Nankeen Kestrel

Nankeen kestrel is a rare Australian vagrant, smaller and more delicate than New Zealand’s kārearea. It has a cinnamon back, pale underparts, long pointed wings and a habit of hovering; kārearea is bulkier, darker and does not habitually hover.

Scattered records occur across New Zealand, usually in open country after birds cross the Tasman Sea. It hovers over grass before dropping onto insects, lizards or small mammals and uses cavities or ledges for nesting in Australia.

There is no dependable site; confirmed sightings occur unpredictably in open farmland and coastal headlands.