Story: Birds of prey

Falcon and chicks

Falcon and chicks

The female falcon breaks food into pieces for her chicks. Here they are eating the leg of a small bird. Nests may be high on bluffs, tucked into a rock for shelter, or high in a tree. In open country falcons may nest on the ground. In each case they have a clear view of potential intruders. The nearby area is well defended – nesting falcons sometimes dive-bomb people and can cause head injuries.

Using this item

Department of Conservation
Reference: 10030897
Photograph by Barry J. Harcourt

This item has been provided for private study purposes (such as school projects, family and local history research) and any published reproduction (print or electronic) may infringe copyright law. It is the responsibility of the user of any material to obtain clearance from the copyright holder.

All images & media in this story

How to cite this page:

Gerard Hutching, 'Birds of prey - New Zealand falcon', Te Ara - the Encyclopedia of New Zealand, http://www.TeAra.govt.nz/en/photograph/9977/falcon-and-chicks (accessed 29 March 2024)

Story by Gerard Hutching, published 24 Sep 2007, reviewed & revised 17 Feb 2015