‘Io, ʻIolani, Exalted hawk
The Hawaiian hawk or ʻio (Buteo solitarius ) is a raptor in the genus Buteo endemic to Hawaiʻi, currently restricted to the Big Island. The ʻio is one of two birds of prey that is native to Hawaiʻi, the other being the Pueo (Hawaiian short-eared owl) and fossil evidence indicates that it inhabited the island of Hawaiʻi, Molokaʻi, Oʻahu, Maui and Kauaʻi at one time. Today, it is known to breed only on the Big Island, in stands of native ʻōhiʻa lehua (Metrosideros polymorpha ) trees. The species was protected as an endangered species in the United States, but was delisted in 2020. However, the IUCN classifies the species as Near Threatened.
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DiurnalDiurnal animals are active during the daytime, with a period of sleeping or other inactivity at night. The timing of activity by an animal depends ...
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CarnivoreA carnivore meaning 'meat eater' is an organism that derives its energy and nutrient requirements from a diet consisting mainly or exclusively of a...
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ArborealArboreal locomotion is the locomotion of animals in trees. In habitats in which trees are present, animals have evolved to move in them. Some anima...
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PredatorPredators are animals that kill and eat other organisms, their prey. Predators may actively search for or pursue prey or wait for it, often conceal...
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Soaring birdsSoaring birds can maintain flight without wing flapping, using rising air currents. Many gliding birds are able to "lock" their extended wings by m...
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AltricialAltricial animals are those species whose newly hatched or born young are relatively immobile. They lack hair or down, are not able to obtain food ...
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MonogamyMonogamy is a form of relationship in which both the male and the female has only one partner. This pair may cohabitate in an area or territory for...
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Generally solitaryGenerally solitary animals are those animals that spend their time separately but will gather at foraging areas or sleep in the same location or sh...
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Not a migrantAnimals that do not make seasonal movements and stay in their native home ranges all year round are called not migrants or residents.
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starts withHawaiian hawks are graceful birds of prey native to Hawai'i. They exist in two color phases: a dark phase (dark brown head, breast, and underwings), and a light color phase (dark head, light breast and light underwings). Feet and legs are yellowish in adults and greenish in juveniles. During breeding season one of the pair, possibly the female, has a distinctive yellow forecap area just above the upper mandible.
Hawaiian hawks are found in Hawaii, where they breed only on the Big Island. They live in different habitats, from tropical moist forest to agricultural areas.
Hawaiian hawks don't migrate and are generally, defending their territory year-round. They are active during the day. These birds are strong fliers and hunt from a stationary position, but can also dive on prey from the air. Hawaiian hawks are opportunistic predators and are versatile in their feeding habits. They have a shrill and high-pitched call much like their Hawaiian name: "eeeh-oh." They are very noisy during the breeding season.
Hawaiian hawks are carnivores. They feed largely on introduced animals such as rats, lizards, and game birds, as well as invertebrates such as insects.
Hawaiian hawks are monogamous and form pair bonds that last for years and sometimes even for life. These birds nest from March through September, and usually lay only one egg; however, sometimes they could lay up to three in their clutch. The female does the majority of incubation during the 38 days, while the male does the majority of the hunting. After the egg is hatched, the female allows the male to visit only when delivering food to the nest. The chick fledges at seven or eight weeks and parents usually care for their young within 30 weeks.
Hawaiian hawks are threatened by illegal hunting, the degradation of their native forest habitat, poisoning, vehicle collisions, starvation, and predation from other animals.
According to the IUCN Red List, the total Hawaiian hawk breeding population is around 1,100 mature individuals. Currently, this species is classified as Near Threatened (NT) on the IUCN Red List but its numbers today remain stable.