Falcons dive bombing walkers in New Zealand with 'fist of fury' attacks

'They defend their territory as any stroppy little falcon likes to do'

Falcons in New Zealand are listed as threatened species (Rex Features)

Walkers are being attacked by falcons trying to protect their nests near a natural beauty spot in Wellington, New Zealand.

No one has been seriously injured in the "altercations" on Te Ahumairangi Hill, but one walker suffered some scratches, according to a member of Wellington City Council.

Warning notices about pair of falcons behind the attacks have been put up and the council is advising people to avoid the nesting area for the next two months.

Myfanwy Emeny, the council’s urban ecology team leader, told Stuff.co.nz: “Over the last few days we’ve had two people who’ve had altercations, shall we say, with the falcons.

“They defend their territory as any stroppy little falcon likes to do.

“They basically make little fists with their feet, and they fly in behind a bird really quickly and dive bomb it, and knock them on the back of their head with their feet, and knock them to the ground.” A similar situation had been taking place with humans, she said.

According to NZCity, Ms Emeny said the birds were giving people a fright, rather than seriously injuring them.

The only option for people was to protect their head and try to get away as quickly as possible. “They’re not going to be chasing you, they just want you to keep away from their nest," she added.

New Zealand falcons are listed as threatened species, but Ms Emeny said it was good news that the birds were now breeding.