Australasian swamp harrier | kāhu (native, not endemic)
Are they a problem?
Along some rivers, harriers | kāhu have become top predators and are unfortunately contributing to the decline of rare and endangered braided river bird species. As they are partially protected, it is legal to control individuals that are causing harm, but this does not mean you can take matters into your own hands! Please contact your nearest DOC office if you wish to discuss as you may in fact be seeing a New Zealand falcon, not a harrier.
Fines for killing a New Zealand Falcon can be up to $300,000 under the Wildlife Act!
Description
The Australasian swamp harrier (Circus approximans), kāhu (Maori) also known as swamp harrier and harrier hawk is New Zealand’s largest bird of prey. As carrion feeders, harriers fulfil a vital role in our environment cleaning up all the animals that die on our roads and farms, as well as preying on vermin like rats and mice. As such, although the harrier is not a threatened species, it is important that we ensure they remain in healthy numbers.
Where is it found?
Found on or over all non-forested habitats from coastal waters to high-country farms, it is abundant along all braided rivers.