A raptor with no qualms about eating its opponents wins New Zealand’s annual bird election
The Kārearea New Zealand falcon won amid a record 75,000 votes in the 20th Bird of the Year, highlighting conservation concerns for native endangered birds.
- A mysterious falcon won New Zealand's annual Bird of the Year contest, known for its willingness to eat its opponents.
- Bird of the Year has evolved from a simple email poll in 2025 to a major cultural event.
- The Kārearea can reach speeds exceeding 200 km per hour while hunting smaller birds.
- Forest & Bird reported that 87% of votes in this year's poll were cast from New Zealand.
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40 Articles
Threatened High-Speed Falcon Wins New Zealand’s 2025 Bird of The Year - WhoWhatWhy
Threatened High-Speed Falcon Wins New Zealand’s 2025 Bird of The Year (Maria) The author writes, “New Zealand’s fastest bird, capable of flying 124 mph in pursuit of prey, has been crowned bird of the year in a long-running annual competition…The threatened kārearea is New Zealand’s only falcon. It is small and tawny, with impressive talons and large dark eyes. Kārearea are powerful aerial hunters and watch other birds, lizards or small mammals…
Most New Zealand Contest Ever Has Crowned Its Winner
New Zealand's annual bird election is contested by cheeky parrots, sweet songbirds, and cute, puffball robins. This year's winner is a mysterious falcon that wouldn't think twice about eating them. Karearea, the Indigenous Maori name for the New Zealand falcon, was crowned Bird of the Year on Monday, reports the...

In a worldwide competition, New Zealand's only hawk has won the title "Bird of the Year" — and sends a serious message for species protection at maximum speed.
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