PHYSICAL CHARACTERISTICS:

The Hawaiian gallinule, a subspecies of the Common Moorhen, stands 13 inches tall. It is a slate-gray color, darker on the head and neck than elsewhere. It has white feathers on the flanks and under its tail. The frontal shield and bill, except for the yellow tip, are red. The legs and feet are yellowish-green.

According to legend, the gallinule is one of the great benefactors of the early Hawaiian people. It was in the days before fire was known to the people, and the gallinule took pity on them. Flying to the home of the gods (the volcanos), he stole a blazing brand and brought it back to earth. During his flight the gallinule's formerly white forehead was scorched by the volcanos' fires -- thus its name "alae" signifying a burnt forehead. Today all gallinules bear a red frontal shield on their heads.

DISTRIBUTION and HABITAT:

The Hawaiian gallinule was once found on all the main islands except Niihau and Lanai. They are now limited to Kauai, Oahu and Molokai. Gallinules inhabit freshwater ponds, marshes, irrigation ditches, reservoirs, taro patches, and, formerly, rice fields. The birds require relatively dense marginal vegetation.

BEHAVIOR:

This bird is non-migratory and its secretive behavior makes accurate estimates of its population very difficult. It is a wary bird and remains close to vegetation where it hides quickly when it senses danger.

DIET:

Gallinules are omnivorous and are able to sustain themselves on algae, aquatic insects, molluscs, water plants and grasses. In the Zoo they eat a mixture of bird chow, mealworms, and fruit fly larvae.

REPRODUCTION and GROWTH:

The gallinule builds a nest of reeds and other aquatic vegetation. They lay large clutches of eggs (6-13). The newly hatched young have body and wings covered with black down and resemble little downy black chickens. The bill is bright red. The chicks are precocial and are able to run about and swim within a few hours after hatching.

ENDANGERED STATUS:

The 'alae 'ula, an endemic water bird (found naturally only in Hawaii), is considered an endangered species with a population perhaps in the hundreds. Mongoose, rats and cats are serious predators, and though gallinules are protected by both State and Federal laws, they are still shot illegally, particularly on Kauai where they are more common.

The most serious threat to this species, as to other Hawaiian water birds, has been the destruction of its natural habitat. The decrease of wetland areas throughout the islands by draining, filling and development has threatened these Hawaiian birds with extinction.

Their habitat is particularly vulnerable because wetlands are commonly in low flatland areas sought by developers, and because the value of preserving wetlands has only recently been brought to the attention of the public. Efforts to protect the habitat include the establishment of wildlife refuges such as at Hanalei and Kahuku.

Web Links:

New Flightless Gallinule relative discovered in Philippine island