Himantopus mexicanus knudseni | Hawaiian black-necked stilt | aeʻo

Hawaiian Stilt, photo by Sherman Wing

Endemic

Other Names: kukuluaeʻo, aeo, ae'o, kukulueao, kukuluae'o

The aeʻo, or Hawaiian black-necked stilt, is easy to spot with their long pink legs, and black and white feather colors. Though endangered, they are often seen at their favorite ponds and mudflats feeding on fish, crabs, worms and aquatic insects. Though only 15 inches in length, they have the longest legs of any bird, relative to their size.

The map below shows hotspots along our birding trails where you might see this bird. Learn more by visiting our species profile page for aeʻo.

Native Birds of Hawaiʻi