Known for its 200km/h hunting dives and dwindling population of 5,000–8,000, the falcon beat out 72 other species, including the kea and black robin, in the 20th anniversary of the competition.
Organised by Forest & Bird, the annual contest highlights the plight of threatened native species.
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Beautiful bird.
Like a beautiful tree-shrub the Kaka Beak.
Interesting the Haast Eagle had a wing span of 9.8 feet.
A Whooper Swan 9 feet.
Whose wing strike are capable of breaking a human arm.
The New Zealand falcon, or kārearea (Falco novaeseelandiae), typically has a wingspan of 45 to 65 cm (18 to 26 inches).
Despite its modest size, it’s a fierce and agile hunter—known for high-speed pursuits and aggressive nest defense.
It’s one of only four forest falcons in the world, with adaptations like:
Short, rounded wings for maneuvering through dense bush
Long tail for precision steering
Talons that rake intruders with pinpoint fury
Not the largest raptor—but it’s a warrior of precision, a forest blade honed for ambush and aerial choreography.
Wow, you sure do know your bird’s, thank you for the info.
…threatened native species.
STOP 1080 poisoning! The forest fauna is DEAD after a drop.