Coordinator: Dave Robbins / Andrew Nelson

Habitat and Distribution: Eastern race inhabits South Island high country, the southern race Fiordland, Auckland Islands and Stewart Island. The Bush Falcon inhabits forested regions of Westland, North- west Nelson and the North Island. Falcons are rarely found north of Auckland in the North Island.

Characteristics: Rapid flight, fast wingbeat and long tail distinguish it from the larger Australasian Harrier. Female is markedly larger than male.

Voice: Rapid repeated 'kek-kek-kek', also a subdued high pitched scream, especially in immature birds. Whining ‘Whee-up’ call when food begging in juveniles and adult females. ‘Chup’ call on nest.

Food: Large insects, lizards and rodents. Main diet appears to be smaller passerine birds, especially starlings, skylarks and finches, less often larger prey such as feral pigeon, kereru, herons, magpies.. Hares and rabbits occasionally hunted.

Breeding: Falcons use no nesting material. Eggs are laid in a depression on the ground under overhanging rocks, fallen logs or on ledges of rocky bluffs and on the ground in clearfell blocks of pine plantations. Bush Falcons also reported to often nest in clumps of perching epiphytes in emergent podocarps. Clutch of 3 eggs are buff, heavily blotched with dark russet brown markings. Laying takes place from September to December. Incubation is by both sexes for 30-33 days. Chicks are fed by female with food captured by the male. The smaller male chicks fly when 32 days old and female chicks when 35 days old. Juveniles can be still partially dependent on adults for food up to 5 months after fledging.

Captive Program:

Associated Documents: Husbandry Manual