Written By Josie Sutherland
New Zealand's native owl, the Ruru, or Morepork, may be known as the Guardian of the Forest, but this nocturnal forest owl is also common in urban settings where there are lots of large trees.
By day it roosts high up in the fork or hollow of trees, coming alive at night to silently swoop down on its prey. It's an excellent predator due to its huge yellow-green eyes that give it clear night vision and its head that can swivel 270°. It also has acute hearing.
What does a Ruru (Morepork) look like?
The feathers of a Ruru are dark brown and speckled with cream or light brown, especially on its chest. And they have feathered legs down to their strong yellow feet. Their large, bright eyes are yellow to greenish and enable them to see at very low light levels.
What do Ruru (Morepork) sound like?
The call of the Ruru is a haunting song, calling out its English name,"more-pork". It also has a warning cry that can sound similar to the screech of a Kiwi. If you hear two Ruru singing to each other it means they are defending their territories and warning each other to stay away.
What do Ruru (Morepork) eat?
Morepork eat a range of insects and spiders, small mammals, such as rats and mice and even small birds - they have a particular liking for Silvereye/Waxeye.
They are carnivores and have sharp talons and beaks to rip into the flesh of their victims and will eat every last bit of them. Anything they can't digest they vomit back up in the form of a compact pellet.
How do Ruru (Morepork) fly so quietly?
Ruru fly silently due to special wing feathers. These feathers have serrated edges that reduce turbulence and muffle the sound of air passing over them. They are also excellent gliders which reduces the noise of their flight. Their silent flight, acute hearing and night vision make them deadly predators.
Are Ruru (Morepork) endangered?
There is very little research on the population numbers of Ruru owls here in New Zealand, so it's unknown how this species is doing. However, one study suggested that fledgling rates have been very low in recent years which suggests a shrinking population. A decline in their numbers would indicate a general decline in biodiversity in our forests.
What threatens the Ruru (Morepork) population?
Unfortunately, as with many of our New Zealand birds, the Ruru owl is susceptible to predators such as cats, possums, rats and mustelids, especially when nesting. And when they nest on the ground pigs and hedgehogs can also eat their eggs or chicks.
Moreporks are also at risk from pest control poisoning as they eat the animals that are targeted, therefore ingesting poisons that can kill them.
Human impact on their natural environment is also having a huge impact.
Where and when do Ruru (Morepork) Breed?
Ruru breed between September and February and will lay between one and three eggs. They are naturally cavity nesters and will select a hole in a tree or broken log or nest in a tree fork or a hole in an earth bank. They are also very happy in a cavity nesting box of the right size. But if they can't find anywhere high up, they will lay their eggs in a simple scrape in the ground.
The female will incubate the eggs for about 25 days with the chicks fledging at around day 35 after hatching. Both parents will feed their young.
Ruru in Māori mythology.
In Māori tradition, the Ruru was known as a watchful guardian. As a bird of the night, it was associated with the spirit world. Its high, piercing call signified bad news, such as a death, but the more common ‘Ruru’ call signalled good news.
There are a number of sayings referring to the birds’ alertness. One expression warned an enemy that they were being watched:
“Etia anō āku mata me te mata-ā-ruru e tīwai ana. Me te mata kāhu e paro noa rā kai te tahora!”
“My eyes are like morepork eyes turning from side to side, like the eyes of a hawk who soars over the plain!”
How to support Ruru (Morepork) in your garden?
There are several ways you can support and even encourage Ruru in your area:
Help provide a food source, leave a light on at night to attract moths and insects giving them an easy snack.
Plant Puriri and Ngaio trees as Ruru owls love the Puriri moths and wetas that these trees attract.
Maintain large trees, Ruru are originally forest birds and they like to live around well-established vegetation.
Trap for predators. Ruru at risk of predation so the reduction of pests in your area will help support their numbers.
As large trees are threatened by urban spread providing a suitable nesting site is very helpful. This can be done by installing a Ruru nesting box or birdhouse.
Introducing the Kohab Ruru Birdhouse
The Kohab Ruru Birdhouse is the ideal way to support your local owl population. Built-in marine plywood this nesting box is designed to replicate the natural nesting preferences of Ruru.
We'd love you to share any pictures of any Ruru you may have in your garden. Simply tag us onsocial mediaor send us anemail, we’d love to hear from you.
RuruOwlMoreporkNative owlNew Zealand owlNew Zealand birdsNew Zealand Native
Josie Sutherland
