Table of Contents
How long do New Zealand falcons live?
12-15 years
New Zealand falcons lifespan is nearly 12-15 years, still the mortality rate of young falcons is about 60% and out of 10 falcon around 5-6 die in their first year itself. The same number of years is applicable to southern falcons as well as eastern falcons. They mainly live in the Auckland islands .
How many NZ falcons are left?
It is the country’s most threatened bird of prey, with only around 3000–5000 breeding pairs remaining.
How rare is the NZ falcon?
Why should we care about NZ Falcons/Kārearea? 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 birds do NZ falcons eat?
Falcons also take large birds such as white-faced herons, kererū (New Zealand pigeons), ducks and pheasants. They catch big insects such as grasshoppers and beetles.
Where do falcons lay their eggs?
Like most falcons, Peregrine Falcons do not build their own nests. They lay their eggs in scrapes, or small depressions, they make in the soil or gravel of a cliff ledge.
Do NZ falcons glide?
Falcons are more often seen in active chasing flights rather than the lazy quartering flights typical of the harrier. The falcon lacks the obvious cream/pale rump of the harrier and glides with its wings set flat rather than in a shallow V-shape.
What do Karearea 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.
How long can a falcon live?
A peregrine falcon can live for up to 15 years and sometimes longer.
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.
What’s the speed of a New Zealand falcon?
The New Zealand falcon is capable of flying at speeds over 100 km/h, and can catch prey larger than itself.
What kind of habitat does the New Zealand falcon live in?
The NZ falcon has now also adapted to more open habitats and most recently to living in exotic pine plantations throughout most of New Zealand. Initially known as one variable species but with three separate forms recognised (Eastern, Southern and Bush falcon) based on differing size, weight, colour, range and habitat.
Is the Falcon at risk in New Zealand?
Currently the Bush falcon (Falco novaeseelandiae ferox) in the North Island and the Eastern falcon (Falco novaeseelandiae novaeseelandiae) in most of the South Island has been classified as ‘At Risk – Recovering’. The Southern falcon from Fiordland and the Auckland Islands is classified as ‘Threatened – Nationally Vulnerable’.
How long does it take a New Zealand falcon to lay an egg?
Like all falcons, the New Zealand falcon does not build a nest. Rather, it makes a scrape on the ground, under a rocky outcrop or in an epiphyte in an emergent forest tree into which it lays its eggs. A typical clutch consists of 2–4 eggs which take about 33 days to hatch.