Imagine being dive-bombed by the very bird your country just crowned as 'Bird of the Year.' Sounds like a plot twist from a nature documentary, right? But for New Zealanders, this is becoming an all-too-real experience. The kārearea, a majestic falcon and the 2025 winner of New Zealand’s annual bird competition, is making headlines for all the wrong reasons. But here’s where it gets controversial: while these birds are celebrated for their speed and hunting prowess, they’re now being labeled as a threat to hikers who unknowingly wander too close to their nests. Should we celebrate their territorial behavior as a sign of resilience, or is this a warning sign of human-wildlife conflict? Let’s dive in.
The kārearea, New Zealand’s fastest bird, can reach speeds of up to 200 km/h while chasing prey. With razor-sharp talons and a keen eye, they’re formidable hunters, preying on birds, lizards, and even small mammals larger than themselves. But during nesting season, their protective instincts kick into overdrive. Walkers in areas like Hanmer Springs and Hutt Valley have reported startling encounters with these falcons, who swoop down aggressively to defend their nests. Ellie Morgan, a photographer, recounted her experience: ‘I heard them before I saw them, then they swooped down on me a few times, circling from above. I managed to snap a few photos, but I didn’t stick around—it was clear they were protecting their nest.’ And this is the part most people miss: these attacks aren’t random acts of aggression; they’re a desperate attempt by the kārearea to safeguard their vulnerable young.
The Hutt City Council recently issued a warning, urging people to avoid certain bush tracks where nesting kārearea have been spotted. ‘They’ve been attacking track users,’ the council stated. ‘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: ‘One swooped right over my head—it was so close! But it gave me a new respect for these birds. It’s a reminder of our place in the natural world.’
With only 5,000 to 8,000 kārearea left in the wild, these birds are already under threat from habitat loss and predation by introduced species like cats and stoats. Conservationists like Ali Meade from Forest & Bird explain that kārearea become especially territorial within a 400-meter radius of their nests, and getting within 50 meters can trigger dive-bomb attacks. ‘They’re not trying to hurt you,’ Meade clarifies. ‘They’re just protecting their young.’ But as human activity encroaches on their shrinking habitats, such encounters are becoming more frequent. ‘We’re possibly coming into contact with them a bit more,’ Meade notes.
So, what’s the solution? Conservationists advise walkers to heed ‘kārearea nesting’ signs and avoid known nesting areas. If you find yourself in swooping range, the best course of action is to calmly and quickly move away. But here’s the bigger question: As we celebrate the kārearea’s triumph as Bird of the Year, are we doing enough to protect their habitats and ensure their survival? Or are we inadvertently pushing them into conflict with us? Let us know your thoughts in the comments—this is a conversation that needs your voice.
