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\nIt is estimated that there are 5000-8000 native falcons (k\u0101rearea) in Aotearoa. File photo.
\nPhoto: Supplied \/ Paul O’Hagan\n<\/p>\n
Native bush falcons are breeding at Auckland’s H\u016bnua Ranges after years of uncertainty about the species’ future.<\/p>\n
It is estimated that there are 5000-8000 native falcons (k\u0101rearea) in the country. They are classified as ‘Threatened – Nationally Increasing’.<\/p>\n
But a 40-day observation of k\u0101rearea at H\u016bnua this summer – commissioned by Auckland Council – led to the discovery of a breeding pair raising two fledglings.<\/p>\n
Auckland Council spokesperson Paul Duffy said it was a significant finding.<\/p>\n
“This study gives us the first clear evidence that k\u0101rearea are successfully breeding in the Te Ng\u0101herehere o Kohukohunui H\u016bnua Ranges.<\/p>\n
“It also shows that intensive predator management and ground-based trapping are giving this threatened species the chance to make a comeback in the Auckland region.”<\/p>\n
Not to be mistaken with the more common swamp harrier (k\u0101hu), which glides slowly, the smaller k\u0101rearea is New Zealand’s fastest bird, capable of high-speed pursuit through the forest canopy.<\/p>\n
K\u0101rearea nest on or near the ground in a simple hollow known as a ‘scrape’, leaving eggs and chicks vulnerable to predators such as cats, mustelids, pigs, and possums.<\/p>\n
K\u0101rearea specialist Chifuyu Horikoshi, who led the field work, said the result was “incredibly encouraging”.<\/p>\n
“Watching k\u0101rearea hunt through native forest is breathtaking; they are exceptionally fast, agile, and intelligent birds truly built for pursuit.<\/p>\n
“Seeing them deliver prey and continue caring for their young shows this habitat is supporting their full breeding cycle.”<\/p>\n
The survey was undertaken between December 2025 and February 2026, and was the first formal assessment of k\u0101rearea presence and breeding activity in the park.<\/p>\n
Residents are encouraged to report sightings through citizen science platforms such as iNaturalist or eBird, and to include photographs if possible to help with identification.<\/p>\n