The 2025 winner of the Bird of the Year is…
The New Zealand falcon or kārearea, kārewarewa, or kāiaia; Falco novaeseelandiae) is New Zealand’s only falcon, and one of only four living native and two endemic birds of prey.[3] It is frequently mistaken for the larger and more common swamp harrier.
It is the country’s most threatened bird of prey, with only around 5000–15000 individuals remaining. Under the New Zealand Threat Classification System the falcon is stable at Threatened, with conservation research needed.
What is a ‘bird of prey’: a ‘bird of prey’ or ‘predatory birds’, also known as raptors, are carnivorous bird species that actively hunt and feed on other vertebrates – mainly mammals, reptiles and smaller birds ). In addition to speed and strength, these predators have very keen eyesight for detecting prey from a distance or during flight, strong feet with sharp ‘talons’ for grasping or killing prey, and powerful, curved beaks for tearing off flesh. Although predatory birds primarily hunt live prey, many species – such as fish eagles, vultures – they also ‘scavenge’ also and eat ‘carrion’.
Why is that important? Why a bird of prey being named ‘Bird of the Year’ is a positive outcome? It provides the opportunity to highlight a huge conservation (communication) challenge…. Yes, birds of prey are threatened worldwide due to habitat loss and degradation from human activities like farming and urban sprawl, as well as threats from climate change, illegal hunting, and poisoning. For example, approximately 18% of all raptor species are considered vulnerable, endangered, or critically endangered, and many more have declining population trends.
