Wildlife Spotlight: ‘alae ke‘oke‘o
The ‘alae ke‘oke‘o, or Hawaiian coot, is one of the endangered wetland birds that is supported by Hanalei NWR and Hulēʻia NWR. These two refuges were created to support threatened, endangered and special listed wetland bird species and they represent an important aspect of the overall work of the Kauaʻi National Wildlife Refuge Complex and Friends of Kauaʻi Wildlife Refuges.
The ‘alae ke‘oke‘o features dark slate gray feathers with a white bill and a large frontal shield, or patch on the top of its head. The frontal shield is usually white but can also vary from bluish white, to yellow, to dark blood red, which can sometimes create confusion between these birds and the ‘alae ‘ula, or Hawaiian gallinule. ‘Alae ke‘oke‘o also have white undertail feathers that can be seen when swimming or during courtship displays, and the males and females look alike. This endemic bird of Hawai‘i is smaller than its mainland relatives, yet measures 15 inches in length and is larger than the ‘alae ‘ula. Their calls include a variety of short, harsh croaks.
Today, a population of approximately just 1,500 ‘alae ke‘oke‘o is distributed across all of the high Hawaiian Islands, with the exception of Kaho‘olawe. On Kaua‘i, in addition to our two wetland refuges, ‘alae ke‘oke‘o may also be found in lowland valleys.
The primary cause of the decline of this Hawaiian native waterbird has been the loss of wetland habitats. Other factors include introduced predators, such as feral cats, invasive plants, disease and environmental contaminants.
Views of this beautiful bird can often be enjoyed on the drive to the ʻŌkolehao Hiking Trailhead, just beyond Hanalei NWR. However, we ask that you please drive slowly, respect the farmers and wildlife, and enjoy watching these birds forage in the loʻi kalo (taro patches) and managed wetland pond units.
Photo: ‘Alae ke‘oke‘o, or Hawaiian coots, at Hanalei NWR, Credit: Hob Osterlund.
Enjoy views of this beautiful ʻalae keʻokeʻo (Hawaiian coot) at Hanalei NWR. These shy birds are very hard to capture on video. This was a great day!
