Birds of Prey

Wedge-tailed eagle - Australia's largest bird of prey

Photo credits:

Lone Pine Koala Sancturay

I think this is one of the best looking birds of prey out there, one of my favourites - the American swallow-tailed kite.

Photo credits:

Patrick Ellsworth

Ty and Ida

Brian E. Small

Jim Neiger

New Zealand falcons are absolutely gorgeous birds!

New Zealand is one of the only places in the world that is not home to the peregrine falcon, and it is commonly thought this is due to the fact that New Zealand falcons are just too fierce. They are extremely intelligent birds, and only recently have been used in falconry so still we do not know their potential. They are fiercely protective when on game, but otherwise seem to be one of the tamest birds around when being handled, said to be tamer than a well trained harris hawk.

Sadly they are one of New Zealand's most threatened birds of prey. Being endemic only to New Zealand, they tend to be quite susceptible to change. They are quite unique in that they are one of the only falcons to have the ability to hunt in both open habitats and in forested areas, making them extremely versatile hunters. This is because they share some traits similar to hawks - they have very soft plumage which means the feathers are more flexible and resistant to breaking when chasing prey into thick cover in forests. This trait is very rare for a falcon to possess, and is what allows it to hunt in the open sky (like a typical falcon) as well as enclosed woodland/forests (like a typical hawk).

They are incredibly protective of their nests. Any animal or human that gets too close will have scars to prove so, as the falcons are not afraid to strike, legs and talons outstretched. The New Zealand falcon is known internationally as the bravest and most aggressive of the falcon species.

The versatile characteristics of this species means that this feisty little falcon fulfils all the roles that normally several species would fill overseas.

They are quick, extremely manoeuvrable and agile, making for a spectacular bird to see in the wild, and a fantastic bird to use in falconry, however only in the past few years have falconers taken them on.