Hawks, Eagles, and Falcons in Hawaii

List of Different Types of Hawks, Eagles, and Falcons in Hawaii

Eagles

There are only three types of vagrant eagle species living in Hawaii.

• White-tailed Eagle (Accidental)
• Steller’s Sea Eagle (Accidental)
• Golden Eagle (Accidental)

Hawks

• Hawaiian Hawk
• Chinese Sparrowhawk (Accidental)
• Rough-legged Hawk (Accidental)

The Hawaiian hawk is the only native hawk species in the state, while the others are vagrants. The native name of the endemic species is ‘io, and it was considered endangered till its name was scrapped from the list in 2020. It is still in a ‘Near Threatened’ status, though, as it faces many threats, including degradation and loss of forest habitat. It only inhabits the Big Island, but fossil evidence suggests it lived on many islands earlier.

Falcons

• Peregrine Falcon
• Merlin (Accidental)

The merlin is extremely rare, with only a few sightings of the bird being recorded. On the other hand, the peregrine falcon is a regular visitor here from October to May. Having said that, the numbers have dwindled over the years, with only around two peregrines living on the islands during the winter.

Ospreys

• Osprey

Harriers

• Northern Harrier (Accidental)

The Hawaiian hawk can be seen in the restricted Pua Akala Tract in Hakalau Forest National Wildlife Refuge, the kipukas along Saddle Road (especially on the Pu’u O’o Trail through Kipuka Ainahou), the central part of Hawaii Volcanoes National Park, and the Waipio and Pololu Valley area.