Six different species of waterbirds currently inhabit Kaelepulu Pond. They are: the Hawaiian Stilt (Ae'o), Hawaiian Coot (`Alae-ke'oke'o), Hawaiian Duck (Koloa-maoli), Golden Plover (Kolea), Black-Crowned Night-Heron (`Auku'u), and the Mallard Duck. But unfortunately, three of the waterbirds (Hawaiian Stilt, Hawaiian Coot, and Hawaiian Duck) are now listed as endangered species.
Hawaiian Stilt (Ae'o)
The Hawaiian Stilt, or Ae'o, is a subspecies of the Black-necked stilt of North America. It is a tall, slender, wading bird with a straight black bill and long pink legs. Hence, the name, "Ae'o," which means, "one standing high."
This waterbird feeds on water insects, fish, worms, and crabs. Consequently, they frequently inhabit shallow brackish water ponds, mud flats, and feather-edged shore lines.
The Ae'o is found on all of the main islands of Hawaii, except for Lanai. In 1983, it was estimated that there were 1500 stilts left in the islands, with most of them living on Oahu. One major cause for the decline in this species is the drainage of marshes and other wetlands. Furthermore, the stilts were also victims of mongooses, cats, dogs, and humans.
Hawaiian Coot (`Alae-ke'oke'o)
The Hawaiian Coot, or `Alae-ke'oke'o, is a subspecies of the American Coot. It is grayish-black in color, except for a white bill and frontal shield. "Keokeo," or "alaekea," means "white." Hence, the name `Alae-ke'oke'o.
Strangeley enough, the Hawaiian Coot rarely flies. And when it does fly, it stays close to the water. In addition, it also jerks its head back and forth when swimming. It feeds on seeds, green parts of aquatic plants, insects, other invertebrates, and small fish.
The Hawaiian coot is found on all of the main islands of Hawaii, except Lanai. In the 1940s, as many as a thousand coots were found at Kaelepulu Pond. Unfortunately, in 1983, it was estimated that there were only 2,000 coots in all of Hawaii. As far as the reasons for this decline, it is believed that the elimination of ponds, marshes, and other wetlands and predation by mongooses, cats, and dogs.
Hawaiian Duck (Koloa-maoli)
The Hawaiian Duck, or Koloa-maoli, resembles the dark female Mallard duck. In fact, it even quacks like a Mallard Duck. It feeds on a variety of plants and animals such as green algae, rice, grass, earthworms, dragonflies, and snails. In addition, it has a very rapid and strong flight.
The Hawaiian Duck used to inhabit all major islands of Hawaii, except for Lanai. However, they are now only found on Oahu and Kauai. Apparently, the reasons for this decline are excessive hunting, draining, and altering of wetlands, and the predation of wild cats, rats, and pigs. Unfortunately, the preservation of this species is also threatened due to its interbreeding with feral mallards.
The Black-Crowned Night Heron, or Auku'u, is 24 inches long and has a heavy, long, black bill. The top the head, the back and the feathers on the shoulders are greenish-black. The forehead, throat, and sides of head are white. The wings and tail are ashy/bluish gray and the legs and feet are yellow. It inhabits marshes, ponds, streams, and lagoons where it fees basically on insects, fish, frogs, crustaceans, and mice. It nests in colonies in uplands or close to shore, usually in the algaroba trees. It usually has two to four eggs that are oval in size and bluish-green in color. It can be found on all islands except Lana'i.
The Golden Plover, or Kolea, is about ten inches long. It has long legs, long pointed wings, and a short bill. In the summer time, the top is black with white and golden yellow spots and the bottom is just black. The forehead, sides of head, neck, and chest are white. In the winter time, the bottom is no longer black but white. The upper parts are spotted with gray and gold and the sides of the neck is yellowish/brown. It runs and flies rapidly, usually running a few steps then halting. It usually can be found in flocks with other shore birds, but feeds alone. It primarily feeds on insects and are known to be of the most valuable destroyers of insect pests. They can be found throughout the Territory, on mud flats, pasture lands, fields, and lawns of parks.
The Mallard Duck is an introduced bird. It is closely related to the Koloa or Hawaiian Duck and poses a great threat to the Hawaiian Duck because of hybridization. It has a glossy green head and upper neck. There is a white ring that encircles the neck. The upper tail coverts are upturned. The bill is greenish yellow and the feet is orange red. They are about 24 inches in length.
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