New Zealand Falcon

The kārearea is New Zealand’s endemic falcon, a magpie-sized hunter that takes live prey in forest and open country. Three forms vary in size and colour: the bush form is smallest and darkest, while the eastern form is largest and palest. Adults are dark brown above with a cream breast streaked vertically, rufous thighs and undertail, yellow legs and cere, and a dark moustache stripe. Unlike the larger swamp harrier, a kārearea lacks a pale rump, glides with flat wings and commonly pursues birds in fast chases.

It occurs on both main islands, from the coast up to the treeline, but is sparse north of a line between northern Taranaki and Rotorua and absent from Northland. Southern birds reach Rakiura/Stewart Island, and pairs also nest in Marlborough vineyards. Kārearea catch small birds on the wing and also hunt from perches or by flying close to the ground. They lay 1–4 eggs in a simple scrape on the ground, a ledge or an epiphyte, and ground-nesting adults may dive-bomb intruders.

Southern kārearea are Threatened — Nationally Endangered, while eastern and bush populations are Threatened — Nationally Vulnerable (NZ Threat Classification). Threats include habitat loss, predation by cats and mustelids, electrocution on uninsulated lines and illegal shooting. They can be encountered in the central and southern South Island, Fiordland and Marlborough wine country. Juveniles disperse widely in winter and may appear well outside breeding areas.