In all instances of dealing with banded, dead, sick or injured NZ raptors the first point of contact should be with the local DOC office. Contact details (including after-hours 0800 number) for the local DOC office can be found in the Blue Pages (Government Phone Listings) of the Phone Directory under 'Conservation Department of'.

Banded NZ Raptors

In all instances of seeing or finding a banded raptor the important information to be recorded is:

1. Location
2. Time and date
3. Type and placement of bands (metal, coloured plastic and on which leg)
4. The number on the metal band
5. Activity that was observed.

If the banded raptor seen or found is a NZ falcon please also report this as a sighting for the national survey of NZ falcon sightings being conducted by RANZ. Click here to report sighting

Dead NZ Raptors

Generally speaking the instance of dead raptors is not of a major concern. Except if it is a banded Australasian harrier, NZ falcon or Morepork (see above) or an un-banded NZ falcon, in which case all these instances should be reported to the local DOC office.

If the raptor found is a NZ falcon please also report this as a sighting for the national survey of NZ falcon sightings being conducted by RANZ. Click here to report sighting

Sick or Injured NZ Raptor

All sick or injured raptors should be reported to the nearest local DOC office and follow the instruction/advice given by the DOC staff.

If this is impractical or the immediate situation does not allow for this then take the following steps.

Handling a wild bird - the raptor may be suffering a combination of shock, exhaustion, starvation, dehydration, disease or trauma. For this reason, handling should be gentle and efficient but prompt and with confidence.

Catching - Raptor feet can be very dangerous, the main defence being their talons not the beaks (though juvenile raptors may attempt to bite). Use a towel or something similar to cover the birds' body and gently but firmly push its body down so that the legs are pinned under the body. Using one hand, and with the bird facing away from you, reach behind and under the bird to grasp hold of both legs, just above the feet - if possible place one finger between the legs to avoid damage to the legs. Tuck the raptor into your chest (still facing away from you) and use your other hand to wrap the towel around the body, enclosing the wings.

Sometimes a cornered bird will flip onto its back exposing its feet. Use a towel to distract the bird allowing it to grab hold of the towel instead of you, and then use another towel over its head and body.

Initial care and transport - once caught the raptor should be put into a dark cardboard box, preferable top opening, with holes for ventilation and a padded base (an old towel will do). DO NOT use a wire cat carry cage or pet birdcage as the wire can break a bird's wings.

Stress must be kept to a minimum. This can be reduced by initially keeping the bird in a quiet dark room, keeping handling to a minimum, reducing visitors and general traffic and by keeping all pets away (even quiet pets).

DO NOT force liquids down the throat of a raptor as you will drown it, but do provide a small bowl of water.

Don't pat or stroke a wild bird - this is very stressful for them!

Transportation - the sick or injured bird should then be transported to somebody with more experience (DOC office, local vet, bird rescue center) to be examined and treated. Again keep noise (no radio) to a minimum whilst traveling and secure the box - possibly have it held by a second person or fixed in place by a seat belt. Also keep out of direct sunlight and draughts (to keep the temperature constant and prevent overheating or chilling of the bird).

Additional advice and assistance - if needed further information and advice can be obtained from:

1. Local vets - under Veterinarians in the Yellow Pages
2. Local branch of SPCA - in the White Pages
3. A Bird Rescue Center - see www.nzbirds.com/more/centres.html