kārearea - NZ falcon
Missing on the maunga before the fence was built, these beautiful raptors reintroduced themselves!
Photo: Tania Wilkinson
kārearea - New Zealand falcon
Falco novaeseelandiae
New Zealand Status: Endemic
Conservation Status: Threatened - nationally increasing
Lifespan: Unknown
Size: 40-50cm (similar to a magpie)
Weight: Up to 740g for the heavier females
- Clearance of forest has led to reduced habitat and availability of prey.
- Predation by cats, mustelids and hedgehogs, especially as falcons nest on ‘scrapes’ on the ground.
- Electrocution from uninsulated power poles and being shot are also problems.
Is it a falcon?
Look for: Kārearea can be easily confused with kāhukorako/swamp harriers. Kārearea are about the size of a magpie compared to larger kāhukorako who can have a wingspan of up to 1m. And whereas falcons prefer hunting live prey while they beat their wings rapidly, harriers are more likely to be seen gliding around with their wings in a V shape or be found feasting on roadkill.
Listen for: You'll sometimes hear kārearea and their fast, high pitched defensive 'kekking' call.
Did you know?
- While hunting, kārearea can reach speeds of up to 200km per hour!
- It's a kārearea that appears on the $20 note.
- Males are smaller than females with a weight of 200-340g compared to 420-740g for females.
Kārearea @ Sanctuary Mountain Maungatautari
Missing from the maunga before the fence was built, these beautiful raptors reintroduced themselves! As they mostly hunt live prey in dense forest they are one of the rarer birds to be see. And if you are lucky enough to see one, a bit of distance isn't a bad thing. They are notorious for dive bombing humans to protect their young.