The kārearea becomes territorial during nesting season and walkers have been swooped by the fast-flying falcon in recent weeks
New Zealanders are being warned to steer clear of the nation’s ‘bird of the year’ – the kārearea – after reports the fast-flying falcon is dive-bombing walkers who veer too close to their nests.
The threatened kārearea was crowned bird of the year in September, in the country’s long-running annual competition.
It is New Zealand’s fastest bird, capable of flying 200km/h in its pursuit of prey, and has impressive talons. Kārearea are powerful aerial hunters and watch other birds, lizards or small mammals – sometimes larger than themselves – from a high vantage point before diving to snatch their prey.
During nesting season, they become incredibly territorial and protective, which some walkers have discovered the hard way.
