Endangered Species in the Pacific Islands

Hawaiian Coot / Fulica alai  / ‘Alae ke‘oke‘o

The ‘alae ke‘oke‘o is dark slate gray with a white bill and a large frontal shield (patch on top of head). The frontal shield is usually white but can vary from bluish white to yellow to dark blood red. They have white undertail feathers that are seen when swimming or during their courtship displays. Male and female coots look alike. This endemic bird of Hawai‘i is smaller than its mainland relatives, measuring 15 inches in length.

‘Alae ke‘oke‘o - Photo credit USFWS

Habitat & Behavior:
‘Alae ke‘oke‘o are found in fresh and brackish-water marshes and ponds. ‘Alae ke‘oke‘o build floating nests in aquatic vegetation, in which four to ten eggs are laid. Adults defend their nests vigorously. Chicks have black down, except on the head, neck and throat, where the down is reddish-orange. They are able to run and swin soon after hatching but maintain contact with parents by frequent calling.

The ‘alae ke‘oke‘o eats seeds and leaves of aquatic plants, insects, tadpoles, and small fish. Their calls include a variety of short, harsh croaks.

Past & Present:
There are no records of how many ‘alae ke‘oke‘o were around before the 1950s. Research in the late 1950s and to the late 1960s indicated a population of only about 1,000. This led to it being listed as an endangered species in 1970.

Between 2,000 to 4,000 ‘alae ke‘oke‘o live in all the main Hawaiian islands, except Kaho‘olawe. It is believed that the population fluctuates according to climatic and hydrological conditions. On Kaua‘i, ‘alae ke‘oke‘o are usually found in lowland valleys, while the O‘ahu populations are on the coastal wetlands. Maui Nui (Maui, Moloka‘i and Lana‘i) has the second largest population in the state (O‘ahu is first). They are found at the islands’ two largest wetlands: Kealia Pond National Wildlife Refuge and Kanaha Pond State Bird Sanctuary. The Big Island populations are found at Aimakapa and Opaeula Ponds on the Kona coast, and at Waiakea and Loko Waka Ponds in Hilo.

The primary causes of the decline of this Hawaiian native waterbird has been the loss and degradation of wetland habitat and introduced predators. Other factors include alien plants, disease, hybridization, and environmental contaminants.

Conservation Efforts:
State and Federal efforts in protecting wetlands, enforcing strict hunting laws, educating, and working with private organizations and landowners play an important role in ensuring the livelihood of the ‘alae ke‘oke‘o and many other waterbirds. Many entities have been actively supporting wetlands conservation.