Buteo solitarius
The Hawaiian Hawk, known as 'Io in Hawaiian, is the only diurnal raptor endemic to the Hawaiian Islands, primarily residing on the Big Island. This majestic bird typically measures 40-46 cm (16-18 in) in length with a wingspan of 105-120 cm (41-47 in), with females generally larger than males (avg. 600g vs. 440g). It exhibits striking dimorphism in plumage, appearing in both a dark morph (uniformly dark brown) and a light morph (dark head, white underparts with a dark malar streak, and a dark...
Found in a variety of habitats, from native 'ōhi'a and koa forests to open pastureland, agricultural fields, and suburban areas, typically from sea level up to 2,000 meters.
Primarily carnivorous, feeding on a wide range of prey including introduced rodents (rats, mice), small birds, insects (crickets, grasshoppers), and occasionally lizards or carrion, typically captured by perch-hunting or aerial dives.
Hawaiian Hawks are diurnal, active during daylight hours, often seen soaring high on thermals or perch-hunting from exposed branches. Their foraging strategy primarily involves swooping down from a high perch or soaring flight to capture prey with their talons. They are strongly territorial, espe...
The Hawaiian Hawk is endemic solely to the island of Hawaiʻi, also known as the Big Island, in the Hawaiian archipelago. It is a non-migratory species, residing year-round across the entire island. While its current breeding range is restricted to the Big Island, fossil evidence suggests it histo...
Near Threatened
- The Hawaiian Hawk, or 'Io, is the only native diurnal raptor to the Hawaiian Islands, making it a unique apex predator in its ecosystem. - In ancient Hawaiian culture, the 'Io was revered as an 'aumakua, or family guardian spirit, and was a symbol of royalty, often associated with ali'i (chiefs...