Hawaiian Hawk
Buteo solitarius
A medium-sized, compact hawk with broad wings. It is the only resident hawk in Hawaii and occurs only on Hawaii Island. Raptors seen on other islands are migrants. Coloration varies from all dark to white below and dark above. Occurs in dense forest, forest edge, and plantations. Hunts birds, rodents, and large insects among trees and on the ground. Sometimes soars high above the forest canopy. Call is a high, descending “Keeer.”
Identification
The Hawaiian hawk measures approximately 40 to 46 centimetres (16 to 18 in) in length. The female, which weighs 605 g (21.3 oz) on average, is larger than the male, which averages 441 g (15.6 oz). Two color phases exist: 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.
Taxonomy
- Scientific name
- Buteo solitarius
- Authority
- Peale, 1849
- Order
- Accipitriformes
- Family
- Accipitridae
- Genus
- Buteo
Range and habitat
- Migration
- Resident species
Conservation
- Population trend
- stable
Photos
Distribution
Bird Calls
Other Birds

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