How fast can the NZ falcon fly?
100 km/h
The New Zealand falcon is capable of flying at speeds over 100 km/h, and can catch prey larger than itself.
How rare is the NZ falcon?
Other common names for the bird are bush hawk and sparrow hawk. It is frequently mistaken for the larger and more common swamp harrier. It is the country’s most threatened bird of prey, with only around 3000–5000 breeding pairs remaining.
How many falcons are there in NZ?
One of 38 species of falcon worldwide, the New Zealand falcon is endemic to this country. It is estimated that the population is likely between 5000 – 8000. Therefore that makes them rarer than all species of Kiwi, (but not as rare as some species).
What does a NZ falcon look like?
Often seen hunting small passerines in dramatic chases, they have long pointed wings and a long tail. Wings and tail open out into a more rounded shape when soaring. When perched they have an upside-down teardrop shaped silhouette. Males are approximately a third smaller than females.
What is the fastest bird in NZ?
New Zealand falcons
Although New Zealand falcons may not be able to attain the incredibly high speeds of the Peregrine, being capable of keeping up with even the fastest of prey species in New Zealand, and being able to stoop like the Peregrine, it is widely regarded as New Zealand’s fastest flying bird.
What are some cool facts about falcons?
Ten Fun Facts About Falcons, the Birds
- Falcons are fast. Really fast.
- Humans have used falcons for hunting for thousands of years.
- Falcons mate for life.
- They can see better than you.
- Falcons are not picky eaters.
- Falcons nearly went extinct in North America.
- They aren’t just fast.
- Falcons use their beaks as weapons.
What is the New Zealand falcon called?
Kārearea
The call of the kārearea (New Zealand falcon) was said to foretell the weather. If the bird screamed on a fine day, there would be rain the day after – if it screamed in wet weather, the next day would be clear.
Do falcons fly in rain?
They can—but not very well. While it’s not impossible for birds to fly in the rain, they usually choose not to. You may see birds fly short distances in poor weather to find something to eat, but most of them prefer to stay put. Instead, birds are affected by the drop in air pressure that comes with most rainstorms.
How long does it take a falcon to fly?
At about 6 weeks of age, young falcons will make their first attempts at flying. After they fledge (take their first flight) they are referred to as fledglings and will be dependent on the adult falcons until they can hunt for themselves (about 4 weeks later).
How many Karearea are there?
Kārearea is a rare species of falcon that is only found in New Zealand. There are no more than 4,000 breeding pairs in the wild. Kārearea are strictly territorial, sparsely distributed and slow to reproduce. Ecologists classify the bird as at risk of extinction.
Can falcons glide?
Increasing the angle of glide increases speed until, in a vertical dive (falcons), speeds of 320 km (200 miles) per hour are attained. Some species (bateleur, lammergeier) are specialized for gliding, almost without wing flapping. Peregrine falcon (Falco peregrinus).
How big do Falcons get in New Zealand?
‘Southern’ falcons are intermediate in size and colouration and live in Fiordland, Stewart Island and the Auckland Islands. Adult New Zealand falcons measure between 40 cm and 50 cm. Males are smaller than females. Males weigh between 240 g and 350 g, while females weigh between 410 g and 720 g.
How does the New Zealand falcon hunt?
The New Zealand falcon is capable of flying at speeds over 100 km/h, and can catch prey larger than itself. They hunt live prey, mainly by watching from a vantage point and making a fast direct flying attack and either striking or grasping the prey with their feet which are equipped with sharp talons.
Why is the New Zealand falcon endangered?
Like many birds of prey overseas, New Zealand falcons are also threatened by electrocution on power poles containing transformers. Despite their fully protected status, New Zealand falcons are still illegally shot by people, particularly when falcons occasionally kill racing pigeons or chickens.
How much does a Falcon weigh?
Males weigh between 240 g and 350 g, while females weigh between 410 g and 720 g. The New Zealand falcon is capable of flying at speeds over 100 km/h, and can catch prey larger than itself.