The Morepork is New Zealand's most widespread owl species. Ruru are active at night.
Moreporks are small. When they are noticed by little birds Moreporks are often mobbed
as the birds, chattering in alarm, try to frighten them off. At dusk Moreporks emerge to begin hunting.
Moreporks are small. When they are noticed by little birds Moreporks are often mobbed
as the birds, chattering in alarm, try to frighten them off. At dusk Moreporks emerge to begin hunting.
What it looks like?
Moreporks have all different types of brown and white on them. They have big kowhai
(yellow) eyes so they can see in the dark. The females Moreporks are bigger than the males.
They can turn their heads 270°. Moreporks have lots of feathers to keep themselves warm in
the winter. Moreporks have very short tails. Head to tail the Morepork measures around 29cm
and the average weight is about 175 g.
(yellow) eyes so they can see in the dark. The females Moreporks are bigger than the males.
They can turn their heads 270°. Moreporks have lots of feathers to keep themselves warm in
the winter. Moreporks have very short tails. Head to tail the Morepork measures around 29cm
and the average weight is about 175 g.
Where does it live?
Moreporks are relatively common throughout much of New Zealand but they are not common
through the eastern South Island. They are found only in open habitats in the South Island.
Moreporks are heard in the forests at dusk and throughout the night. They are only found in
New Zealand. They are not usually visible during the day. Ruru are endemic (which means they
are only found in one country) to New Zealand.
through the eastern South Island. They are found only in open habitats in the South Island.
Moreporks are heard in the forests at dusk and throughout the night. They are only found in
New Zealand. They are not usually visible during the day. Ruru are endemic (which means they
are only found in one country) to New Zealand.
Feeding Behavior?
Ruru mainly eat beetles, weta, moths and spiders. They will also eat small birds, rats,
mice and lizards. Ruru fly silently because they have soft fringes on the edges of the wing
feathers. They catch their prey using their large sharp beaks. Moreporks fly silently so when
they go to catch their prey they will not hear them.
mice and lizards. Ruru fly silently because they have soft fringes on the edges of the wing
feathers. They catch their prey using their large sharp beaks. Moreporks fly silently so when
they go to catch their prey they will not hear them.
Reproduction?
In their nests, the Ruru have wood dust and pine needles. For nesting sites,
Moreporks normally choose dry hollows in trees, clumps of astelia and in the
forks of pine trees. Moreporks breed in summer and spring. Chicks develop their
wing feathers when they are about 7 weeks old. Both adults feed the young. The Male
brings food to the Female then she holds the prey in one talon, tearing of pieces that
she gently feeds to the chicks.
Moreporks normally choose dry hollows in trees, clumps of astelia and in the
forks of pine trees. Moreporks breed in summer and spring. Chicks develop their
wing feathers when they are about 7 weeks old. Both adults feed the young. The Male
brings food to the Female then she holds the prey in one talon, tearing of pieces that
she gently feeds to the chicks.
What are their natural threats?
Their threats are cats, possums, rats, stoats, pigs and hedgehogs. They protect
themselves by using their sharp beaks and talons. They often fly into windows of houses.
People are chopping down trees which is taking away their homes.
themselves by using their sharp beaks and talons. They often fly into windows of houses.
People are chopping down trees which is taking away their homes.
By Summer
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