinated with ongoing recovery efforts 

for species listed under the Endangered Species 

Act (ESA), such as the Hawaiian Stilt and other 

Pacific Island waterbirds. The USPI plan is closely 

linked to the Alaskan Shorebird Conservation Plan 

and coordinating activities will ensure mutually 

beneficial and complementary efforts. On a larger 

scale, coordination at the international level will be 

key to the conservation of vulnerable species, both 

migratory and resident.

U. S. Pacific Islands Executive Summary
 U.S. Pacific Islands Shorebird Conservation Plan 7

US Pacific Islands 

Introduction

The U.S. Pacific Islands Regional Shorebird 

Conservation Plan is one of eleven regional 

plans developed as part of the U.S. Shorebird 

Conservation Plan (Brown et al. 2001, Appendix 1). 

Total landmass of the USPI is approximately 7,000 

mi2 (18,200 km2) spread across millions of square 

miles of ocean. These islands provide essential 

habitat for four species of shorebirds. Pacific 

Golden-Plover (see Appendix 2 for scientific names), 

Bristle-thighed Curlew, and Wandering Tattler 

migrate thousands of miles, non-stop over open 

ocean, from breeding grounds in Alaska and Siberia 

to wintering grounds in Hawai`i and islands farther 

south. Hawaiian Stilt, endemic to the main islands 

of Hawai`i, is the only breeding shorebird in the 

Region. 

Shorebirds face increasing threats to their 

existence, such as habitat loss and degradation, 

contaminants, invasive species, and introduced 

predators. In this plan we:

- Describe habitats that shorebirds utilize, 

- Describe the shorebird community and focus on

 the species of greatest importance and

 conservation need, 

- Identify the threats to shorebirds and their

 habitats, and 

- Outline conservation goals for management,

 monitoring, research, and outreach. 

The USPI are divided into four subregions. Following 

a general overview of the Region as a whole, each of 

the subregions is covered in greater detail.

FIGURE 1. U.S. Pacific Islands

Phoenix Islands (Kiri s (Kiribati)

0 500

Mariana

Islands

Guam

Yap

Palau

Federated States 

of Micronesia

Chuuk

Pohnpei

Kosrae

Wake Atoll

Midway Atoll

Northwestern 

Hawaiian 

Islands

Johnston 

Atoll

Hawaiian Islands

Kaua'i

O'ahu

Maui

Hawai'i

Marshall Islands Kingman Reef

Pamyra Atoll

Howland 

Island

Baker 

Island

Jarvis Island

Line 

 Islands

Papua 

 New Guinea

Solomon 

Islands

Nauru

Gilbert Islands

(Kiribati)

Vanuatu Fiji

Western 

Samoa American 

Samoa

Rose Atoll

Miles

Society Islands Australia

Japan
 8 U.S. Pacific Islands Shorebird Conservation Plan

US Pacific Islands 

Description of the U.S. Pacific 

Islands 

This plan covers only those Pacific islands under the 

jurisdiction of the United States (Figure 1, Appendix 

3). These islands, which include Hawai`i, American 

Samoa, the Marianas, and seven islands/ atolls in the 

central Pacific, are scattered over a vast region. With 

the possible exception of the Hawaiian Islands, our 

knowledge of shorebirds in this region is poor, and 

this plan draws heavily on unpublished information 

regarding the status and populations of shorebirds 

in the region. For the purposes of this plan, the 

USPI are divided into four subregions: Hawaiian 

Islands, Mariana Islands, American Samoa, and 

Central Pacific Islands. Shorebird habitats vary 

within each subregion and are mostly dependent on 

the size and type of island and the history of human 

occupation. 

There are three basic types of islands in the USPI: 

1. Volcanic basalt islands, built from the seafloor, 

 often are large and high enough to support a

 variety of habitats along gradients of elevation,

 temperature, and precipitation. The high islands

 of Hawai`i and American Samoa are examples of

 volcanic islands.

2. Low coralline islands are the product of coral reef

 growth on ancient, submerged volcanic platforms,

 and typically are small, sandy islands or atolls with 

 one or more emergent islets (motus). These

 islands typically have limited habitat diversity,

 little or no fresh water, and may have lagoons

 or saline lakes. The northwestern or leeward

 Hawaiian Islands and the islands of the central

 Pacific subregion are examples of low coralline

 islands.

3. Raised limestone islands are ancient coral reefs

 lifted above sea level by tectonic activity. These

 islands typically are composed of generally flat

 terraces separated by steep cliffs. Coastal areas

 may harbor wetlands. The southern Mariana

 Islands are examples of raised limestone islands.

One common component of all islands is that land 

area, and thus suitable habitats for shorebirds, is 

limited. Volcanic islands make up over 99 percent of 

the land area in the USPI, and human populations 

are concentrated on volcanic or raised limestone 

islands because of their relatively large size and 

fresh water sources, and strategic position. Many 

of the low coralline islands are uninhabited, though 

none have escaped human alterations. 

Shorebird Habitats in the USPI

In the USPI, shorebirds utilize a variety of habitats, 

many of which differ from those frequented by 

continental wintering populations. For example, 

Wandering Tattler uses rocky shorelines almost 

exclusively during winter along the Pacific Coast of 

North America. In the USPI, tattlers can be found in 

a variety of habitats including grassy areas, forests, 

mudflats, coral reefs, and rocky coast (HAS 1997). 

In the USPI, four habitats are predominately used: 

estuaries, other wetlands, beaches, and grasslands. 

More specifically, tidal flats, estuaries, exposed reefs, 

freshwater and salt marshes, ephemeral wetlands, 

ephemeral playas, and aquaculture wetlands (taro, 

shrimp, and rice) support the highest diversity of 

shorebirds. Grasslands such as grazed pastures, 

lowland grasslands, golf courses, edges of runways, 

and urban parks are important for Pacific GoldenPlovers in particular. Beaches include coral and 

volcanic sands, and associated dune systems. 

Beaches provide important habitat for curlews, 

turnstones, Sanderlings, and to a lesser degree, 

golden-plovers. Unique to American Samoa and 

Palmyra are littoral forests that support a surprising 

number of curlews, golden-plovers and tattlers. 

This latter habitat is more fully addressed in the 

American Samoa subregion discussion. Shorebirds 

have been documented to use mangrove forests, but 

to what degree remains unclear.
 U.S. Pacific Islands Shorebird Conservation Plan 9

US Pacific Islands 

Wetland Habitats

The USPI wetlands (that support shorebirds) can be 

categorized into the following types (follows Polhemus et 

al. 1992). 

Seasonal Lowland Wetlands & Ephemeral Playas. Large 

basins that flood from winter rains and dry through 

evapotranspiration. They behave similarly to playas of 

the Intermountain West of North America and exhibit 

alkali soils. Common on the islands of Hawai`i, Ni`ihau, 

Maui, Moloka`i, and O`ahu. Important habitat for 

Hawaiian Stilt and all migratory species.

Seasonal Lowland Wetlands (Ephemeral Freshwater 

Marshes). Freshwater vegetated wetlands that flood 

during the winter rainy season and dry in summer 

(or after monsoon rains). They are common in coastal 

areas of the main Hawaiian Islands, American Samoa, 

and Guam. Used by stilt (Hawai`i only), and to a lesser 

degree by golden-plover and turnstone.

Lowland Freshwater Marshes. Permanent freshwater 

wetlands characterized by emergent vegetation and 

permanent water. Many are badly degraded by nonnative, invasive plant species and altered hydrology. 

These wetlands occur primarily in coastal springs and 

river valleys. Associated with the high islands of Hawai`i, 

Marianas and American Samoa. Kawainui Marsh and 

Punamano Pond, O`ahu, are examples. If in a hemimarsh state (50 percent interspersion of vegetation to 

open water) or more open, can be important for several 

species including stilt, golden-plover, and turnstone. 

Lowland Saline Marshes. Saline wetlands dominated 

by emergent vegetation including pickleweed (Batis 

maritima) and various sedges. Examples include Kealia 

and Kanaha ponds, Maui and Agana Marsh, Guam. 

Saline marshes are among the most important habitat 

in the islands for migrant shorebirds and are critical for 

Hawaiian Stilt.

Estuaries. Nearshore waters in natural basins at 

the ocean interface, fed by water from perennial 

stream runoff. Characterized by brackishwater species of plants such as pickleweeds 

and mangroves. Vegetated areas often higher 

in elevation and provide roost sites for migrant 

shorebirds. Associated mudflats are important 

shorebird habitat throughout USPI. Examples 

include Pearl Harbor and Kaneohe Bay, 

O`ahu; Pago Pago Harbor and Nu`uuli Pala, 

American Samoa; and coves on Guam. Most 

have been seriously degraded by development, 

contaminants, and introduced plant species. 

Historically widely used by large numbers of 

migrant shorebirds and stilts; less use now 

due to habitat loss and degradation and, in the 

Hawaiian Islands, introduction of mangroves.

Coastal Mudflats. Exposed at low tide usually 

on older islands with runoff that deposits 

silt. Examples include the south shores of 

Moloka`i and O`ahu. Golden-plovers, tattlers, 

Sanderlings, and turnstones are common on 

these flats at low tide. 

Artificial Freshwater Habitats. Manmade 

wetlands, not managed for waterbirds 

specifically, provide perennial or seasonal water 

and sometimes harbor emergent vegetation 

similar to natural wetlands (e.g., reservoirs, 

ponds used for aquaculture, mariculture, and 

wastewater treatment). All common shorebirds 

can be found on these wetlands in varying 

diversity and abundance. On some islands, 

these are the only wetlands available.

Kailua Beach 

Park, O`ahu, 

Hawai`i, typical 

main island beach 

habitat. Photo by 

A. Engilis, Jr.
 10 U.S. Pacific Islands Shorebird Conservation Plan

US Pacific Islands 

Lagoons. Saline lagoons, ponds, and lakes of Pacific 

islands and atolls. Vary in depth from a few feet to 

several hundred feet. Shallow margins can support 

emergent vegetation, sandy beaches, and prolific 

invertebrate blooms. Examples of closed lagoons 

include the lake on Laysan, in the Northwestern 

Hawaiian Islands and Swains Lagoon, American 

Samoa. Important for golden plovers, turnstones, 

and tattlers. The open lagoons typical of atolls 

provide less habitat for shorebirds, except along 

sandy margins.

Beaches. Coral beaches are typical of atolls, small 

islets, and the eroded shorelines of main islands. 

Typically they are sparsely vegetated and exposed 

to surf action. Some beaches on younger islands are 

comprised of basalt sands (e.g., Island of Hawai`i). 

This is a widespread habitat that is important for 

curlews and turnstones, as well as other species of 

shorebirds throughout the USPI.

Other wetlands of less importance to shorebirds 

include: upland marshes, upland bogs, riverine 

systems, lowland saline swamps, anchialine pools, 

and lacustrine ecosystems (lakes and ponds).

Upland Habitats

Upland habitats important for shorebirds in the 

USPI can be categorized into the following types 

(follows Wagner et al. 1990).

Coastal Dry Grasslands. Found mostly on low, eroded 

islands and atolls, also some high islands. Comprised 

of several species of bunch and rhizominous grasses, 

intermixed with sandy soils. Important for numerous 

species of wintering shorebirds, including turnstone 

and Bristle-thighed Curlew. 

Lowland Mesic Grasslands. Moderately wet 

grasslands, managed as pasture. Widespread 

throughout the Pacific Islands in association with 

ranching and other agricultural practices. Widely 

used by golden-plover in winter.

Montane Mesic/Wet Grasslands. Wet to very wet 

(dominated by hydric species of emergents) found on 

high, windward sides of islands above 2,000 feet

(610 m). Most common on Maui and Hawai`i. Important 

for golden-plover and to lesser degree turnstone. 

Coastal Dry Herblands. Associated with leeward 

coastal habitats found on dune systems and 

associated uplands. Characterized by sparse 

shrubs mixed with grasses. Found predominately 

on larger islands with older, more eroded coastal 

plains. Examples include Kahuku Plain, O`ahu 

and Mo`omomi Dunes, Moloka`i. Important for 

golden-plovers and curlews. Many offshore islets 

(particularly off of O`ahu) are characterized by this 

habitat and provide important overnight roost sites 

for shorebirds.

Urban Grasses and Parks. Large grass parks, golf 

courses, recreational fields, cemeteries, military 

antenna fields, mowed grass along runways, 

and urban lawns. These lawns are all generally 

maintained at a low height and provide excellent 

foraging habitat for golden-plovers. During rainy 

periods, other species often forage or roost, 

including turnstones, tattlers, and Hawaiian Stilt.

Littoral Forests. Littoral forests are coastal habitats 

dominated by Pandanus spp., Pisonia grandis, and 

Barrintonia spp. The dominant tree is determined 

by soils and climate. The understory is relatively 

open and is a favored habitat for golden-plovers, 

tattlers, and turnstones. At one time a common 

habitat in the Pacific, but human alteration of island 

landscapes has limited this forest type. Still present 

in small patches in American Samoa and Palmyra Atoll.

TABLE 1. Shorebirds of Primary Conservation Importance in the U.S. Pacific Islands. 

 Species Population 

Trend 

Area

Importance2

Conservation Category 

Pacific Golden-Plover Unknown 5 High Concern 

Hawaiian Stilt Stable 5 Highly Imperiled 

Bristle-thighed Curlew Unknown 5 High Concern 

Wandering Tattler Unknown 4 Moderate Concern 

Ruddy Turnstone Unknown 3 Low Concern 

1

Ranking Criteria follows the U.S. Shorebird Conservation Plan (Brown et al. 2001) (Appendix 5). 2 Importance of the region to U. S. shorebird populations: Area of high importance, supporting hemispheric populations (5); Area

of high importance especially within the flyway (4); Area is within the primary range of the species but birds present in low 

abundance relative to other areas (3). (Appendix 5) 
 U.S. Pacific Islands Shorebird Conservation Plan 11

US Pacific Islands 

FIGURE 2. Routes of migration used by shorebirds in the Pacific Ocean (reprinted from Baker 1953)

Occurrence Patterns and 

Regional Species Priorities 

Sixty-eight species of shorebirds have been recorded 

in the USPI (Appendix 4). Most occur as vagrants or 

annually in very small numbers. However, the region 

does support hemispherically significant populations 

of three migrants: Pacific Golden-Plover, Bristlethighed Curlew, and Wandering Tattler. In addition, 

the USPI supports relatively large populations of 

Ruddy Turnstone. The endemic Hawaiian Stilt is 

the only shorebird currently breeding in the USPI. 

Table 1 summarizes the conservation status of these 

five species, based on criteria established by the U.S. 

Shorebird Conservation Plan (criteria definitions are 

attached as Appendix 5). The Tuamotu Sandpiper 

has not been documented from the USPI, but the 

type specimen was collected from nearby Kiritimati 

(Christmas) Island, in the Line Islands (Pratt et al. 

1987). Further investigation might yield additional 

historical records from Palmyra and Jarvis (also in 

the Line Islands) or other Central Pacific islands. 

The specific breeding origin of winter shorebirds 

in each of the island groups is largely unknown for 

most species and most island groups. However, 

banding, radio telemetry, and morphometric studies 

have helped to elucidate breeding origins of goldenplovers, turnstones, and curlews that overwinter 

in the USPI (Woodward 1972, Ely and Clapp 1973, 

Johnson and Connors 1996, Marks et al. 2002, Gill et 

al. 2002). In general, islands of the western Pacific 

support more Palearctic nesting species, whereas 

the Hawaiian Islands support more Nearctic species. 

South of the equator, species diversity declines and 

Asian and North American nesting species are more 

homogeneously represented. The distribution of 

Bristle-thighed Curlew exemplifies this pattern. Its 

winter distribution is predominately in the islands 

of Hawai`i, Polynesia, and west to the Marshall 

Islands (Marks et al. 2002); i.e., they are accidental 

in the Carolines and Marianas. Similarly, Gray-tailed 

Tattler becomes more abundant and Wandering 

Tattler less abundant in the western Pacific. Rare 

species, occurring in Hawai`i are mostly of North 

American origin whereas the Marianas typically 

hosts Asian forms. The species composition for each 

of the USPI groups is listed in Appendix 4.

The migratory paths taken by shorebirds to the 

Pacific Islands are poorly known, but their long 

over-water flights are among the most spectacular 

of any migratory species. Bristle-thighed Curlews 

fly at least 4,000 kilometers non-stop between 

Alaska and Hawai`i. Wandering Tattlers can 

migrate more than 12,000 kilometers over mostly 

open ocean. Three flyways have been postulated 

and are supported by banding studies (Johnson and 

Conners 1996, Marks and Redmond 1994, Kuroda 

1961). Baker (1953) summarized these flyways as 

follows: Asiatic – Palauan Flyway (birds move from 

Asia to Western Pacific and Philippine Sea Islands), 

Japanese – Marianan Flyway (mostly Asian birds 

move through Japan into the Mariana Islands and 

Caroline Islands), Nearctic – Hawaiian Flyway 

(birds breeding in Alaska and Eastern Siberia 

[Beringia] move through Hawai`i to Marshalls and 

Polynesia) (Figure 2). Band recoveries, patterns of 

distribution, and species assemblages lend support 

to the existence of these flyways. 
 12 U.S. Pacific Islands Shorebird Conservation Plan

US Pacific Islands 

Hawaiian Stilt (Himantopus mexicanus knudseni). 

Photo: © Jack Jeffrey 

Kealia Pond NWR in fall, with ideal flooding conditions, provides critical coastal wetlands for migrant shorebirds. 

USFWS Photo

India, New Zealand, Australia, and northern Africa 

(Hayman et al. 1986, Johnson and Connors 1996). 

The Pacific Golden-Plover is the most abundant and 

ubiquitous shorebird throughout the USPI. The 

Alaskan breeding population (approximately 16,000 

birds [Morrison et al. 2001]) winters in the Hawaiian 

Islands, Marshall Islands, American Samoa, and 

some as far south as Victoria, Australia (Johnson 

and Connors 1996). Golden-plovers that breed 

in eastern Asia may overwinter in the Hawaiian 

Islands as well. Birds wintering in the Mariana 

Islands are assumed to breed in Siberia but the 

breeding origin of plovers wintering in American 

Samoa and the Central Pacific is still poorly 

understood. Turnover rates (number of individuals 

moving through a given region during a specific 

period of time) during migration are unknown, 

and radar studies suggest large movements of 

golden-plovers as they fly over Hawai`i and Guam 

(Williams and Williams 1988, Johnson and Conners 

1996). 

Species of Primary Importance in the

Region

Hawaiian Stilt. The Hawaiian Stilt is non-migratory 

and endemic to the main Hawaiian Islands, breeding 

on Ni`ihau, Kaua`i, O`ahu, Moloka`i, L na`i, Maui, 

and Hawai`i. It is the only breeding shorebird in 

the USPI. Estimates based on biannual waterbird 

surveys reveal that the population fluctuated 

between 1,200 and 1,600 birds from 1998 – 2003 

(average 1,350) (Engilis and Pratt 1993, Reed and 

Oring 1993, Reed et al. 1994, USFWS in prep.). 

Although this population has been stable for several 

decades, it remains at very low levels. The Hawaiian 

Stilt is currently listed as endangered by Federal 

and State endangered species acts. Populations are 

limited by declining habitat, poor quality of existing 

habitat, and predation by introduced vertebrates. 

Large coastal wetlands and ephemeral playas are 

important habitat for this species (USFWS 1999, 

Ducks Unlimited 1998). Recovery objectives are to 

maintain a stable population above 2,000 birds for 

10 years and to have viable breeding populations on 

Kaua`i, O`ahu, Moloka`i, Maui, and Hawai`i. The 

Hawaiian Stilt is part of a superspecies complex that 

includes Black-necked, Black-winged, White-headed, 

Black-backed, and Black Stilts. Recent genetic 

evidence suggests that it is most closely related to 

North American Black-necked Stilt (Fleischer and 

Macintosh 2001).

Pacific Golden-Plover. The Pacific Golden-Plover 

breeds in western Alaska and Siberia and winters 

throughout the Pacific Islands. Other wintering 

areas include the southern Pacific coast of the U.S. 

(small numbers), and the coasts of Southeast Asia, 
 U.S. Pacific Islands Shorebird Conservation Plan 13

US Pacific Islands 

Few attempts have been made to estimate the 

total wintering population in the USPI, even in the 

Hawaiian Islands where this species has received 

considerable attention. In the Hawaiian Islands, a 

conservative estimate ranges from 15,000 – 20,000. 

This estimate is based on Christmas bird counts 

(year 2000), and pastoral surveys on Maui and 

Hawai`i, extrapolated to suitable land base (Engilis, 

Jr. and K. A. Uyehara, unpublished data). Past 

estimates of 74,000 birds on the main Hawaiian 

Islands (Schwartz and Schwartz 1949) and 15,173 

on the island of O`ahu (Giffin and Medeiros upubl 

data) have been reported. Approximately 1,900 

birds have been estimated to winter on O`ahu golf 

courses (Johnson and Johnson 1993). Even at the 

lower estimate of 15,000 golden-plovers, Hawai`i 

supports a significant proportion of the Alaskan 

breeding population (Johnson and Connors 1996). 

Amerson et al. (1982) estimated 4,500 golden-plovers 

in American Samoa. Stinson et al. (1997b) estimated 

5,000 – 20,000 birds migrating through the Mariana 

Islands, with only a few thousand over-wintering. 

Scattered populations occur throughout the 

remainder of the USPI. 

Pacific Golden-Plovers are widespread across the 

region in any open habitat from beach strands to 

upland pastures. They prefer the large expanses of 

grasslands managed for grazing, residential, or even 

ornamental purposes, and these habitats are most 

abundant on large islands with established human 

populations. Golden-plovers are common on golf 

courses, parks, cemeteries, residential lawns, and 

grazed pastures. They also occur in good numbers 

on remote islands and atolls. This species supported 

a sport-hunting program in the Hawaiian Islands 

from before the turn of the 19th Century until 

hunting was banned in 1941 (Schwartz and Schwartz 

1949). We are unaware of golden-plovers currently 

being hunted in the USPI.

Pacific Golden-Plover (Pluvialis fulva). 

Photo: © P. LaTourrette

Bristle-thighed Curlew. The Bristle-thighed 

Curlew is the only migratory species whose entire 

wintering population is restricted to the islands of 

the Pacific (Hayman et al. 1986; Marks et al. 1990). 

The Northwestern Hawaiian Islands (NWHI) 

support roughly 800 birds. This represents 8 

percent of the estimated world population of 

10,000 birds (Brown et al. 2001; Morrison et al. 

2001). Micronesia (not entirely surveyed) supports 

another 1,200 birds (Marks and Redmond 1994). 

Further south the Tuamotu Islands are suspected 

to support the remaining bulk of the birds, with 

a few birds in the Cook and Marqueses islands 

(Marks and Redmond 1994, Marks et al. 2002) and 

low hundreds at Palmyra (B. Flint, USFWS, pers. 

comm.). In Micronesia, this species is widespread 

in the Marshall Islands but is only accidental in 

the eastern Caroline Islands and Mariana Islands. 

On the wintering grounds, maintenance of habitat 

and eradication/control of non-native mammals are 

essential actions required to protect this globally 

rare species. In addition, monitoring and interdiction 

are needed to ensure that mammals do not become 

established on remote islands used by curlews. 

This species is especially susceptible to human 

disturbance, and their molt-induced flightlessness on 

the wintering grounds (unique in shorebirds) makes 

them especially vulnerable to mammalian predators 

(Marks and Redmond 1994). Up to 50 percent of the 

population is flightless during prebasic molt (Marks 

et al. 1990). This species is identified as a Bird of 

Conservation Concern by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife 

Service (USFWS 2002), and is ranked Vulnerable 

by the IUCN (BirdLife International 2000). The 

South Pacific Regional Environmental Programme 

(SPREP) highlights the Bristle-thighed Curlew as 

a globally threatened species in need of regional 

action. Work in the USPI should be coordinated 

with efforts throughout Oceania.

 Bristle-thighed Curlew (Numenius tahitiensis). 

Photo: © Jack Jeffrey 
 14 U.S. Pacific Islands Shorebird Conservation Plan

US Pacific Islands 

Tuamotu Sandpiper: The lone survivor of an endemic 

genus of shorebirds, Tuamotu Sandpiper is among 

the world’s rarest birds with a total population 

of approximately 2,000 birds restricted to a few 

atolls of the Tuamotu Islands (Hayman et al. 1986, 

E. VanderWerf pers. comm.). Surveys in 2003 

documented two previously unknown populations 

on Tuamotu atolls (E. VanderWerf pers. comm.), 

but the overall population size for this species still is 

perilously small. Although its current range places 

the Tuamotu Sandpiper outside the scope of this 

plan, this species is mentioned here because of its 

greater historical range, including a population 

(extirpated) on Kiritimati in the Line Islands. To 

date, there is no evidence that this species occurred 

at Jarvis or Palmyra (also in the Line Islands) but 

strategies for its recovery include the identification 

of suitable, predator-free islands for translocation 

(BirdLife International 2000). USFWS has been 

very active over the past two decades removing 

introduced predators from isolated islands under its 

management. Eradication of mammalian predators 

from Jarvis Island recently has been completed, 

and efforts on Palmyra Atoll are planned. The U.S. 

should work with SPREP and other international 

organizations to include USPI in the evaluation 

of suitable translocation islands for the Tuamotu 

Sandpiper.

Species of Importance in the Region

Wandering Tattler: The Wandering Tattler is nowhere 

common but is ubiquitous throughout the USPI. 

The population is estimated at 10,000 – 25,000 birds 

(Gill et al. 2002). Predominantly a nearctic breeder, 

Wandering Tattlers breed in Alaska, northwest 

Canada, and less than 10 percent in the Russian 

Far East (Gill et al. 2002). During winter, they are 

solitary or occur in small groups of two to three 

birds throughout the Pacific Basin (Gill et al. 2002). 

The birds migrate and winter along continental 

coasts on both sides of the Pacific Basin but the main 

non-breeding area is Oceania, from Hawai`i south 

(Gill et al. 2002). In 2000, the Hawai`i Christmas 

Bird Counts yielded 163 birds in just a portion of 

the available habitat and it is estimated that the 

Hawaiian Islands support more than 1,000 wintering 

birds (Engilis, Jr. unpublished data). Amerson et al. 

(1982) estimated 900 Wandering Tattlers wintering 

in American Samoa. Hawai`i and American 

Samoa combined account for 8 – 19 percent of the 

wintering population. The Wandering Tattler is a 

regular component of the avifauna in the Central 

Pacific Islands but is uncommon in the Mariana 

Islands, being replaced in the western Pacific by 

the Gray-tailed Tattler (Stinson et al. 1997b). On 

their wintering grounds in the Pacific, Wandering 

Tattlers use a broader array of habitats than they 

do in coastal North America. The species is found 

on rocky coasts, exposed reefs, sandy beaches, and 

mudflats (Gill et al. 2002). 

Wandering Tattler (Heteroscelus incanus). 

Photo: © P. LaTourrette

Species of Secondary Importance in the 

Region

Ruddy Turnstone. The Ruddy Turnstone is a common 

shorebird throughout the Pacific Islands, yet its 

wintering numbers in the USPI are small relative 

to the global population. Band recoveries indicate a 

linkage between the USPI (Hawai`i and Johnston) 

and Alaska (Pribilof Islands) but the breeding 

origins of these birds, captured during migration, 

are unknown and may include birds from both 

Siberia and Alaska. (Amerson, 1971, Woodward 

1972, Ely and Clapp 1973, Amerson, and Shelton 

1976). Remote sandy islands appear to support 

the largest numbers of turnstones in the USPI. 

In spite of their small size, the Northwestern 

Hawaiian Islands harbor relatively large numbers 

of turnstones. In 2000, 11 Christmas Bird Counts 

in Hawai`i, yielded 4,035 turnstones; 2,936 of these 

were at Laysan Island’s hypersaline lagoon. (Table 

2). From these available surveys, we estimate the 

wintering population in the Hawaiian Islands at 

between 5,000 and 7,000 birds. Amerson, et al. (1982) 

estimated 550 birds wintering in American Samoa. 

Stinson et al. (1997b) estimated several hundred 

birds wintering in the Mariana Islands. There are no 

estimates for other island groups. Similar to tattlers, 

Ruddy Turnstones use a variety of habitats while on 

their Pacific Islands wintering grounds, including 

sandy and rocky beaches, coral reefs, and mudflats. 

Turnstones are relatively common in pastures up to 

7,000 ft (2,100 m) on Maui and Hawai`i (A. Engilis, 

Jr., pers. obs.). 
 U.S. Pacific Islands Shorebird Conservation Plan 15

US Pacific Islands 

Species of Limited Importance in the

Region 

Seven species of North American breeding 

shorebirds were ranked with limited importance 

because their abundance in the USPI is low relative 

to wintering regions in North America (or Asia). 

However, these species are annual migrants to the 

USPI, albeit in very small numbers, and are thus an 

important part of the region’s avifaunal diversity.

The Sanderling is widespread and locally common 

throughout the Pacific Islands. In the USPI, the 

Sanderling is more numerous than tattler and 

curlew. But the vast majority of Sanderling overwinter in other regions of the globe. Sharp-tailed 

Sandpiper and Bar-tailed Godwit are found in small 

numbers across the Pacific Islands, and both are 

regular fall migrants as they pass through the region 

to the Southern Hemisphere (Pyle 1997, Stinson et 

al. 1997b). In the Hawaiian Islands, Sharp-tailed 

Sandpiper numbers have exceeded 100 birds on 

occasion in coastal wetlands (e.g., Kealia Pond, Maui) 

(SIGHTINGS Database). Black-bellied Plover, 

Semipalmated Plover, Dunlin, Least Sandpiper, 

Lesser Yellowlegs, and Long-billed Dowitcher are 

examples of species that occur annually, in Hawai`i, 

but in very small numbers. In the Mariana Islands, 

the Whimbrel, Ruddy Turnstone, Wandering Tattler, 

and Grey-tailed Tattler are common to uncommon. 

Another four species, all Asian breeders, are regular 

in very small numbers in the Marianas (10 – 50 

birds per year), and are accidental elsewhere in the 

USPI: Mongolian Plover, Wood Sandpiper, Common 

Sandpiper, and Red-necked Stint (Refer to Appendix 4 

for full listing of species in each region of the USPI). 

Importance of the USPI to Asian Shorebird 

Populations

Although most of the other U. S. regional shorebird 

plans assess their region’s importance based on 

North American shorebird population estimates, 

this method is not appropriate for assessment of 

wintering species in the USPI. A unique aspect of 

this regional plan is the abundance of over-wintering 

and migrant Asian shorebirds, particularly in 

the Western Pacific. These populations are not 

covered by the U. S. Shorebird Conservation Plan, 

but they are a significant component of the USPI 

shorebird community. We have chosen to include 

Asian breeding species in this plan, although little is 

known about their status on the breeding grounds or 

about the extent of their winter ranges. The genera 

involved occur both in Asia and North America, and 

the habitat requirements of Asian species are similar 

to their North American congeners, although we 

have little knowledge of which populations winter 

in which islands. Are the Ruddy Turnstones and 

golden-plovers wintering in the Mariana Islands 

from one or both continents? Are Sanderlings that 

over-winter in Hawai`i of North American origin? 

Where do the Sharp-tailed Sandpipers 

over-winter that pass through Hawai`i in late 

summer? The goals of this conservation plan have 

the potential to influence the conservation of many 

Holarctic shorebird species, not only those that 

breed in North America.

TABLE 2. Migratory Shorebird Totals from the Hawaiian Island Christmas Counts Conducted 

in 2000 (Source: NAS 2000, 2001) 

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�������

����������������� 894 40 256 24 1214 

�������������������� 25 29 59 19 132 

������������������� 32 0 0 1 33 

������������������ 218 129 174 13 534 

��������������������� 127 10 23 6 166 

��������������� 227 16 36 17 296 

��������������� 89 5 9 4 107 

��������������� 50 0 0 2 52 

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65 3 286 3 357 

�������������� 1033 6 2936 110 4085 

�������������������� 894 40 256 24 1214 

������� 3654 278 4035 223 8190 
 16 U.S. Pacific Islands Shorebird Conservation Plan

US Pacific Islands 

Conservation Priorities for the 

U. S. Pacific Islands

Summarized below are the highest and shared 

priorities for the USPI. These priorities and those 

unique to each island group are further detailed in 

the subregion sections that follow.

Species Objectives

- Document the distribution and accurately assess

 abundance of wintering and transient shorebirds 

 in the Pacific Islands

- Coordinate with the Alaskan Shorebird

 Conservation Plan to develop and support

 population goals for Pacific Golden-Plover, 

 Bristle-thighed Curlew, Ruddy Turnstone, and

 Wandering Tattler

- Increase population size and distribution of the

 Hawaiian Stilt to meet the delisting criteria in

 the Hawaiian Waterbird Recovery Plan (USFWS

 in prep.)

- Determine trends in wintering populations

 of shorebird species of primary and secondary

 importance

- Work with international partners (e.g., SPREP)

 to evaluate the potential for reestablishing

 Tuamotu Sandpiper within their historic range

Monitoring Priorities

- Maintain monitoring of the endangered Hawaiian 

Stilt and examine trends to evaluate progress 

towards recovery goals

- Develop standardized, statistically rigorous, 

GIS based protocols to monitor population size 

and trends of USPI migratory shorebirds with 

emphasis on Pacific Golden-Plover, Bristle-thighed 

Curlew, and Wandering Tattler. This will assist in 

establishing population level objectives for the USPI

- Coordinate monitoring activities with the Program 

for Regional and International Shorebird 

Monitoring (PRISM) and Hawai`i biannual 

waterbird survey

- Monitor for introductions and spread of invasive 

species e.g., predatory vertebrates, invasive plants

- Monitor response of shorebirds to predator

 removal programs

- Monitor islands for oil spills, other environmental

 contaminants, and human generated waste and

 debris on remote beaches

Research Priorities

- Coordinate with the international community

 (e.g., SPREP) to document habitat requirements

 for Tuamotu Sandpipers and evaluate the

 suitability of USPI to support translocated

 populations

- Initiate long-term studies of wintering shorebird

 ecology 

- Evaluate the effects of contaminants, including 

pesticides on shorebirds (e.g., golden-plovers 

utilizing managed grass lands: golf courses, lawns, 

pastures, etc.)

- Determine the breeding locations, migration 

routes, and key wintering/migration stopover sites 

for Pacific Island migrant curlews, golden-plovers, 

and tattlers

- Document USPI habitat requirements for priority 

species

- Assess limiting ecological factors in lagoon 

systems in relation to wintering shorebird needs

- Investigate the control of invasive plants and 

animals and develop eradication methods for key 

species threatening shorebirds and their habitats

Management Priorities

- Develop a balanced approach to managing 

wetlands to benefit shorebirds and native 

waterbirds. Coordinate with management goals 

established for endangered species recovery plans

- Identify, protect, restore, and enhance important 

habitats for priority shorebird species (i.e., Pacific 

Golden-Plover, Bristle-thighed Curlew, Wandering 

Tattler, and Hawaiian Stilt) with a focus on 

estuarine habitats, wetlands, beaches, lagoons, and 

uplands where suitable

- Develop best management practices for wetlands 

and grasslands under agency and private

 ownership 

- Eradicate or control introduced predators at 

important shorebird sites

- Eradicate or control invasive plant and animal 

species that degrade wetland habitats

- Prepare plans to minimize the potential for 

“predator spills” and outline actions so that 

introductions can be eliminated immediately. 

Focus on cats, rats, mongooses, treesnakes, but do 

not exclude others that may pose threats 
 U.S. Pacific Islands Shorebird Conservation Plan 17

US Pacific Islands 

- Assess the use of easements to protect and

 enhance shorebird habitats on private lands

- Create suitable habitats, e.g., wetlands, in order to

 diversify island resources for migrant and resident

 shorebirds and waterbirds

- Assess suitability of RAMSAR (the Convention

 on Wetlands) or Western Hemisphere Shorebird

 Reserve Network (WHSRN) designations and

 seek nominations for key shorebird habitats in 

 the USPI

Outreach and Education

- Increase public understanding of the process of

 migration, shorebirds as part of island biota,

 threats, and the importance of protection and

 restoration of habitats for migrant shorebirds.

 Coordinate actions through education departments,

 non-profit groups, and community based activities

- Create education packets for priority shorebird

 species and integrate the USPI shorebird

 community into the Shorebird Sister Schools

 Program

- Investigate the expansion of monitoring programs 

established in Hawai`i through Kolea Watch to 

other island groups. Using Pacific Golden-Plover 

as a keystone species for education

Implementaion and Coordination

Key to successful implementation of this plan 

will be coordination at international, national and 

local scales. Federal agencies such as USFWS, 

Natural Resource Conservation Service (NRCS), 

Department of Defense (USDOD), U.S. Environmental 

Protection Agency (USEPA), National Park Service 

(NPS), and U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) need 

to coordinate with local equivalent agencies and 

non-governmental organizations. In addition, 

coordination with agencies responsible for the 

recovery of endangered species in Guam, CNMI, 

and Hawaiian Islands, or rare species in American 

Samoa and the Central Pacific, must be employed 

to ensure that mutually beneficial objectives of 

this and existing recovery plans can be achieved. 

Education and outreach should be undertaken at 

all levels including non-profit organizations and 

local education departments. The Shorebird Sister 

Schools Program can play an important role in local, 

national, and international outreach and education 

efforts. Key conservation groups working in the 

region include The Nature Conservancy (TNC), 

Ducks Unlimited, Inc., (DU), and National Audubon 

Society (NAS). These groups could coordinate with 

agencies and local non-governmental organizations 

to help facilitate the implementation of this 

plan. Coordination and cooperation with private 

landowners will be essential for the implementation 

of this plan throughout the USPI.

Aside from Hawaiian Stilt, all of the other shorebird 

species of primary importance are migratory 

and widespread throughout the Pacific, or reside 

on other islands (Tuamotu Sandpiper) and thus 

conservation actions must include international 

efforts. The Asia-Pacific Migratory Waterbird 

Conservation Strategy and its Shorebird Working 

Group, and the recently formed Pacific Bird 

Conservation Working Group, South Pacific 

Regional Environmental Programme (SPREP), 

BirdLife International, Wetlands International, and 

the International Shorebird Network are examples 

of such efforts in the Pacific Islands.

The USPI host many shorebirds that breed in 

Alaska and serve as important wintering habitat 

for three species of primary importance, the 

Bristle-thighed Curlew, Pacific Golden-Plover, and 

Wandering Tattler. For this reason, the Alaska 

and USPI plans should be coordinated to foster 

cooperative conservation and research efforts in 

both the breeding and wintering ranges of these 

species. Specific tasks include research, monitoring, 

and identifying links between specific populations of 

shorebirds breeding in Alaska and wintering in the 

USPI. These two regions should work together to 

determine the best methods to monitor populations 

and habitats used throughout the annual cycle.