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Birds of Hanalei

Wandering Tattler / Heteroscelus incanus / ‘Ulili

	Description ‘Ulili are about the same size as the kōlea, 11 inches from bill to tail. They are slate-gray in color with very yellow legs. ‘Ulili are easily recognized because they stand near water and bob their tails up and down. The long black bill is distinctive, nosing in the sand for food. During the winter, they have dark gray feathers on their backs and light gray bellies. As April approaches, these shorebirds begin to molt, shedding their old feathers and replacing them with new ones. The summer or breeding plumage adds striking dark gray feathers that stripe the belly area. With new flight feathers, they begin their migration north.
Wandering tattler - Photo credit Brenda Zaun

Population

No information available.

Habitat

The ‘ulili can be seen on mudflats, beaches along the coast or along rocky streams in Hawai‘i.

Feeding Habits

While in Alaska, they feed on aquatic insects, crustaceans, and worms. In Hawai‘i, ‘ulili feed on mollusks and other invertebrates found under rocks or in mud.

Breeding

‘Ulili breed in Alaska and Canada from May through August. These shorebirds are monogamous, mating with only one bird that season. Nests are built with gravel, small pebbles, twigs and roots often near mountain streams and rivers. Like many shorebirds, these birds also lay a clutch of four eggs. Both parents will incubate the eggs for 3 weeks until they hatch and are then cared for by both parents until they fledge. The chicks leave the nest shortly after hatching.

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