Hawaiian Coot

The Hawaiian Coot or ʻalae keʻokeʻo (Fulica alai) is a species of bird in the rail family, Rallidae, that is endemic to Hawaiʻi. It is similar to the American coot at 33–40.6 cm (13–16.0 in) in length and weighing around 700 g (1.5 lb). Its natural habitats are freshwater lakes, freshwater marshes, coastal saline lagoons, and water storage areas. The bird is was federally listed in October 1970 as an endangered species and is considered both endemic and endangered by the state of Hawaii. It is threatened by habitat loss and introduced predators such as the small Asian mongoose. The Makalawena Marsh on the Big Island of Hawaiʻi has been listed as a National Natural Landmark to preserve one of its last nesting areas.