Hawaiian Coot Similar Species Comparison
Main SpeciesHawaiian Coot
Adult
A small, chickenlike waterbird. Adult has a black head and neck, slate gray upperparts, white bill, and large frontal shield that is usually white.
© Brad Argue / Macaulay LibraryHawaii, November 26, 2017Adult
Some individuals have a red frontal shield and dark marks near the tip of the bill.
© Ryan Sanderson / Macaulay LibraryHawaii, April 02, 2018Adult
A plump, chickenlike waterbird with lobed feet (not webbed like a duck). Adult has a black head and neck, slate gray body, stout white bill, and bulbous frontal shield that is usually white.
© Graham Deese / Macaulay LibraryHawaii, March 28, 2025Immature
Immature has a grayish head, white throat, dusky bill, and limited frontal shield.
© Satoko Lincoln / Macaulay LibraryHawaii, December 12, 2015Adult and juvenile
Young chick has a red bill, red and black spots on the head, and rusty-colored down around the head.
© Cheshta Buckley / Macaulay LibraryHawaii, February 21, 2018Adult
Pumps head while swimming. Forages for aquatic vegetation by both dabbling and diving.
© Benjamin Clock / Macaulay LibraryHawaii, February 17, 2014Adult
Adult has red eyes and white patches on the sides of the tail.
© Sharif Uddin / Macaulay LibraryHawaii, January 14, 2018Adult
Hawaiian Coot’s frontal shield—most frequently white but sometimes red—is larger and more bulbous than American Coot, which is a rare visitor to the Hawaiian Islands.
© Ken Oeser / Macaulay LibraryHawaii, May 30, 2014Adult
Builds a large floating nest anchored to emergent vegetation or algal mats.
© Beth Lariviere / Macaulay LibraryHawaii, February 25, 2016Search species and articles
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