HAWAIIAN COOT (ALAE KEOKEO) Fulica americana alai (Peale) 



Order: GRUIFORMES Family: RALLIDAE 



Distinguishing characteristics: Dark slate-gray duck-like bird. Almost blackish at a 

 distance . White bill . White patches under tail . Differs from the American coot in 

 having darker plumage, more slender bill, and particularly in the much larger and whiter 

 bare area on the forehead. 



Present distribution : Islands of Oahu, Maui, Kauai, Niihau, Molokai, and Hawaii. 

 Migrates between islands. 



Former distribution : Probably the same . 



Status: Decreasing in numbers and habitat is being eliminated. A key area, Kanaha Pond, 

 Maui, threatened by Federal and State airport interests. 



Estimated numbers: Since 1969, special statewide census show ranges from 688 to 1,667. 

 In 1972, 352. 



Reasons for decline : Destruction of marshes and other wetlands . On game bird list 

 until 1939. Subject to predation by free-roaming dogs, cats, and mongoose. Harrassment 

 and illegal shooting . 



Protective measures already taken : Protected by Federal and State law . No open hunting 

 seasons since 1939. Bureau of Sport Fisheries and Wildlife conducted a wetlands survey 

 in cooperation with Hawaii Division of Fish and Game. Acquisition of key area at Hanalei, 

 Kauai for national wildlife refuge. Negotiations in progress for acquisition of other key 

 areas. Cooperative agreement with U.S. Navy has established wildlife refuges at Pearl 

 Harbor and Lualualei, Oahu. Booklet published jointly by Bureau of Sport Fisheries and 

 Wildlife and Hawaii Division of Fish and Game which describes endangered Hawaiian 

 waterbirds , including this species, causes for decline, key areas, and recommended 

 action programs . 



Measures proposed : Preservation of natural environment and continued establishment 

 of needed refuges . Control predators . Prevent introduction of harmful insects, plants, 

 and animals. Increase law enforcement. Initiate ecological and life history research. 

 Surveillance for chemical contamination and other such environmental pollution . Continue 

 to publicize status and aesthetic and scientific values. Quarantine on all birds, including 

 cage birds brought into the State to prevent introduction of disease . 



Number in captivity : Unknown if any . 



Breeding potential in captivity : Considered easy to raise . 



References : 



Bureau of Sport Fisheries and Wildlife Administrative Reports. 



Hawaii Division of Fish and Game Administrative Reports. 



Munro, G. C. I960. Birds of Hawaii. 192 pp. 



Schwartz. C. W. and E. R. Schwartz. 1949. A Reconnaissance of the game birds 



in Hawaii. Board of Commissioners of Agriculture and Forestry, Territory of 



Hawaii. 166 pp . 



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