The 2025 Bird of the Year champion is the kārearea New Zealand falcon. 

Famous for fronting the $20 note, kārearea can clock 200km/h and can catch prey mid-flight. They have even adapted to hunt within the dense New Zealand forests. 

Bird of the Year: Twenty years of ruffled feathers is out now. Proceeds support Forest & Bird’s conservation work. Find a stockist here.