Bird

Aeʻo

Himantopus mexicanus knudseni

Also known as Hawaiian Stilt, Kukuluaeʻo, Hawaiian Black-Necked Stilt

Hawaiian stilts strut through shallow mudflats and taro patches on striking, needle-thin pink legs that account for more than half their total height. Their sharp, yapping alarm calls echo across coastal wetlands whenever intruders approach their ground nests, which adults aggressively defend using vocal distraction displays. Adapted to Hawaii's freshwater and brackish ecosystems, these shorebirds forage by snatching aquatic insects, worms, and small fish directly from shallow water.

EndemicShorebird

1 / 7

—observations

—countries

—peak records

EndangeredConservation status

Key facts

Diet & preyAquatic Insects, Small Fish, Crustaceans

Predators

Small Indian Mongoose
Feral Cat
Black Rat

ThreatsWetland habitat loss, invasive predators, altered hydrology, and sea level rise

HabitatsCoastal wetlands, mudflats, taro patches, shallow freshwater and brackish ponds

Life span10–20 years

Classification

FamilyRecurvirostridae
SpeciesHimantopus mexicanus knudseni

Range & activity

Range data is not available yet.

Safe observation

Interaction riskLow

Low
Moderate
High
Very high

Why interaction risk is low: Safe to observe at a normal distance.
What to notice: Recognizable by bright pink legs, black upperparts, and black coloration extending further down the face and neck than mainland stilts.
Support conservation: Maintain a respectful distance near wetland sanctuaries, never approach nests, and strictly follow posted refuge guidelines.

Responsible observation

Observe from a distance: Use binoculars or a spotting scope to avoid disturbing feeding or nesting birds.
Stay on trails: Keep out of protected mudflats and vegetated pond edges during the spring breeding season.
Control pets: Keep dogs on leashes near coastal wetlands to protect ground-nesting wildlife.

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