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Also known as the Hawaiian Coot, a subspecies of the American Coot.
From the series of thirty-three prints, Living Endemic Birds of Hawaii, by Marian Berger.
From deep in the Hawaii state website, www.state.hi.us: "Endangered. The ‘alae ke‘oke‘o or Hawaiian coot is a small waterbird (Family: Rallidae) endemic to Hawai‘i. Adult males and females have a black head, a slate gray bodywith white undertail feathers, and a prominent white frontal shield and bill; feet are lobed rather than webbed and are greenish-gray. The Native Hawaiian considered ‘alae ke‘oke‘o (Hawaiian coot) to be a deity, but also considered it good to eat."
The endangered 'Alae ke'oke'o is a small water bird that feeds on leaves, seeds, snails, crustaceans, insects, small fish, and tadpoles. It frequents both freshwater and brackish wetlands, including agricultural areas, drainage ditches, and golf club ponds. However, the species has suffered great declines in population, due to the loss of immense areas of wetland habitat, introduced predators, and the use of toxic pesticides and herbicides in agriculture. Fortunately, waterfowl refuges have helped conserve some of their critical habitat.
Copyright Marian Berger. All rights reserved; images are protected under US copyright laws and may not be copied or reproduced in any manner.