Hawaiian Coot Identification

A small, chickenlike waterbird. Adult has a black head and neck, slate gray upperparts, white bill, and large frontal shield that is usually white.

Some individuals have a red frontal shield and dark marks near the tip of the bill.

A plump, chickenlike waterbird with lobed feet (not webbed like a duck). Adult has a black head and neck, slate gray body, stout white bill, and bulbous frontal shield that is usually white.

Immature has a grayish head, white throat, dusky bill, and limited frontal shield.

Young chick has a red bill, red and black spots on the head, and rusty-colored down around the head.

Pumps head while swimming. Forages for aquatic vegetation by both dabbling and diving.

Adult has red eyes and white patches on the sides of the tail.

Hawaiian Coot’s frontal shield—most frequently white but sometimes red—is larger and more bulbous than American Coot, which is a rare visitor to the Hawaiian Islands.

Builds a large floating nest anchored to emergent vegetation or algal mats.