The name ‘ao‘ū was chosen for the Christmas shearwater based on its call, where the sound ‘ao is repeated six times followed by a long ‘ū sound. The Papahānaumokuākea Native Hawaiian Cultural Working Group heard these sounds after listening to multiple recordings of the birds’ call. Naming birds from their sound is a common practice for many sea and shorebirds in Hawai‘i. Further examination of the name reveals additional habits and function.
