Now hear this

Did you know? Sixty percent of the birds found in Hawaii are endemic, which means they are found nowhere else on earth. Some are federally listed as endangered, while others are making a comeback, like the Hawaiian hawk, called "io" in Hawaiian, seen (and heard) in this video clip.

Biologists believe the io evolved from the red-tailed hawk, a raptor prevalent throughout California. Imagine a pair of hawks getting blown off course, crossing the Pacific Ocean, only to land in pristine Hawaii and eventually evolve into their own unique species. It's so romantic, it's mind boggling!

Special thanks to the public affairs team at Hawaii Volcanoes National Park for sharing this recording. If you book your summer vacation at Inn Pairadise Kona on Hawaii Island, your admission to the park is FREE!