The New Zealand Falcon is one of the three native birds of prey on these islands. Here are some fun facts about this fast flying hunter.
The birds of New Zealand are probably the most iconic and well known aspect of the natural world of these islands. For example, most people have heard of the flightless kiwi or the kea. Since they arrived, people have introduced many species to these islands, including birds like the goldfinch. The introduced species may not be making life tough for falcons, but the change in land cover is destroying their habitat.
6 New Zealand Falcon Facts
This is an endemic bird, meaning of course that it can be found nowhere else in the world. It’s Maori name is karearea.
This is a medium sized bird of prey, measuring about 43 cm. The other common bird of prey in NZ is the Australasian Harrier Hawk. The Hawk is larger, measuring about 63 cm.
In addition to size, it differs from the hawk by its flight, and coloring. The hawk can be seen soaring as it scans the ground for food. It flies in a kind of slow, effortless way. In contrast the NZ Falcon is much more deliberate in its flight. It flies with a faster wingbeat. Both birds are a dark brown coloring, but the hawk has some lighter parts on the bottom and lower parts.
This bird is a hunter that adapted over time to hunt in the dense native forests of New Zealand. As the land cover of the country has changed over time, it can now be seen in tussock grasslands also. It mainly hunts other birds that it is able to catch in the air. However, it also hunts small lizards, insects, and even rabbits.
They are fast fliers. Their wings are short and rounded, which combine with their long tail to make them able to maneuver through thick forest super well. This ability also helps them to catch their prey while in the air. They are like the top fighter pilots who can chase down and catch other birds in the air, kind of like a natural and more deadly version of the red baron.
This bird can be found throughout the south island and the north island about half way, up to around Taranaki to Rotorua. It may be found everywhere, but it’s not very common. In fact, this species is under threat and scientists estimate that there are only 3,000 – 5,000 pairs left.