Hawaiian Hawk

Overview
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.

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.

The Hawaiian Hawk has a very small range, confined only to four islands of Hawaii and breeding only on the island of Hawaii itself. The bird is native to the Hawaiian Islands. It prefers ecological systems of Subtropical or Tropical Forest or arable or plantation land. The population of the bird is estimated at between 1,600 to 2,700 birds, which is remaining steady despite a very limited range. The Hawaiian Hawk currently holds a status of Near Threatened on the IUCN Red List due to the range and size of the population, but the steady population means that the bird does not have need for a more protected status at current.

INTERESTING FACTS
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. A group of hawks has many collective nouns, including a "boil", "knot", "spiraling", "stream", and "tower" of hawks.