New Zealand falcon wins Bird of the Year

This children’s article, New Zealand falcon wins Bird of the Year, has been written for native English speakers and learners of English as a second or foreign language. It can help children build vocabulary, learn about wildlife in New Zealand, and understand why protecting endangered animals is important. Written by Mark Pulley, a teacher and writer who creates fun and informative news articles for English learners.

A fast and fearless winner

The New Zealand falcon, known in Māori as the kārearea, has been crowned the winner of this year’s Bird of the Year competition. It received more than one-fifth of all the votes cast in the popular contest.

The kārearea is famous for its speed and hunting skills. When diving through the air, it can reach up to 200 kilometres per hour, making it one of the fastest birds in the country. Sadly, there are only around 5,000 to 8,000 left in the wild, so protecting them is very important.

Celebrating birds and raising awareness

This is the 20th year of the Bird of the Year competition, which was started to raise awareness about endangered native birds. More than 70 species competed this year, and each one had a volunteer campaign manager. Some used memes, songs, and even debates to encourage people to vote for their bird.

Over 75,000 people took part in the competition, making it the biggest Bird of the Year vote so far. The second-place bird was the cheeky kea parrot, followed by the tiny black robin. Other favourites included the plump kākāpō, the colourful takahē, and the small owl called the ruru.

To celebrate the win, the kārearea will even have its own waiata, a Māori song that will be shared with the public.

Unique New Zealand animals

New Zealand is home to many animals that cannot be found anywhere else in the world. The famous kiwi bird, for example, is a national symbol and only lives in New Zealand. The tuatara, a reptile that looks like a lizard, is actually more closely related to dinosaurs! There are also unusual parrots such as the kākāpō, which is the heaviest parrot in the world, and the kea, known for its intelligence and curiosity.

Sadly, many of these animals are endangered because of predators like stoats and cats, as well as habitat loss. Competitions like Bird of the Year help remind people why it’s so important to protect them.

Article vocabulary list

• Endangered: At risk of disappearing forever.
• Species: A group of animals or plants that are similar and can reproduce.
• Predator: An animal that hunts other animals for food.
• Campaign: A planned effort to achieve something, like winning votes.
• Habitat: The natural home where an animal or plant lives.
• Conservation: Protecting nature and wildlife.
• Symbol: Something that represents an idea, place, or group.
• Awareness: Knowing and understanding something.

Comprehension questions

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