Growing up in the Philippine Eagle Aerie, Swiftwing has a strong understanding that one must take on the role of one's parents. However, when on her Choosing, she breaks the tradition that she thought was the most important, everything she ever believed is shattered.

Thrown into the wild as an outcast, she meets enemies and allies alike, including a young Philippine Hawk-Eagle named Browntuft, whom she soon becomes friends with.

Human Poachers have entered the rainforest and will not stop until they have captured or killed all the rare birds . . .

Will Swiftwing and Browntuft become the birds they want to be or will their world be destroyed?