Hawaiian Stilt Overview
The Hawaiian stilt, known as ae'o in the Hawaiian language, is endemic to Hawaii, meaning it is found only in the Islands. It can be seen on all main Hawaiian islands in wetland areas such as marshes, ponds and mudflats.
This bird has a tall, slim body, a long thin black bill and very long pink legs. Adult males and females look similar, though males have a black back while females have a brown-tinged back. Both have white bellies.
Habitat and Feeding
Hawaiian stilts feed in shallow wetland habitats, where their long legs help them move through water and mud. They eat crabs, fish, worms and insects, often picking food from shallow water or soft edges.
For other native Hawaii wetland birds, compare the Hawaiian moorhen and Hawaiian goose - nene. You may also see wetland visitors such as the black-crowned night heron in some of the same lowland habitats.
