Ae'o Hawaiian Stilt Reproduction

Ae'o nest between March-June on mudflats which have low growing plants. The Ae'o's nest is a shallow dip in the ground lined with stones, twigs, and grass. Their average clutch size is 3-4 eggs. The Ae'o's eggs are olive brown with black speckles. The eggs are pear shaped. When an adult Ae'o feels that it's nest or eggs are in danger, it will act as if it is injured until the predator is out of sight. Hawaiian Stilts defend an area of 66 to 99 feet around their nest. When the weather is hot, the Ae'o wets its belly to cool their eggs.

The Ae'o's downy chicks are tan with black speckling. Immature birds have a brownish colored back pattern. These colors help camouflage the chicks from their predators. The chicks leave their nest soon after hatching. The young Ae'o stay with their parents for several months after they hatch. The chicks leave their nest and can feed with the adults soon after hatching. Immature Ae'o have a distinctive peeping call.