New Zealand Falcon

Falco novaeseelandiae

A compact raptor endemic to New Zealand, with streaky cream-and-brown breast and reddish-brown undertail. In flight, note rapid beating of long pointed wings, and long rounded tail shape while gliding. Females are much larger than males. Widely distributed throughout New Zealand in native and exotic forest, as well as in tussock grassland and farmland. Will aggressively dive-bomb intruders close to nesting sites. Distinctive “kek-kek-kek” call given during attacks. Similar to Swamp Harrier but smaller; rarely feeds on road kill, actively chases prey, and glides with wings set flat rather than a shallow “V” shape like the Swamp Harrier.

Taxonomy

Scientific name
Falco novaeseelandiae
Authority
Gmelin, JF, 1788
Order
Falconiformes
Family
Falconidae
Genus
Falco

Range and habitat

Migration
Resident species

Conservation

Population trend
stable

Photos

Distribution

Bird Calls

Other Birds

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Common Cactus-Finch

Geospiza scandens

This cactus-loving Galápagos finch has an especially distinctive bill, which is long, deep at the base, and often appears droopy. Bill is black on breeding male and dull orange on female and nonbreeding male. Male’s plumage is sooty-black; female is dark brown with paler underparts that are blotched with gray. Most prevalent in arid coastal areas, where it is often seen feeding on prickly pear flowers. Found on most islands, but absent from Española, Genovesa, Santiago, and Fernandina.

Maxwell's Black Weaver

Maxwell's Black Weaver

Ploceus albinucha

An entirely black forest weaver with piercing white eyes found in low-elevation and foothill forests, in small groups or with mixed-species flocks, sometimes with other species of weaver. Occasionally forms much larger groups, and will sometimes nest in large single-species or mixed-species colonies. Birds in the western part of the range have a silver nape, but birds in the east are wholly black. Western populations are nearly identical to co-occurring populations of Vieillot’s Weaver, but have a thinner, pointier bill and prefer more forested habitats. Vocalizations include dry chatters and soft mechanical rasps, sometimes given in complex combinations. 

Plumbeous Antvireo

Plumbeous Antvireo

Dysithamnus plumbeus

Chunky antbird with a slightly hooked bill and a short tail; larger-bodied than most antwrens. The male is slate gray with a black breast and white spotting on the wings. Males also have a concealed white patch on their back. The female is mostly olive-brown with pale wing bars and throat. Inhabits the understory of humid forests where it occasionally follows mixed-species flocks. The song is a loud series of descending melancholic whistles.

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