The New Zealand falcon is New Zealand's only falcon. Other common names for the bird are bush hawk and sparrow hawk. It is frequently mistaken for the larger and more common swamp harrier. It is the country's most threatened bird of prey, with only around 3000–5000 breeding pairs remaining.
New Zealand falcon
New Zealand falcon (adult and young) from Buller's Birds of New Zealand, 1888
Falco novaeseelandiae eggs in the collection of Auckland Museum
Electrocuted New Zealand falcon found at Glenorchy
Falcons are birds of prey in the genus Falco, which includes about 40 species. Falcons are widely distributed on all continents of the world except Antarctica, though closely related raptors did occur there in the Eocene.
Falcon
Image: Madagascar Kestrel RWD
Image: Falco araea Seychelles Kestrel side views (cropped)
Image: Falco punctatus