The NZ falcon is a unique species endemic to New Zealand, yet very little is known about its current distribution and the threats that are affecting this.

Currently the Department of Conservation (DOC) classifies the three forms according to their threat of extinction. Understanding the current distribution and how this may have changed is critical to ensuring the long-term survival of the falcon nationwide.

The 3 forms of the New Zealand falcon are currently classified:

1. Southern falcon - Nationally endangered
2. Bush falcon - Nationally vulnerable
3. Eastern falcon - Gradual decline

If you have seen or heard falcon and wish to report this to RANZ you can either:

• Submit details using our Online Sighting Report Form
• Download Sighting Report Form (printable PDF file, 10KB)

All sighting information given to RANZ will be held securely and will not be provided to any third party without due process being followed. RANZ has policies in place to safeguard both the sighting information and the welfare of the falcon.

Results of Falcon Surveys

The progressive results of this current survey and also previous falcon sighting surveys are detailed here.

National Falcon Survey Newsletters

No 1 - 1 July 2007
No 2 - 1 June 2008

Was it a NZ Falcon?

Are you sure what you saw/heard was a New Zealand Falcon? Please don't feel insulted but it is important that the RANZ sighting survey is as accurate as possible. If you are not sure or want to be certain check out Recognising a NZ Falcon below, listen to a falcon call or note your doubt on the sighting form and RANZ will check back with you.

Recognising a New Zealand Falcon

The key points to look out for when confirming an identification/sighting of a NZ falcon or differentiating between a falcon and a harrier are listed below;

Key	NZ Falcon	Australasian Harrier
Size:	Magpie size. ½ size of a Harrier	Black-backed gull size
Description:	Dark and fast. Black above - buff barred and streaked below. Brown eyes. Long toes (talons).	Larger. Juvenile dark brown. Gets paler with age. Light rump, streaked light brown to pale/grey silver. Yellow eyes & long legs.
Flight Characteristics:	Flies fast - rapid wing beat.	Slow flight often flap-glide-flap.
Soaring:	Wings flat for short time.	Wings held in shallow 'V' for lengthy periods.
Hunting:	Very fast - stoops. Chases smaller birds.	Searches slowly into wind. Quarters open country. Drops on prey.
Typical Prey:	Small birds. Doesn't eat carrion	Mammals. Eats carrion.
Call:	Rapid, piercing Kek-Kek-Kek	Generally silent. Plaintive Kee-a
Listen to calls:	NZ Falcon	Australasian Harrier
Flight Silhouette:

Taken from an original concept produced by Steve Lawrence, Raptor Association of New Zealand.
Sound recordings used with generous permission of Les McPherson, McPherson Natural History Unit.
www.archivebirdsnz.webbase.net.nz