New Zealand’s only falcon, the kārearea, has been named the country’s bird of the year after topping the annual public vote in a rare scandal-free contest.
The powerful raptor – capable of diving at speeds of 200km/h to catch prey – beat the cheeky alpine kea and the karure, a rare black robin, to take the title. It is only the third species to win the competition twice, after also triumphing in 2012.
With just 5,000–8,000 birds left in the wild, kārearea are classed as threatened. They nest on the ground, leaving their eggs vulnerable to introduced predators such as stoats, hedgehogs and cats. Habitat loss and collisions with power lines or nets have further reduced their numbers.
“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.”
More than 75,000 verified votes from 123 countries were cast in this year’s poll, run by conservation group Forest and Bird. Launched 20 years ago, the contest aims to raise awareness of New Zealand’s threatened species, 80% of which are in trouble.
Forest and Bird chief executive Nicola Toki said that while the competition is often known for memes and mischief – from Russian “interference” to a bat winning in 2021 – it carries a vital message. “Once people know these birds’ stories, they care, they advocate and they act,” she said.
The kārearea now joins the hoiho and kākāpō in the small club of double winners, securing its place as one of New Zealand’s most celebrated birds.
