No, there are no golden eagles in New Zealand. However, the country was once home to a massive and formidable eagle species known as the Haast’s eagle.
The Haast’s Eagle: New Zealand’s Extinct Giant Raptor
The Haast’s eagle was the largest, heaviest eagle species ever known, with a wingspan of up to 3 meters and a weight of up to 33 pounds. This massive bird of prey evolved from a common ancestor of the Australian little eagle around 700,000 to 1.8 million years ago, representing the largest, fastest evolutionary increase in average weight of any known vertebrate species.
Appearance and Hunting Prowess
The Haast’s eagle had long, muscular toes and long, thick, sharp talons that were able to drive points through moa pelvis bone. According to Maori oral tradition, the bird had red, black and white plumage with black feathers tinged with yellow or green and a bunch of red feathers on its head.
As a formidable predator, the Haast’s eagle mainly preyed on South Island moa species, and possibly South Island goose, and larger rail and duck species of the South Island. Its breeding season was from July to June, with egg laying dates from July to February.
Extinction and the Maori Legend
The Haast’s eagle went extinct relatively recently, with evidence showing that it existed when Maori first arrived in New Zealand some 800 years ago, and accounts suggesting that it may even have still existed when Europeans arrived in the early 1800s.
The Māori legend of pouākai no doubt refers to the Haast’s eagle, and bone remains have been found within human midden sites. The Haast’s eagle became extinct due to human activities, such as hunting and altering habitat, which led to the disappearance of its main food source, the moa.
Comparison: Haast’s Eagle vs. Golden Eagle
Image source: Golden Eagle by Atillak
While the Haast’s eagle was a massive and powerful raptor, it is not the same as the golden eagle (Aquila chrysaetos), which is a different species found in North America, Europe, and Asia. Some key differences between the two include:
| Characteristic | Haast’s Eagle | Golden Eagle |
|---|---|---|
| Native Range | New Zealand | North America, Europe, Asia |
| Wingspan | Up to 3 meters | Up to 2.34 meters |
| Weight | Up to 33 pounds | Up to 16 pounds |
| Prey | Moa, other large birds | Small to medium-sized mammals, birds, reptiles |
| Status | Extinct | Least Concern (IUCN) |
Conclusion
In summary, while New Zealand was once home to the massive and formidable Haast’s eagle, there are no golden eagles native to the country. The Haast’s eagle was a unique and remarkable species that evolved to dominate the skies of New Zealand, but it ultimately succumbed to the impacts of human activity and the loss of its primary prey. Today, the golden eagle remains a majestic raptor found in other parts of the world, but it is not part of New Zealand’s natural heritage.
