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Description This stocky wading bird has a large head, short legs, and a short neck. A primarily gray body it has a black crown, black bill, red eyes, and yellow to yellow-green legs. Both genders look almost identical with the males slightly larger in size. The juvenile has gray to amber eyes, streaks of light brown-over-white feathers on its breast and many white spots on its wings and will not acquire full adult plumage until the third year. Lifecycle Breeding season occurs in spring to early summer and during this time the legs of the Auku'u turn pink. The male will go through a variety of elaborate displays to attract a female. The nest is built near the trunk of the tree or in the fork of branches. The birds are colonial so there may be several nests in one tree. The male initiates the nest construction, building a new one or refurbish an old one, and collects and present sticks to the female who works them into the nest. The clutch size is 3-5 bright green eggs which later fade to blue or green and incubation is carried out by both adults for 24-26 days. Both parents brood the young who leave the nest in about two weeks but are not considered a juvenile until 45 days after hatching. Habitat Found near mountain streams and around lowland ponds and estuaries as well as aquaculture farms or hotel and golf course waterways. Diet Whenever the opportunity occurs the 'Auku'u will feed. Its diet consists of fish, amphibians, earthworms, insects, crayfish, mussels, squid, lizards, rodents, small birds, eggs, carrion (decaying animals), plant materials, and garbage at landfills. It uses a stand and wait strategy to catch prey or catches fish by vibrating its beak in the water to attract them. CommunicationThe adult's common call uses a “Qua, Quak, Quark,” or “Squawk.” |
