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HONOLULU (KHON2) — Most Native Hawaiian seabirds nest in remote areas of the islands but then you have the birds who prefer the company of Valentino, Dolce & Gabbana and Celine.

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The manu-o-Kū, or white tern, is the official bird of the City and County of Honolulu.

“They could have chosen several other birds but they think they were chosen because of the deep historical significance. We donʻt know why ancient Hawaiians named the bird that but the fact that they did reflects the fact that the bird was important to them. There are no other Hawaiian birds that they named after a deity, Kū being one of the principle Hawaiian deities,” Hui Manu o Kū coordinator, Rich Downs told KHON2.

These birds breed in urban Honolulu and do not shy away from the crowds of Waikiki or Kapiʻolani Boulevard.

One pair was recently discovered hanging out above mall-goers at Ala Moana Center.

“So it was discovered that the pair laid the egg sometime in early December and the incubation period is 35 days, roughly. Then weʻll be able to enjoy the chick for about two months. Itʻs about that time from the time the chick hatches to the time theyʻre able to fly from branch to branch.”

The mall is a great location as the adults have direct access to the ocean to gather fish for the chick. The adults fly back to the nest with the whole fish in their mouths–they do no regurgitate like many other birds.

You canʻt miss the place theyʻve chosen as mall management allowed Hui Manu o Kū to add a blue ribbon to the nesting tree.

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“So when you see the blue ribbon, look up, you just might get a chance to see the chick or better yet, see the adults feeding the chick fish that they brought back from the ocean.

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