New Zealanders warned to steer clear of ‘bird of the year’ after dive-bomb attacks

The kārearea, New Zealand’s bird of the year in 2025, is the country’s fastest bird and known for dive-bombing passers-by. Photograph: Craig McKenzie/AP

New Zealanders are being warned to steer clear of the nation’s ‘bird of the year’ – the kārearea – after reports the fast-flying falcon is dive-bombing walkers who veer too close to their nests.

The threatened kārearea was crowned bird of the year in September, in the country’s long-running annual competition.