The New Zealand falcon has been crowned Bird of the Year in 2025, winning 21 percent of all valid votes. This victory highlights the bird’s cultural value and the urgent need for stronger protection efforts.
In the annual competition, the falcon earned nationwide support. Its speed, power, and endangered status captured the public’s attention. The campaign not only celebrated the falcon but also reminded voters of the risks it faces.
Known as kārearea in Māori, the falcon is a master of the skies. It can dive at speeds of up to 200 km/h, making it one of the fastest hunters. Its ability to adapt to dense forests gives it a special place among native birds.
Despite its hunting skills, the falcon is at risk. Only 5,000 to 8,000 are estimated to remain in the wild. Habitat destruction, predators, and human activity continue to threaten its survival.
The Bird of the Year win puts the falcon in the spotlight. It creates awareness that could lead to new funding, stronger policies, and local community action. Such attention has helped past winners too, showing how contests like this play a real role in saving endangered species.
The falcon’s story connects to wider efforts of wildlife preservation. Just as New Zealand promotes its native species, other countries highlight local conservation challenges as well. In the UK, for example, debates continue around migration and contribution policies, showing how fairness and responsibility are central themes not only in conservation but also in society.
Winning the title is not just symbolic—it can push real change. Conservationists hope this recognition will encourage people to support land protection, predator control, and population monitoring. Every step matters when numbers are so low.
With only a few thousand left, the Falcon crowned Bird of the Year is a call to action. It is a reminder that saving the majestic kārearea is not only about protecting a bird, but also preserving New Zealand’s natural heritage for future generations.
