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Hawaiian Hawk

Buteo solitariusOrder: FALCONIFORMESFamily: Kites, Eagles and Hawks (Accipitridae)

Hawaiian Hawk Portrait
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General

Hawaiian Hawk: Also called 'Io, the Light morph is dark brown above and cream below with brown flecks on the upperbreast. Dark morph is dark-brown overall with variably gray and brown tinge along underparts. Black bill with yellow cere. Sexes are similar, female is larger. Juvenile light morph has white-buff crown and nape, fewer brown flecks on breast. Juvenile dark morph is dark-brown overall, head and upperback are gray-brown, underparts show variable white tint. Cere, legs, and feet are blue-green.

Range and Habitat

Hawaiian Hawk: Endemic and widespread on the island of Hawaii and travels between sea level to tree line near Hilo. Regularly seen near volcanoes and along the Hamakua Coast.

Voice Text

"eeeee-oh", "keeee-up"

Interesting Facts

  • A group of hawks has many collective nouns, including a "boil", "knot", "spiraling", "stream", and "tower" of hawks.
  • The Hawaiian Hawk, or 'Io, is the only hawk native to Hawaii.
  • It is a royal symbol in Hawaiian legend, the palace in Honolulu of the Hawaiian monarchy was called 'Iolani', meaning Exalted Hawk.
  • Illegal shooting and the disturbance of nesting birds are the biggest threats facing this bird.


Author

Crystal Adams

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Range Map for Hawaiian Hawk
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Bird Call Credits: The Macaulay Library of Natural Sounds at the Cornell Lab of Ornithology. Martyn Stewart, http://www.naturesound.org, Redmond, Washington USA. The reuse or copying of bird calls in this database is strictly forbidden.
Family
Species Buteo solitarius
Length16 - 18 Inches
Wingspan Inches

Hawaiian Hawk

Hawaiian Hawk: Also called 'Io, the light morph is dark brown above, cream below with brown flecks on upperbreast. Dark morph is dark-brown overall with variably gray and brown tinge along underparts. Black bill with yellow cere. Pale yellow legs and feet. Flap-and-glide flight with some soaring.

● Song: "eeeee-oh", "keeee-up"

● Foraging & Feeding: Hawaiian Hawk: Feeds on rats, small birds, stream animals and a variety of insects. Will either dive on prey from the air or hunt from a perched position.

● Breeding & nesting: Hawaiian Hawk: One to three light blue eggs are laid in a nest of twigs, sticks and leaves high in a tree. Incubated by female for 38 days. Both parents aggressively defend the nest and feed the young.

● Similar species: Hawaiian Hawk: Not likely to be confused with any other species.

Flight Pattern

Flap-and-glide with some soaring.
Hawaiian Hawk Body Illustration
● Range & Habitat: Hawaiian Hawk: Endemic and widespread on the island of Hawaii and travels between sea level to tree line near Hilo. Regularly seen near volcanoes and along the Hamakua Coast.
BreedingMonogamous
PopulationIncreasing gradually
MigrationNonmigratory
Weight17 Ounces