Ae'o
Hawaiian Stilt, Himantopus mexicanus knudseni
Kaelepulu Wetlands, O'ahu, Hawai'i

From the DLNR: The ae‘o or Hawaiian stilt is a slender, graceful waterbird (Family: Recurvirostridae) that is considered distinct from the North American subspecies, H. m. mexicanus. Adult males and females are mostly black above and white below with a long, thin black bill and long, delicate pink legs. Foraging habitat consists of ephemeral fresh, brackish, or salt water habitats. Water depth and vegetation density are important determinants of the suitability of foraging habitat. Ae‘o (Hawaiian stilt) prefers sites with a water depth of less than 24 centimeters (nine inches), limited and low growing vegetation, or exposed tidal flats. The species is opportunistic and preys on a variety of animals that inhabit shallow water or mudflats, including polychaete worms, small crabs, insects, and small fish. Ae‘o (Hawaiian stilt) frequently move among wetland habitats in search of food. Breeding habitat differs from foraging habitat and individuals move between the two habitats daily. Nesting occurs on freshly exposed mudflats with some low growing vegetation, also will nest on islands in fresh and brackish ponds or artificial floating nest structures. Ae‘o (Hawaiian stilt) aggressively defend their nests, calling and diving at intruders and performing broken-wing displays to attract potential predators away from their nests. Nesting occurs between March and August and peaks in May and June. Generally three to four eggs are laid and the precocial (i.e., capable of leaving nest shortly after hatching) chicks hatch approximately 24 days latter. Both parents incubate eggs and brood young, and fledglings remain with their parents for several months. Inter-island movements by ae‘o (Hawaiian stilt) are suspected.

For more information: https://dlnr.hawaii.gov/wildlife/files/2013/09/Fact-Sheet-hawaiian-stilt.pdf