Kārearea sighting in Seeley Gully

The kārearea is one of only three surviving raptors (birds of prey) native to Aotearoa. Most of us have probably seen it only on the reverse of our $20 notes, so recent sightings in the Gully is exciting news.

Visiting kārearea phtographed in the gully by Fraser Smith

Small but powerful

By raptor standards, the kārearea is a lightweight, with females weighing about 500 grams and males 300 grams. But like all raptors, they have powerful claws which mean that they can kill animals considerably bigger than themselves. For females, this means rabbits and hares up to 3 kg are fair game, as are introduced predators such as rats, stoats and weasels. Kārearea also take large birds such as white-faced herons, kererū, ducks and pheasants.

The wings of the kārearea are angled back like an arrow. This allows the bird to dive steeply, reaching speeds up to 200 kph. It emits what has been described as a ‘shrill cry of terror’ when it seizes its victim. This cry led Māori to give the bird its onomatopoeic name. (Say kuh-ree-uh-ree-uh like this.

Like other raptors, the kārearea has strong talons to catch and kill its prey

When it catches a bird, the kārearea takes it to a high perch to dislocate the neck using a notched tooth common to all falcons. It then plucks the feathers and eats the entire bird.

A messenger from the gods

In Māori mythology, the kārearea is believed to be a guardian spirit that brings warnings or messages from the gods. Such was its prestige that warriors would sometimes wear the head plume of the kārearea to be seen as fierce and powerful.

A kārearea appears in Tainui whakapapa. The story concerns twin sisters Reitū and Reipae (or Reipare) who were courted by a northern chief, Ue-oneone. In one version of the story, Ue-oneone performed a karakia which caused his pet kārearea to fly all the way to Waikato and entice the sisters northwards. It didn’t entirely work out for Ue-oneone. When the sisters reached Kaipara, Reipae met and married a man called Korowharo or Tāhuhu-pōtiki. A Muriwhenua account claims that Whangārei, which means 'Harbour of Rei' is named for her. However, Reitū carried on alone and duly married Ue-oneone at Whāngāpē (south of Ninety Mile beach) creating an important genealogical connection between Tainui and Ngāpuhi that is still valued today.

An ancient bird that needs our help

The kārearea is one of the world's most ancient falcon species, having existed in Aotearoa for millions of years. It has survived the arrival of humans, unlike some of the other native raptors, such as the huge moa-hunting Haast’s Eagle. Nevertheless, like other native birds, the numbers have declined. The population is currently estimated to be between 5,000 and 8,000.

Kārearea chicks can be quite vulnerable

Predation of eggs and chicks is the main risk, especially as kārearea often nest on the ground. Some “predators” are human: it is not uncommon for the birds to fall victim to shooters. Loss of habitat is a lesser factor as the kārearea can adapt quite well to modified environments, especially if there are ground dwelling prey species present. On the other hand, the rotating turbine blades of windfarms pose a risk to karearea, as does other electricity infrastructure. The kārearea’s half metre wingspan can bridge energised equipment and conductors leading to electrocution.

Restoration efforts are underway. Aurora Energy and the Department of Conservation are working together to re-design and better insulate electricity infrastructures to make it safer for kārearea. The Kārearea Falcon Trust runs a rescue, rehabilitation, restoration and release centre in Marlborough. Wingspan plays a similar role in Ngongotaha (just outside, Rotorua) but in addition, conducts research into our raptor species, runs a captive breeding and release programme and provides education. On fine days, you can watch falconers working with trained kārearea but if it is raining, their indoor experiences are still available. Bookings are essential (info@wingspan.co.nz or 07-357-4469). For video of a falconer working with a kārearea, click here.)

What can I do?

There are things we can do ourselves. Predator control is an obvious measure – as is keeping cats and dogs under control. Avoid disturbing nests. Because data is important to support restoration work, report any sighting of kārearea either the Kārearea Falcon Trust (https://kareareafalcon.org/) or to Wingspan (https://www.wingspan.co.nz/). If you see anyone harming a kārearea (or any other native bird), call 0800 DOC HOT (0800 362 468) immediately.

In te reo Māori, there is a metaphor to describe something rarely seen. "Me te kopae karearea” (like the nest of kārearea"). May kārearea - if not their nests – become a more common sight, both in Seeley Gully and across the motu.