Imagine being dive-bombed by the very bird your country just crowned as 'Bird of the Year'! That's the reality for some New Zealanders who've gotten too close to the kārearea, a majestic falcon now making headlines for its fierce protectiveness during nesting season. This stunning bird, known for its breathtaking speed and powerful talons, has been spotted swooping down on unsuspecting hikers who wander near its nests. But here's where it gets controversial: while some see these attacks as a natural defense mechanism, others worry about the potential for conflict as human activity increasingly encroaches on the kārearea's shrinking habitat.
The kārearea, crowned Bird of the Year in September, is New Zealand's fastest bird, capable of reaching speeds up to 200 km/h when chasing prey. These formidable hunters perch high above, scanning the landscape for birds, lizards, or even small mammals to snatch in a dramatic dive. During nesting season, however, their focus shifts to protecting their young, and this is when their territorial instincts kick into overdrive.
Ellie Morgan, a photographer, experienced this firsthand in Hanmer Springs last month. 'I heard them before I saw them,' she recounted on Facebook, 'then they swooped down on me a few times, circling me from above. I managed to snap a few photos, but I didn't stick around—it was clear they were defending their nest.'
And this is the part most people miss: the kārearea's aggressive behavior isn't just about protecting their young; it's also a response to the growing pressure on their habitat. With only 5,000 to 8,000 individuals left, these birds are already vulnerable to predation by introduced species like cats, hedgehogs, and stoats, which prey on their ground-dwelling eggs. Habitat destruction has further confined them to smaller areas, often near walking tracks, increasing the likelihood of human encounters.
Last week, the Hutt City Council issued a warning, urging people to avoid a bush track where nesting kārearea had been spotted. 'They've been attacking track users,' the council stated, 'so we recommend giving our 2025 Bird of the Year winners some space during this critical time.'
Dianna Thomson, a Wellington resident, shared her own encounter with broadcaster RNZ. 'This kārearea swooped right over my head—it was so close!' she said. 'It gave me a whole new respect for the bird. It's a reminder of our place in the natural world.'
Ali Meade, conservation delivery manager at Forest & Bird, explains that kārearea display territorial behavior within a 400-meter radius of their nests, but getting within 50 meters will trigger a more intense response. 'They dive-bomb you, usually aiming for the top of the head,' she said. 'But they generally avoid contact to protect themselves.'
So, what can hikers do to stay safe? Meade advises avoiding areas marked with 'kārearea nesting' signs and calmly retreating if you find yourself within swooping distance. But here's a thought-provoking question: as human activity continues to encroach on wildlife habitats, who is truly at fault when these encounters turn aggressive? Should we prioritize protecting these endangered birds, even if it means restricting access to certain areas, or is there a way to balance conservation with recreational activities? Let us know your thoughts in the comments—this is a conversation that needs to happen!
