`Alae Ke'oke'o Hawaiian Coot Reproduction

The 'Alae Ke'oke'o's breeding season is usually from March through September, a few nest at other times of the year. Water levels are important for successful nest building. The best nesting habitat is usually in a 50:50 to 75:25 mix of thick plants and open water. The plants help to reduce the impact of strong winds which cause waves and ripples in the water. These ripples and waves threaten the 'Alae Ke'oke'o's nests.

The 'Alae Ke'oke'o make floatng nests out of water plants in open water. They also make semi-floating nests anchored to plants, or in clumps of water plants. Floating nests are made from water hyssop and Hilo grass. Nests are also made from bulrush. "False nests" may be made near the 'Alae Ke'oke'o's real nest. These nests are often used for loafing, or brooding platforms to hatch their eggs on. The 'Alae Ke'oke'o lay from 3 to 10 eggs, the average number is 5 eggs. The eggs are creamy colored with tiny brown specks. The incubation, or hatching period is from 23 to 27 days.

The 'Alae Ke'oke'o's downy chicks are black, except for a reddish orange head, neck, throat, and bill. The chicks are able to run and swim soon after hatching. The young stay with their parents for several weeks after hatching, and call out frequently to their parents for reassurance.