FOR AGES 3 YEARS TO 18 YEARS
At Kidadl we pride ourselves on offering families original ideas to make the most of time spent together at home or out and about, wherever you are in the world. We strive to recommend the very best things that are suggested by our community and are things we would do ourselves - our aim is to be the trusted friend to parents.
We try our very best, but cannot guarantee perfection. We will always aim to give you accurate information at the date of publication - however, information does change, so it’s important you do your own research, double-check and make the decision that is right for your family.
Kidadl provides inspiration to entertain and educate your children. We recognise that not all activities and ideas are appropriate and suitable for all children and families or in all circumstances. Our recommended activities are based on age but these are a guide. We recommend that these ideas are used as inspiration, that ideas are undertaken with appropriate adult supervision, and that each adult uses their own discretion and knowledge of their children to consider the safety and suitability.
Kidadl cannot accept liability for the execution of these ideas, and parental supervision is advised at all times, as safety is paramount. Anyone using the information provided by Kidadl does so at their own risk and we can not accept liability if things go wrong.
The New Zealand falcon (falco novaeseelandiae) is a bird of prey, mostly found in water bodies like for example it resides in Auckland islands, Fiordland Stewart island, Stewart island, and generally in the south island and north island. This bush falcon is a threatened species of north island , it consists of some sub species which include falcon karearea, NZ falcon or New Zealand falcon is the only falcon found in New Zealand. This bird commonly known as endemic raptor differ from other falcons in their size, color, wings and tails. Some of the habitat also differ like the breeding process in which some falcons make nest on the ground while some falcons lay eggs in any other bird nest.
The New Zealand falcon is mainly reported for attacking dogs as well as harming people too. The food habitat is almost identical in these birds of prey; they live in the north, south, on islands having different habitats. Forest, woods , ground is not their main home but sometimes come to escape from shooters. This bird catches live prey to feed themselves. These birds of prey are quite rare to find as their population is declining due to several factors, and climate declining as being one of them. They are quite similar in terms of physical appearance to harrier bird.
For more relatable content, check out these rusty blackbird facts and pitta bird facts for kids.
A New Zealand falcon (Falco novaeseelandiae) is a bird of prey, and it is a type of falcon birds species. Some other types of falcons are Lanner falcon and saker falcon.
New Zealand falcon belongs to the Aves class of animal, from the phylum Chordate.
The definite number of New Zealand falcon kārearea present in the world is unknown.
New Zealand falcon are bird of prey, which usually live in woodland, grassland, forest and bush. They reside mostly in the south of Hamilton. Eastern falcons are found in open dryer areas of the world . They also live in water bodies and mainly live where they can easily prey on animals. The falcon kārearea prefer to live in bushy areas and steep high countries, particularly in the south island.
The New Zealand falcon bird of prey mainly exists everywhere on the planet, their habitat can be found from forests to islands and these falcon species are also found in the arctic north to the dry southern deserts. The New Zealand falcon, or any species of falcon, mostly resides in wide open areas and they do not build nest for laying eggs as like other birds. They prefer laying eggs on any other bird nest or any of the human made building . Falcons remain less on ground and prefer more to fly in the sky and can fly long distances. Their main habitat is islands and water bodies.
New Zealand falcon falco novaeseelandiae are birds of prey that usually live in breeding pairs or we can say in packs.
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 .
The breeding season of New Zealand falcons generally takes place during summer or spring, having clutch size 1-4 . The process of incubation is generally shared by both a male and female hawk; but when it comes to brooding, it is a task which is done by the female hawk or falcon. The female falcon lays its eggs on a simple scrape on the ground while the eggs are covered with so many layers to protect them. These birds lay 2-3 eggs at one time. This breeding process in hill country nest are mainly made on a heighted area or a slope by the hawk. Breeding in forest is possible in an area surrounded with trees. The southern and eastern falcon also follows the same breeding process in the country.
The New Zealand falcon conservation status is Nearly Threatened (population decreasing). These falcon are threatened because of the decline in population. Factors like habitat degradation has also resulted in decreasing population. The persecution of these birds is so common throughout New Zealand and some falcons are shot at frequently. There are around 3000-5000 in pairs. They have been under the protection of the wildlife in many regions, as they are Nearly Threatened.
New Zealand falcons look like they have long tail and pointed wings, with upside down teardrop shaped silhouette. But in these NZ falcon birds the size of male falcon is quite smaller than female falcons. They have the body weight of around 0.91 lb (720 g), and a body length of between 16-20 in (40-50 cm). The newly fledging and juveniles are dark brown in color, with cream streaks on the upper part and shade of blue grey in the eye ring. Falcons and swamp harrier are quite same in resemblance and openly arrive New Zealand from Australia. The black color falcons are more sooty and have more pointed wings.
This bird of prey, even though they may be dangerous, they have a cute overall looks. However, their predatory nature makes them look aggressive and scary.
The sound of 'kek' 'kek' is made during the breeding season, the kārearea falcons or NZ falcon call, made by the female is much high than a male's pitch. Adults also makes a voice like 'chitter' between normal falcon interactions.
New Zealand's falcons have a body size of around 16-20 in (40-50 cm), which is 10 times bigger than a belted kingfisher.
The New Zealand falcon flying speed is of around 62.1 mph (100 kph) and it preys on creature having larger size than them.
The weight of these birds can reach 0.91 lb (720 g).
The male falcon is called tercel and the female falcon is called falco novaeseelandiae.
The youngs of the New Zealand falcon are called karearea or chicks in general.
They are carnivorous in nature and mainly feed on all types of animals, including insects, animals, reptiles, and so on. These birds are known to feed highly on other birds too.
As a carnivores species of bird, they can be quite dangerous to approach.
It is uncommon to have them as pet, as they require a meaty diet which can be quite complicated for people. Also, they prefer forests habitats instead of cages.
These birds are rare in south islands but are common in Auckland islands . The bush falcon is quite dangerous but can be kept as a pet by people who have an experience rearing birds, of more than 7 years.
These birds have been under the protection of the wildlife in some regions as their population is decreasing.
In terms of the physical difference, their color and shape almost look same but hawk is a bit bigger than the falcon karearea. The breeding process of hawks include nest but the falcons do not use their own nest in many cases. These birds are more harmful than hawks and the species of this bird are commonly found in New Zealand but the NZ native hawk is not so common. The NZ falcon, which are endemic to north island and south island, is also a harrier who attacks others.
Here at Kidadl, we have carefully created lots of interesting family-friendly animal facts for everyone to discover! For more relatable content, check out these Anna's hummingbird facts and bowerbird facts pages.
You can even occupy yourself at home by coloring in one of our free printable bird coloring pages.
Read The Disclaimer
At Kidadl we pride ourselves on offering families original ideas to make the most of time spent together at home or out and about, wherever you are in the world. We strive to recommend the very best things that are suggested by our community and are things we would do ourselves - our aim is to be the trusted friend to parents.
We try our very best, but cannot guarantee perfection. We will always aim to give you accurate information at the date of publication - however, information does change, so it’s important you do your own research, double-check and make the decision that is right for your family.
Kidadl provides inspiration to entertain and educate your children. We recognise that not all activities and ideas are appropriate and suitable for all children and families or in all circumstances. Our recommended activities are based on age but these are a guide. We recommend that these ideas are used as inspiration, that ideas are undertaken with appropriate adult supervision, and that each adult uses their own discretion and knowledge of their children to consider the safety and suitability.
Kidadl cannot accept liability for the execution of these ideas, and parental supervision is advised at all times, as safety is paramount. Anyone using the information provided by Kidadl does so at their own risk and we can not accept liability if things go wrong.
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