![]() ![]() However in podocarp forests they nest in the epiphytic plants (mostly Astelia and Colospermum) found growing in large emergent trees such as rimu. In most of these areas they either lay their eggs into a small scrape in the dirt on the ground or on small bluffs. New Zealand falcons breed in a wide variety of habitats in native bush, pine plantations, tussock lands and roughly grazed hill country pasture. 'The Impact of Electrocution on the NZ Falcon' by Dr Nick Fox → If efforts to conserve this spectacular, yet threatened species are to be successful it is imperative that this hazard is addressed nationwide. The risk is especially high in open areas where power poles provide the most convenient perching opportunity in the landscape. Ğlectrocution by landing on un-insulated power polesĮlectrocution has been proven to have a significant impact on the survival of New Zealand falcon and it is highly likely that electrocution is a factor that limits populations of this threatened species nationwide.Persecution by humans (shooting, trapping and deliberate poisoning). ![]() Degradation of habitat quality and reduced food availability.Loss of breeding habitat through habitat clearance and modification.Direct predation from introduced mammal predators.Illegal shooting by humans, collisions with cars and windows, and electrocution by landing on un-insulated power poles also pose significant threats to falcons nationwide. Combined with widespread habitat loss, modification and degradation, falcons have fewer places to safely nest, catch the food they need and raise their young. As a result they commonly breed on the ground and the eggs, chicks and adults are highly susceptible to being preyed upon by these exotic predators. New Zealand falcons evolved in the absence of mammalian predators and humans. Others know the falcon as the: bush hawk, sparrow hawk or quail hawk. What other names does the New Zealand falcon have? Scientists call it: Falco novaeseelandiae Māori have many names for the New Zealand falcon including: kārearea, kārewarewa, kāiaia, kāuaua, kāeaea, kārewarewa, Tawaka and Kakarapiti. These attributes make our ‘kārearea’ New Zealand falcon truly special – a unique species that has adapted to fulfil the roles that several species usually fill overseas. A true New Zealand warrior you might say! Early scientists used to call it Falco ferox or ferocious falcon. When they do so they hit the head with an outstretched foot raking with their talons! Other falcon species certainly defend their nests, but none do so as aggressively as our New Zealand falcon, known internationally as one of the bravest, most aggressive of the falcon species. They more often than not make contact with the head of any humans foolish enough to try and get close to their nests. New Zealand falcons are also incredibly aggressive against all intruders to the nest. It is rare for a falcon to have the ability to hunt in both forested and open habitats, but our New Zealand falcon can. This combination of adaptations makes the New Zealand falcon a very versatile hunter. However, it has also retained its more falcon-like traits, including the spectacular stooping dive that is typical of many falcons. These are traits that are shared by other birds of prey found overseas known as Accipiters, hawks that also hunt in forest environments. Its soft plumage is adapted to the forest environment, making the feathers more flexible and resistant to breaking in the rough and tumble that it often encounters when pursuing prey into thick cover. Its adaptations to this habitat include short, relatively deep rounded wings, a long tail to maximise manoeuvrability and long legs and feet that enable it to catch small birds during surprise attacks. It is one of only four forest falcons out of a total of 38 species of falcons worldwide. Having evolved in a largely forested landscape it has developed a body shape that optimises its ability to hunt in this environment. The NZ falcon is only found in New Zealand. Wingspan aims to change that and restore populations back into the daily lives of all New Zealanders. The 2012 Bird of the Year winner ‘kārearea’ New Zealand falcon is our most threatened bird of prey. ![]()
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