Hawaiian Hawk Identification

A small, broad-winged hawk found only on the island of Hawaii. Occurs in both dark and light morphs. Dark morph has an all-dark body and dark wing linings.

Adult light morph has whitish underparts with brown streaking across the breast. In flight note the barred tail. Often soars over forests and clearings.

A small hawk found in forests and open areas on the island of Hawaii. Occurs in both dark (seen here) and light morphs.

Hunts by standing still on a perch and then suddenly dropping down onto prey below.

In both morphs, adult has yellow cere (the skin at base of bill) and yellow legs and feet.

Head and underparts of immature light morph are white with a buffy tinge.

The only resident hawk species in the Hawaiian Islands. Occurs in upper-elevation native forests, lowland non-native forests, and agricultural lands.