Kaelepulu Wetland - Home to Endangered Hawaiian Wetland Birds
'Ae'o ~ Hawaiian Stilt Himantopus mexicanus knudseni
This slender, endemic wading bird stands 16 inches tall. Their black
back is glossy in males and brown-tinged in females. Juveniles have a
brownish back with white patches on their cheeks.
The Ae'o flies with its long pink legs stretched out straight behind.
At Ka'elepulu Wetland, they are often seen in small groups feeding
on water insects, worms, crabs, small fish and the seeds and roots of
waterplants.
Listen for its soft muted call when resting and its loud, sharp “kip-kip-kip” in
flight or when disturbed on the ground.
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