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Australasian Harrier (circus approximans)
Kahu
Size: 55/60cm, 650/850gm (male/female)
Description: A large brown hawk with long fingered wings held in shallow V. Long slightly rounded tail, appearence becomes paler with age. Yellow eye brighter in males.
Habitat: Found thoughout New Zealand, Farmland, tussockland and swamps also forest edges.
Status: Wide spread very common. Protected Native.
Breeding: September- February. Prone to abandoning nests. Often neglects other eggs once a few chicks have hatched.
Distinguishing Features: Largest hawk in New Zealand skies. Soars and glides, often feeds on road kill. Brown appearence becomes paler with age.
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