New Zealand’s fastest bird, which can reach speeds of 200 km/h while hunting, has been named Bird of the Year. This long-standing annual competition has a history of sparking controversy and mischief.
The kārearea, a threatened species, is New Zealand’s only falcon. It is small and brown with striking talons and large dark eyes. These powerful aerial hunters perch high above the ground, watching for birds, lizards, or small mammals—sometimes even those larger than themselves—before diving at incredible speeds to catch their prey.
“The kārearea is a stunning bird,” said Emma Blackburn, chair of the Karearea Falcon Trust. “It’s our last remaining native raptor and plays a vital role in our ecosystem.”
According to the Department of Conservation, there are only about 5,000 to 8,000 kārearea left. They live in forests across the country and nest on the ground, often under rocks or fallen logs. Blackburn noted that the birds are highly vulnerable to predators like cats, hedgehogs, and stoats, which eat their eggs. Habitat loss from logging and the conversion of grasslands into pastures has also likely reduced their numbers. Additionally, the birds sometimes collide with power lines, buildings, and protective nets over plants.
This year’s Bird of the Year contest, organized by the conservation group Forest and Bird, was free of scandal, though New Zealanders still took to social media to support their favorite candidates. Each of the 73 contenders had a dedicated campaign manager.
The competition began 20 years ago to raise awareness about New Zealand’s native birds, many of which are threatened, endangered, or already extinct due to pests, human activity, and habitat loss. With bats and marine mammals as the only native mammals, birds hold a special place in the hearts of New Zealanders—and many are rare.
Over 75,000 verified votes from 123 countries were cast during the two-week contest. The kārearea, which also won in 2012, joins last year’s winner, the hoiho, and the kākāpō as the only birds to have won the title twice.
The cheeky kea, New Zealand’s only alpine parrot, came in second, while the tiny karure, a small black robin found only on the Chatham Islands, placed third.
The competition has seen its share of drama over the years, including a bat winning in 2021, accusations of Russian interference in 2019, and claims that Australians tried to rig the 2018 vote for the shag. In 2023, British-American comedian John Oliver led a global campaign for the pūteketeke, a bird known for its grunting, vomiting, and unusual mating rituals, which ultimately won.
“Behind the memes and mayhem is a serious message,” said Nicola Toki, Forest and Bird’s chief executive. She noted that 80% of this year’s top ten birds are threatened, highlighting how climate change, habitat loss, and predators are pushing species toward extinction. “People fall in love with these birds—and once they know their stories, they care, they advocate, and they act.”
Frequently Asked Questions
Of course Here is a list of helpful and clear FAQs about the krearea being named Bird of the Year 2025
General Beginner Questions
Q1 What is the Bird of the Year competition
A Its an annual popular online poll run by Forest Bird a conservation organization to raise awareness about New Zealands native birds and the threats they face
Q2 What bird won Bird of the Year for 2025
A The krearea also known as the New Zealand falcon won the title
Q3 What is a krearea
A The krearea is New Zealands only native falcon Its a fierce fast bird of prey not to be confused with the more common Australasian harrier hawk
Q4 Is the krearea endangered
A Yes it is classified as At RiskRecovering This means its population is still vulnerable but conservation efforts are helping it
Q5 Why is this competition a big deal
A The competition generates massive public interest and media coverage which helps educate people about lesserknown birds and channels support towards their conservation
Reasons for Winning Significance
Q6 Why did the krearea win in 2025
A Voters were likely drawn to its powerful and unique nature as a native predator The win highlights the importance of protecting all parts of the ecosystem including apex predators
Q7 What does this win mean for the krearea
A The title brings significant public attention and a spotlight on the conservation challenges the falcon faces which can lead to increased funding and support for protection programs
Q8 Has a bird of prey ever won before
A Yes the krearea previously won the Bird of the Year title in 2012
Threats Conservation
Q9 What are the main threats to the krearea
A Their main threats are habitat loss being hit by vehicles electrocution on power lines and predation of their eggs and chicks by introduced pests like stoats and rats
Q10 How can we help protect the krearea
A You can help by supporting organizations involved in pest control and habitat restoration driving carefully in rural areas and reporting
