The kārearea, or New Zealand falcon, has been crowned 2025's Bird of the Year. Photo: AP PHOTO

New Zealand 's annual bird election is contested by cheeky parrots, sweet songbirds and cute, puffball robins. This year's winner is a mysterious falcon that wouldn't think twice about eating them.

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The Kārearea, with an Indigenous Māori name for the New Zealand falcon, was crowned Bird of the Year on Monday. But the annual poll, run by conservation group Forest & Bird, is no ordinary online vote.

The fiercely fought election sees volunteer (human) campaign managers apply to stump for thei

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