Hawai'i`s native wading birds and waterfowl are species or subspecies unique to the Islands. Because of past over hunting, introduced predators, and loss of water lands, all except the 'auku'u are endangered today. Kaua`i's wetland refuges are important sanctuaries for these species.
Hawaiian Stilt
[Ae'o]
Ae'o are easily recognized by their long pink legs an "kip-kip-kip" call. Ae'o prefer to feed in shallow, open water and recently exposed mud, where they probe for worms, crustaceans, and aquatic insects. Adults often feign injury to distract predators (and people) form nests and young.
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Hawaiian Coot
['Alae ke'oke'o]
The 'alae ke'oke'o has a white bill and frontal shield, which contrast with its dark gray body. They inhabit shallow water close to vegetation, and feed on seeds, aquatic plants, invertebrates, and small fish. Coots are most common here in the winter; many migrate to the island of Ni'ihau when ephemeral wetlands there become flooded.
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Hawaiian Moorhen
['Alae'ula]
According to the legend, the demigod Maui forced 'alae to give up its secret of how to make fire by rubbing its forehead until it bled- and thus these birds have red foreheads today. 'Alae'ula forage for aquatic plants and brates into taro patches, preferring the dense cover of mature plants.
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Hawaiian Duck
[Koloa Moli]
Koloa small female mallards. Males are slightly darker than females. They nest and raise their young in both mountain streams and lowland wetlands. Once hunted nearly to extinction, koloa benefited form captive breeding programs. Today most of the state's population is found on Kauai.
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Black-crowned Night Heron
['Auku'u]
Indigenous to Hawaii (native but also found on the mainland), the 'akuku'u stalks fish and other small animals in shallow, quiet water. It stands motionless, waiting for fish to pass by- and the spears its prey with a lightning quick jab ok its bill. This species is most active at down and dusk.
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