Hawaiian Coot

Overview

The ʻAlae keʻokeʻo, or Hawaiian coot (Fulica alai), is a bird endemic to Hawaiʻi that is currently classified as Near Threatened by the IUCN Red List. It was listed as an endangered species in the United States in 1970 and remains endangered under state law, though recent surveys suggest a gradual population increase.

Identification

• Size: 33–40.6 cm in length, weighing around 700 g.
• Plumage: Black with a prominent white frontal shield.
• Similarity: Resembles the American coot in overall appearance.

Habitat

This species inhabits freshwater lakes, freshwater marshes, coastal saline lagoons, and water storage areas across the Hawaiian Islands. It was previously abundant on Oʻahu, Maui, Molokaʻi, and Kauaʻi, but its range has been impacted by habitat loss.

Did you know?

In 1825, naturalist Andrew Bloxam mistook the ʻAlae keʻokeʻo for the Eurasian coot (Fulica atra) and failed to collect a specimen.