The New Zealand falcon (Falco novaeseelandiae), named for its primary habitat in the dense native bush and forests of New Zealand, is the country's only falcon and only endemic bird of prey. Also known as the Bush Falcon and the Indigenous Māori name kārearea, it has shorter wings and longer tails than other falcons which give it extreme manoeuverability to weave through dense forests. The species is divided into three distinct regional types that vary in size, colouration, and habitat across the islands:
Bush Falcon: The smallest and darkest form, found primarily in North Island forests.
Eastern Falcon: The largest and palest variant, inhabiting the open, dry terrains east of the Southern Alps.
Southern Falcon: Intermediate in size and colour, native to Fiordland, Stewart Island, and the subantarctic Auckland Islands.
Bush Falcon: The smallest and darkest form, found primarily in North Island forests.
Eastern Falcon: The largest and palest variant, inhabiting the open, dry terrains east of the Southern Alps.
Southern Falcon: Intermediate in size and colour, native to Fiordland, Stewart Island, and the subantarctic Auckland Islands.
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