The Hawaiian Coot or ʻalae keʻokeʻo (Fulica alai) is an aquatic rail that is endemic to Hawaiʻi, where it inhabits freshwater lakes and marshes, coastal saline lagoons, and water storage areas.
It is considered to be either a subspecies of the American Coot, Fulica americana alai, or a separate species, Fulica alai.
Coot Species and Information … Coot Species Photos
Description
This large rail averages 39 cm or 15 inches in length.
The plumage is mostly dark slate-grey, darkest on the head. It has white undertail-feathers, which are often concealed.
It has a heavy, white bill with a bulbous frontal shield extending onto crown. Occasionally, variably white, pale yellow, pale blue, or deep blood-red. Red-shield morph (genetic mutation) also with dark markings near bill tip
Similar Species ID: It resembles the American Coot (F. americana). However, it has smaller and dark maroon frontal shield making profile distinctly notched in the front.
Calls / Vocalizations
This coot is usually silent. On occasion, utters chicken-like keck-keck and keek notes.
Status
This species is listed as Vulnerable as throughout its range, wetlands have been destroyed by drainage for cultivation and developments. Its range is very small, its wetland habitat is scattered and limited in area, and is susceptible to stochastic events and human activities.
The Makalawena Marsh on the Big Island of Hawaiʻi has been listed as a National Natural Landmark to preserve one of its last nesting areas.
