Landbirds … Waterbirds of New Zealand
Below listed are birds that are categorized as “Birds of Prey” – however, other bird species will also take chicks or eggs from nests, such as some rails, skuas and non-native magpies. Additionally, sea birds (including gulls) are marine predators that prey on various marine animals.
New Zealand’s Birds of Prey / Raptors
Nankeen or Australian Kestrels (Falco cenchroides) – Range: Irregular visitor to New Zealand
New Zealand Falcon or Karearea (Falco novaeseelandiae) – Native daytime hunters
Swamp or Australasian Harrier (Circus approximans) – Native daytime hunter
Owls:
Southern Boobook / Owl (Ninox novaeseelandiae), also called the mopoke or morepork – Native nocturnal (nightime) hunting Owl
German or Little Owl (Athene noctua) – Introduced species. Common in parts of the South Island.
Extinct
Eyles’ Harrier (Circus eylesi) – Range: Large native bird of prey. Now extinct
Haast’s eagle (Harpagornis moorei) – Native moa-hunter and the world’s largest eagle. Its claws were said to be like a tiger’s.
Laughing Owl (Sceloglaux albifacies) aka Whekau or White-faced Owl – Range: Formerly New Zealand – now extinct
New Zealand owlet nightjar (Aegotheles novaezealandiae)
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