History of endemic Hawaiian birds: Part I: population histories, species accounts: freshwater birds: Hawaiian Coot ´Alae-´ke´oke´o

Abstract

Fulica americana alai is a medium-sized, slate-grey water bird (Rallidae) with a high white bill. It is resident on Kaua´i, O´ahu, Moloka´i, Maui, Hawai´i, and on Ni´ihau after seasonal rains. Exhaustive search of literature and government reports uncovered some 4,055 census results, observational notes, collection records and related statements on relative abundance and geographical distribution from 1824 to 1983. All data are serially numbered, arranged in geographical and chronological order, referenced and systematically reviewed. Analysis of recent records indicates a total pre-breeding population of ca. 1,400 individuals were distributed among the various islands, as follows: Kaua´i, 70 percent; Ni´ihau, 4 percent; O´ahu, 11 percent; Moloka´i, 2 percent; Maui, 7 percent; and Hawai´i, 6 percent. Recent post-breeding populations averaging ca. 1,550 individuals were found to be similarly distributed. The total population is judged to be relatively stable long-term.