Himantopus mexicanus knudseni | Hawaiian black-necked stilt | aeʻo
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.
Hotspots for Hawaiian black-necked stilt
- Hanalei National Wildlife Refuge | Details for Hanalei National Wildlife Refuge
- Kīlauea Point National Wildlife Refuge | Details for Kīlauea Point National Wildlife Refuge
- Salt Pond Beach Park | Details for Salt Pond Beach Park
- Kawaiʻele State Waterbird Sanctuary | Details for Kawaiʻele State Waterbird Sanctuary
- Nuʻupia Pond | Details for Nuʻupia Pond
- Betty Bliss Memorial Overlook | Details for Betty Bliss Memorial Overlook
- Paikō Lagoon Wildlife Sanctuary | Details for Paikō Lagoon Wildlife Sanctuary
- James Campbell National Wildlife Refuge | Details for James Campbell National Wildlife Refuge
- Keālia Pond National Wildlife Refuge | Details for Keālia Pond National Wildlife Refuge
- Kanahā Pond State Wildlife Sanctuary | Details for Kanahā Pond State Wildlife Sanctuary
- SIDE TRIP: Wai‘ānapanpa State Park | Details for SIDE TRIP: Wai‘ānapanpa State Park
- Keāhole Point | Details for Keāhole Point
- Kaloko-Honokōhau National Historic Park | Details for Kaloko-Honokōhau National Historic Park
- Loko Waka Pond | Details for Loko Waka Pond
Hanalei National Wildlife Refuge
Wetland
Kīlauea Point National Wildlife Refuge
Coastal
Salt Pond Beach Park
Coastal
Kawaiʻele State Waterbird Sanctuary
Wetland
Nuʻupia Pond
Wetland
Betty Bliss Memorial Overlook
Wetland
Paikō Lagoon Wildlife Sanctuary
Wetland
James Campbell National Wildlife Refuge
Wetland
Keālia Pond National Wildlife Refuge
Wetland
Kanahā Pond State Wildlife Sanctuary
Wetland
SIDE TRIP: Wai‘ānapanpa State Park
Coastal
Keāhole Point
Coastal
Kaloko-Honokōhau National Historic Park
Wetland
Loko Waka Pond
Wetland
