Report a Falcon Sighting
Report a falcon sighting
NZ falcon sightings Survey Form.
Although the New Zealand falcon is classified as a threatened species, the distribution of this spectacular bird is still not fully understood.
Help us understand more about these wonderful birds and report any New Zealand falcons you see by completing our survey form.
Please include photos of the bird you saw where possible.
report a falcon sighting →NZ falcon sightings map.
View our interactive NZ falcon sightings map showing reported falcon sightings throughout New Zealand.
The Bay of Plenty shows the largest number of New Zealand falcons sighted, followed by Waikato and Wellington.
falcon sightings map →Five ways to tell the difference between a falcon and a Harrier.
1. The falcon is usually seen in active hunting flight, chasing small birds with rapid wing beats; whereas the harrier is mostly seen gliding over the ground searching for carrion and small prey.
2. Harriers glide with wings set in a dihedral V-shape and rock slightly in the changing air currents. Falcons glide with a very flat wing either very close to the ground trying to surprise prey, or very high in the sky as they survey their surroundings.
3. Harriers are often seen feeding on road-kill. Falcons almost exclusively take live prey and are very rarely seen on the side of the road.
4. Harriers have a large 1 metre wingspan and stand around 50cm tall. Falcons have a much shorter wingspan and are much smaller (about the size of a magpie).
5. Falcons and harriers differ in their plumage and colouration (see photos below).