Hawaiian Coot / Fulica alai  / `Alae ke`oke`o The Hawaiian Coot 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. Habitat & Behavior: Coots are found in fresh and brackish-water marshes and ponds. They rarely fly, but are capable of sustained flight close to the water. The Hawaiian Coot builds 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 Hawaiian Coot eats seeds and leaves of aquatic plants, insects, tadpoles, and small fish. Their calls include a variety of short, harsh croaks. Past & Present: It’s not likely that there used to be an abundant number of Hawaiian Coots living in large natural marshes and ponds that no longer exist. There are no records of how many Coots 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 Hawaiian Coots live in all the main Hawaiian islands, except Kahoolawe. It is believed that the population fluctuates according to climatic and hydrological conditions. Ni`ihau has the most Coots during the winter because the lakes are usually flooded. On Kaua`i, Coots 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 cause of the decline of this Hawaiian native waterbird has been loss of wetland habitat. Other factors include introduced predators and 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 Hawaiian Coot and many other waterbirds. Private organizations such as the World Wildlife Fund and Ducks Unlimited have been actively supporting wetlands conservation. Trivia quiz: The Hawaiian Coot is different from its mainland relative in what way? [a] habitat [b] color [c] size Top of Page