8 Things You Need to Know About Adorable White Fairy Tern

These birds are more than just adorable avians with pale feathers, dark black eyes and really cute chicks. They’re connected to Hawaii’s history and culture, and have become icons of adoration for many of the city’s residents and visitors. Below you can learn more about what makes the white fairy tern so special.

Since the white fairy tern has decided to call Honolulu its home, Mayor Mufi Hannemann designated it as the official bird of the City and County of Honolulu in 2007. There's even a free-to-the-public annual summer festival, the Manu O Ku Festival, which highlights the bird and teaches the community about it through games and interactive workshops.