Morepork

Overview

The morepork (Ninox novaeseelandiae), also known as the ruru, is a small brown owl native to New Zealand and the Australian island of Norfolk Island. The species was formerly found on Lord Howe Island, but that population is now extinct. It is a nocturnal bird that is generally common and assessed as being of least concern by the IUCN.

Identification

• Size 26 to 29 cm in length, with females slightly larger and heavier than males.
• Dark-brown plumage featuring prominent pale spots and streaks, particularly white markings on the upperparts and buff/white on the underparts.
• Distinctive physical features include golden-yellow eyes, a pale yellow-white supercilium, a pale blue-grey bill with a black cutting edge, and orange or yellow feet with blackish claws.
• Named for its onomatopoeic calls, including the characteristic "more-pork" sound, along with high-pitched yelps, kiwi-like whistles, and a lower "quork-quork" rumble.

Habitat

The morepork is distributed across the North, South, and Stewart Islands of New Zealand, as well as Norfolk Island. In New Zealand, it primarily inhabits forests dominated by Podocarpus, Nothofagus, and Metrosideros up to the alpine tree line, while on Norfolk Island it lives in forests of Norfolk Island pine. The species is widespread and generally common in these regions.

Diet

This owl feeds on large invertebrates such as beetles, moths, spiders, and wētā, as well as small vertebrates including birds, rats, and mice. It forages mainly by pouncing from tree perches, though it also exhibits agile, swift flight to hawking insects or pursue prey. Hunting typically occurs in the evenings and mornings, with occasional daytime activity during bad weather.

Did you know?

The morepork possesses the ability to approach prey with near-silent flight, moving without flapping its wings so that the victim is often completely unaware of the pursuit. Its vocal repertoire is remarkably diverse, with as many as 11 distinct calls observed by researchers.