Raptor is a term used to describe birds of prey, those being birds that prey on other birds, mammals, insects and some even on fish. Included are such species as eagles, hawks, falcons and owls. However it should be noted that not all birds that eat meat are birds of prey, and it is anatomy rather than diet that classifies a raptor. Typically a raptor has a hooked beak and strong grasping feet ending in long curved talons.

New Zealand Raptors

There are just three raptors native to New Zealand, the Australasian Harrier, the New Zealand Falcon, and the Morepork. The NZ Falcon is also endemic to New Zealand; that is they are found only in NZ.

In the South Island there is also the Little Owl, however this was introduced from Europe and so is not considered a native. New Zealand also has the occasional Australian vagrant (those birds that turn up unexpectedly having strayed here by mistake or been caught up in a severe storm). Vagrants that have been confirmed include the Black Kite, Black Falcon, Nankeen Kestrel and Barn Owl.

Australasian Harrier

• Maori name:  Kahu
• Scientific name:  Circus approximans
• Other names:  Hawk, Swamp Harrier
• Description:  A large brown hawk with long fingered wings held in a shallow V, with a long, slightly rounded tail. The Harrier becomes paler with age; some older birds are almost white, whilst juveniles are very dark brown. Eye colour varies from brown through orange to yellow with age.
• Length:  Male - averages 55cm. Female - averages 60cm
• Weight:  Male - averages 650g. Female - averages 850g.
• Distribution:  Found throughout New Zealand and offshore islands.
• Habitat:  Open treeless lowland, wetlands, farmland and high-country tussock-land, riverbeds and along the coast.
• Behaviour:  Commonly soars and glides in search of prey or carrion, often feeds on road kill. Strongly territorial in the breeding season but otherwise usually solitary. In the evening they often gather at communal roosts in long grass or raupo.
• Voice:  Generally silent outside the breeding season, but during courtship display flights are very vocal, a high-pitched 'kee-a' and 'kee-o' response.

• Maori name:  Karearea
• Scientific name:  Falco novaeseelandiae
• Other names:  Bush Hawk, Sparrow Hawk
• Description:  A variable species with three distinct forms (Bush, Eastern and Southern) that differ in size, colour and habitat. The Eastern falcon is the largest of the 3 forms and the Bush form the smallest.
• Length:  Male - averages 43cm. Female - averages 47cm.
• Weight:  Male - averages 300g. Female - averages 500g.
• Distribution and Habitat:  The Bush Falcon can be found in forest (including exotic pine plantations) and bush patches of the North Island and northwestern South Island. The Eastern Falcon inhabits the dry tussock land and rough farmland in the hills along the eastern side of the South Island from Marlborough to Southland, whilst the Southern Falcon are found in Fiordland and offshore on Stewart Island and the Auckland Islands.
• Behaviour:  The NZ Falcon is an adaptable hunter that catches and feeds on live prey. Adults are mainly sedentary but juveniles can disperse widely in autumn and are thought to make up most of the falcon sightings in towns and cities. Fiercely territorial in the breeding season, adults will make repeated dive-bomb attacks near the nest.
• Voice:  Can be very vocal with repeated 'kek-kek-kek-kek' during both territorial and courtship displays, also defending the nest.

• Maori name:  Ruru
• Scientific name:  Ninox novaeseelandiae
• Description:  Plumage varies greatly from brownish grey to dusky dark brown, with white to light brown flecks. Yellow eyes set in dark facial mask.
• Length:  Averages 29cm, female generally slightly bigger.
• Weight:  Averages 175g.
• Distribution:  Widely found throughout the forests of the North and South Islands from sea level to the bush line. Also found on larger forested offshore islands.
• Habitat:  Morepork live in native and exotic forest and in open country, however mature trees are required nearby for shelter and nesting. They are also found regularly in urban areas.
• Behaviour:  A nocturnal bird of prey, the Morepork roosts by day in thick vegetation, especially in tree ferns and mature trees, preferably in gullies with plenty of shelter overhead.
• Voice:  The call of the Morepork is very distinctive, being a clear 'more-pork' often with the last syllable repeated. Also other calls include a deep and repeated 'more-more-more...' and a repeated 'cree-cree' when hunting.