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The Australasian Falcon, also known as the New Zealand Falcon or Kārearea, is New Zealand's only endemic raptor. It is a powerful and agile hunter, renowned for its speed and aerial prowess. It is a medium-sized falcon, exhibiting strong sexual dimorphism with females being significantly larger than males. This species plays a crucial role as an apex predator in its ecosystem.
Size & lifespan
- Length
- 36-50 cm
- Wingspan
- 66-95 cm
- Weight
- Male: 250-450 g, Female: 450-900 g
- Lifespan
- Up to 15 years in the wild
- Diet
- Carnivore
Physical characteristics
- Plumage
- Adults have dark slate-grey to brownish-black upperparts, often with faint barring. The underparts are rufous to chestnut, heavily streaked with dark brown or black, particularly on the breast and flanks. The throat is whitish, and there is a distinct dark malar stripe (moustache) below the eye. The tail is dark with narrow pale bands, and the undertail coverts are rufous. The cere and orbital ring are yellow.
- Beak shape
- Strong, hooked beak, dark grey to black with a yellow cere.
- Eye color
- Dark brown.
- Leg color
- Yellow legs and feet with black talons.
- Distinguishing features
- Powerful build, pointed wings, rapid flight, and a distinctive dark malar stripe. The rufous underparts with heavy streaking are characteristic. Females are noticeably larger than males.
- Juvenile appearance
- Juveniles are generally darker and browner than adults, with less distinct streaking on the underparts and a more uniform dark brown back. The cere and orbital ring are bluish-grey, gradually turning yellow with age. The streaking on the underparts is often broader and less defined than in adults.
- Seasonal changes
- No significant seasonal plumage changes. Plumage may appear slightly worn or faded towards the end of the breeding season before molting.
- Sexual dimorphism
- Pronounced sexual dimorphism, with females being considerably larger and heavier than males (up to twice the weight). Plumage coloration is similar between sexes, though females may appear slightly darker overall.
How to identify
- 1
Size and Shape
Medium-sized, compact falcon with pointed wings and a relatively short tail. Females are noticeably larger than males.
- 2
Plumage (Adult)
Dark slate-grey to brownish-black upperparts. Rufous to chestnut underparts with heavy dark streaking. Whitish throat and prominent dark malar stripe (moustache).
- 3
Flight
Powerful, fast, and agile flight with rapid wing beats. Capable of spectacular high-speed dives.
- 4
Vocalizations
Distinctive rapid 'kek-kek-kek' or 'kare-kare-kare' calls, especially when agitated or territorial.
- 5
Habitat
Look in rugged, hilly, or mountainous terrain, forest edges, and open country in New Zealand.
Habitat & range
- Biomes
- Forests, shrublands, grasslands, subalpine areas, open country, and occasionally agricultural land.
- Geographic range
- Endemic to New Zealand, found on both the North and South Islands, as well as some offshore islands. More common in the South Island, particularly in mountainous and forested regions.
- Elevation range
- Sea level up to 2000 meters, often preferring higher altitudes in the South Island.
- Preferred environments
- Prefers rugged, hilly, or mountainous terrain with a mix of open areas for hunting and forest edges or cliffs for nesting. Also found in exotic pine plantations.
Behavior
- Activity time
- Diurnal, most active during daylight hours.
- Feeding habits
- A highly efficient aerial predator. Diet primarily consists of small to medium-sized birds (e.g., starlings, thrushes, finches, pigeons), which it catches in flight. Also preys on small mammals (e.g., rabbits, mice), lizards, and large insects. Hunts by soaring, perching, or direct pursuit, often using surprise attacks. Known for its aggressive and fearless hunting style.
- Social behavior
- Generally solitary outside the breeding season. During breeding, pairs are monogamous and highly territorial, aggressively defending their nesting area.
- Flight pattern
- Powerful, rapid, and agile flight with deep, quick wing beats. Capable of high-speed dives (stoops) to catch prey. Often seen soaring on thermals or perching on prominent vantage points.
- Migration pattern
- Resident throughout its range, though some altitudinal movements may occur in winter, with birds moving to lower elevations.
- Territoriality
- Highly territorial, especially during the breeding season. Will aggressively defend its nesting and hunting territory against other raptors and even larger birds.
Song & calls
- Song
- Does not have a complex song. Vocalizations are primarily calls.
- Call
- A series of rapid, high-pitched 'kek-kek-kek' or 'kare-kare-kare' calls, often given when agitated, defending territory, or by parents communicating with young. Also a softer 'wheet' call for contact.
- When they vocalize
- Most vocal during the breeding season, particularly around the nest site, and when disturbed or alarmed.
Breeding & reproduction
- Breeding season
- September to March, with egg-laying typically from October to December.
- Nesting habits
- Does not build a traditional nest. Lays eggs in a scrape on the ground, often on a sheltered ledge on a cliff face, under a rock overhang, or at the base of a tree. Sometimes uses old stick nests of other birds (e.g., Australasian Harrier) or even scrapes on the ground in dense vegetation.
- Clutch size
- 2-4 eggs, usually 3.
- Egg description
- Typically 2-4 eggs, dull white to buff, heavily blotched and spotted with reddish-brown or purplish-brown markings. Eggs are oval-shaped.
- Incubation period
- 29-35 days, primarily by the female.
- Fledging period
- 32-35 days after hatching. Young remain dependent on parents for several weeks after fledging.
- Parental care
- Both parents participate in raising the young. The female primarily incubates and broods, while the male provides most of the food during this period. Both parents hunt and feed the chicks after hatching.
Where to find
South Island High Country
Particularly in the Southern Alps and surrounding foothills, where they are more common.
Forest Edges and Cleared Areas
Often seen hunting along the interface between native forest and open land, or in exotic pine plantations.
Coastal Cliffs and Offshore Islands
Some populations exist in these areas, especially where prey is abundant and nesting sites are secure.
Field tips
- Scan the Skies. Look for them soaring high on thermals or perched on prominent trees, power poles, or cliff edges, surveying their territory.
- Listen for Calls. Their distinctive 'kek-kek-kek' call can often alert you to their presence, especially near nesting sites.
- Observe Hunting Behavior. Watch for their characteristic rapid pursuit of prey or high-speed stoops. They are incredibly fast.
- Visit Known Territories. Inquire with local birdwatching groups or conservation organizations for known territories or recent sightings.
Similar species
Australasian Harrier
Circus approximans
The Australasian Falcon is much smaller, more compact, and has pointed wings and rapid flight, contrasting with the Harrier's larger size, longer wings held in a dihedral, and buoyant, gliding flight. Harriers have a slower, more deliberate hunting style, often quartering over open ground. Falcon has a distinct malar stripe, which the Harrier lacks. Harriers are typically brown with a pale rump, while falcons have rufous underparts.
Brown Falcon
Falco berigora
The Brown Falcon is found in Australia and Tasmania, not New Zealand. It is generally larger and more slender than the Australasian Falcon, with broader, more rounded wings. Its plumage is typically brown with varying degrees of streaking, but it lacks the strong rufous underparts and distinct malar stripe of the Australasian Falcon. Its flight is often slower and more buoyant, with more hovering.
Quick facts
- Endemic to:
- New Zealand
- Status:
- Nationally Vulnerable
- Diet:
- Primarily birds, also small mammals and insects
- Hunting Style:
- Fast, agile aerial pursuit
- Sexual Dimorphism:
- Females significantly larger than males
Fun facts
- The Australasian Falcon is the only endemic raptor in New Zealand.
- It is considered one of the fastest birds in New Zealand, capable of reaching speeds over 200 km/h during a stoop.
- Despite its small size compared to some other raptors, it is known for its aggressive and fearless nature, often attacking birds much larger than itself.
- The Māori name 'Kārearea' is onomatopoeic, reflecting its distinctive call.
- They are sometimes used in falconry for pest control in vineyards, demonstrating their effectiveness as predators.
Scientific classification
- Kingdom
- Animalia
- Phylum
- Chordata
- Class
- Aves
- Order
- Falconiformes
- Family
- Falconidae
- Genus
- Falco
- Species
- Falco novaeseelandiae
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