Kaelepulu Wetland - Home to Endangered Hawaiian Wetland Birds
Yelp
Cluck
Squawk
'Alae Ke'oke'o ~ Hawaiian CootFulica alai The Hawaiian Coot is a close relative of the American Coot and was only
recognized as a distinct species in 1993.
The adult coot stands 14 inches tall and is a solid gray-black with a
darker neck and head. It has a white bill and bulbous frontal shield.
A few have a red shield and white bill with small black markings. White
undertail feathers are easy to see when they are swimming or diving for
food in the shallow water. Downy chicks are black with reddish-orange
spiky head plumage. They are able to run and swim soon after hatching
but remain in contact with their parents by frequent calling. Juveniles
have paler gray feathers and grayish bills.
