New Zealand Falcon
The endemic New Zealand Falcon. Sometimes also called sparrow hawk. The New Zealand falcon is a magpie-sized raptor that feeds predominantly on live prey. Adapted to hunt within the dense New Zealand forests they are also found in more open habitats such as tussocklands and roughly grazed hill country. t is the country's most threatened bird of prey, with only around 3000–5000 breeding pairs remaining.
I have never seen one in the wild so I decided to visit the Wingspan National Bird of Prey centre in Rotorua where I took this shot. Such magnificent birds. Superfast and very maneuverable. Well worth the visit. Interesting fact: the males at 250gm are only half the size of the females!
New Zealand Falcon
The endemic New Zealand Falcon. Sometimes also called sparrow hawk. The New Zealand falcon is a magpie-sized raptor that feeds predominantly on live prey. Adapted to hunt within the dense New Zealand forests they are also found in more open habitats such as tussocklands and roughly grazed hill country. t is the country's most threatened bird of prey, with only around 3000–5000 breeding pairs remaining.
I have never seen one in the wild so I decided to visit the Wingspan National Bird of Prey centre in Rotorua where I took this shot. Such magnificent birds. Superfast and very maneuverable. Well worth the visit. Interesting fact: the males at 250gm are only half the size of the females!