New Zealand’s only falcon, the kārearea, has soared to victory in the country’s annual Bird of the Year poll – in what organisers described as a rare, scandal-free contest.
The tawny, sharp-taloned raptor, capable of reaching speeds of 200km/h in pursuit of prey, beat out 72 other contenders to secure the title. It marks the second time the species has won, after first taking the crown in 2012.
With an estimated 5,000–8,000 birds left, the kārearea is considered threatened. It nests on the ground, leaving eggs vulnerable to introduced predators such as stoats, hedgehogs and cats. Habitat loss, collisions with power lines and nets, and logging also threaten populations.
“The kārearea is just a stunning bird,” said Emma Blackburn, chair of the Kārearea Falcon Trust. “It’s our only remaining endemic raptor and a really important part of our ecosystem.”
This year’s competition drew more than 75,000 verified votes from 123 countries. The kea, New Zealand’s alpine parrot, came second, while the rare black robin, or karure, finished third.
Launched 20 years ago by Forest and Bird, the poll aims to raise awareness of the precarious state of New Zealand’s unique birdlife – with around 80% of native species threatened or endangered.
Chief executive Nicola Toki said the public’s passion matters: “Behind the memes and mayhem is a serious message. People fall in love with these birds – and once they know their stories, they care, they advocate and they act.”
The kārearea now joins the kākāpō and the hoiho as one of the few species to have won the title twice.
