Hawaiian Owl (Asio flammeus sandwichensis) / Pueo 4K

The ancient Hawaiians regarded the Hawaiian Short-hard Owl, or Pueo, with reverence. The Pueo hunts around daybreak, at sunset, and sometimes at midday. Although it frequents fields and pastures, this endemic species can also be found in the high upland native forest. Its diet is mostly rodents and insects, but the Pueo does prey on both native and alien birds. When hunting it hovers above its prey before diving down to attack. Deep penetrating yellow eyes in a round facial disk distinguish this species from the introduced Barn Owl. The legs and feet are covered in feathers.