HAWAIIAN STILT (AEO) Himantopus himantopus knudseni (Stejneger) 



Order: CHARADRIIFORMES Family: RECURVIROSTRIDAE 



Distinguishing characteristics : Shorebird with sharply contrasting color pattern, black 

 above, white below; very long red legs. Distinuished from North American black-necked 

 stilt by extension of black on head farther down on the forehead, and black on neck to 

 sides and front of neck, and by longer bill, tarsus, and tail. 



Present distribution : Islands of Kauai, Niihau, Maui, Hawaii, Molokai (occasionally) 

 and Oahu of the Hawaiian Islands. Known to migrate (degree unknown) between Oahu 

 and Maui . Suspected to migrate between others . Maui and Oahu support largest numbers 

 followed by Kauai, Niihau, Hawaii, and Molokai. 



Former distribution : All main Hawaiian Islands . 



Status : Decreasing because of habitat destruction. A key area, Kanaha Pond, Maui 

 threatened by Federal and State airport interests . 



Estimated numbers : Since 1968 special statewide census shows ranges in population 

 from 934 to 1,513. Count in 1972 was 1,366. 



Breeding rate in the wild : Usually 4 eggs per year, occasionally fewer. 



Reasons for decline : Draining and filling of marshes and shallow ponds . On the 

 gamebird list until 1941. Predation by mongoose, feral cats and dogs. Occasional 

 illegal shooting . 



Protective measures already taken : Elimination of hunting in 1939 . Protected by Federal 

 and State law . Cooperative agreement has established refuge in habitat on Kaneohe Marine 

 Corps Air Station and Pearl Harbor Naval Base Lualualii Ammunition Depot. Critical 

 habitats identified as causes for decline . Detailed and recommended action program 

 publicized in booklet published by Federal-State wildlife agencies. Booklet published 

 jointly by Bureau of Sport Fisheries and Wildlife and Hawaii Division of Fish and Game 

 describing endangered Hawaiian waterbirds including this species, causes for decline, 

 key areas and recommended action program. National wildlife refuge established at 

 Hanalei, Kauai. Protection in progress for other key areas. 



Measures proposed : Preservation of natural environment and continued establishment 

 of needed refuges . Control predators where needed. Prevent introduction of harmful 

 insects, plants, and animals. Increase law enforcement effort. Initiate ecological and 

 life history research on the species . Surveillance for chemical contamination and other 

 such environmental pollution. Continue to publicize critical 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 : Unknown . 



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