New Zealand Falcon
A species of True Falcons, Also known as Eastern New Zealand Falcon, Eastern Falcon, Bush Falcon, Bush Hawk Scientific name : Falco novaeseelandiae Genus : True Falcons
New Zealand Falcon, A species of True Falcons
Also known as:
Eastern New Zealand Falcon, Eastern Falcon, Bush Falcon, Bush Hawk
Botanical name: Falco novaeseelandiae
Genus: True Falcons
Content
Description People often ask General Info
Photo By silversea_starsong , used under CC-BY-NC-4.0 /Cropped and compressed from original
Description
With a wingspan between 63 cm (25 in) and 98 cm (39 in) and weight rarely exceeding 450 g (16 oz), the New Zealand falcon is slightly over half the size of the swamp harrier, which it usually attacks on sight. (Unlike the swamp harrier, the New Zealand falcon catches other birds in flight, and rarely eats carrion.) The male is about two-thirds the weight of the female.
Size
48 cm
Feeding Habits
New Zealand Falcon primarily preys on birds (80%), including introduced species and native passerines, and supplements its diet with small mammals, insects, lizards, and occasionally carrion. It hunts using fast flights, perching, and cooperative strategies, successfully capturing prey up to the size of young rabbits or hares.
Habitat
New Zealand Falcon predominantly occupies a mosaic of native forests and adjacent opened grasslands. These birds thrive in the rugged terrains of hills and mountains, from sea-level regions to elevations of up to 1500 meters, though they can be found at heights up to 2100 meters. While new Zealand Falcon frequently nests in dense forest landscapes, cliffs, and remote steep hillsides, it is also adaptable to modified habitats, such as pine plantations and cleared pastures. Occasionally, new Zealand Falcon may explore urban environments, venturing into gardens within these areas.
Dite type
Carnivorous
People often ask
General Info
Behavior
An aggressive bird that displays great violence when defending its territory, the New Zealand falcon has been reported to attack dogs, as well as people.
Distribution Area
The New Zealand falcon is mainly found in heavy bush and the steep high country in the South Island, and is rarely seen north of a line through the central area of the North Island. A small population also breeds on the Auckland Islands; the species is known from the Chatham Islands from fossil remains.
Species Status
Not globally threatened.
Photo By silversea_starsong , used under CC-BY-NC-4.0 /Cropped and compressed from original
Scientific Classification
Phylum
Chordates Class
Birds Order
Diurnal Birds of Prey Family
Falcons and caracaras Genus
True Falcons Species
New Zealand Falcon