- Conservation status
- Doing OK
This bird of prey's loping flying style and dashing courtship displays make it the gent of our skies. When it comes to mating season, kahū will let out the occasional whistle during display flights – males let out a “kee-a” to which the female responds with a “kee-o”. These beautiful birds fly close to the ground when hunting for prey. Their sharp eyes and sense of hearing make them very successful, particularly on open ground.
Campaign Manager
Juanita McLellan
Gliding over fields and wetlands, the Swamp Harrier, or Kāhu, is the silent guardian of our skies and Aotearoa’s essential clean-up crew. But this majestic hunter faces silent threats. Often seen, its struggles are overlooked. Habitat loss, illegal persecution, and deadly secondary poisoning from pest control operations put our Kāhu at risk. This hardworking raptor keeps our ecosystem in balance, yet it is misunderstood and undervalued. It’s time to recognise the vital role of this kaitiaki. Vote for the Swamp Harrier, the misunderstood hero of our skies, and help soar its conservation story into the spotlight.
- Share your vote
