New Zealand is home to a lot of local wildlife. One of the many local birds is New Zealand's native owl, the Morepork — also known as "Ruru". It has a distinct two-pitched call where its local name "Ruru" comes from.
WHAT MAKES MOREPORK DIFFERENT?
Morepork has a pair of sensitive nocturnal eyes that can detect the slightest movements from fair distance. Their eyes are perfectly designed for hunting rats, mice, grasshoppers, spiders, huhu bugs and other small insects at night. Although generally nocturnal, they can also be active during the day.
IS MOREPORK POPULATION AT RISK?
The Morepork population rate hasn't declined in recent years and is fairly widespread across New Zealand. Although vulnerable to predators during the breeding season, there has been no report of a significant drop in numbers.
HOW DO YOU KNOW IF THERE'S A MOREPORK NEARBY?
Moreporks are commonly found in Northland, New Zealand. Aside from forests they prefer open areas with scattered trees, even in suburban areas. If you hear a high-pitched "Ruru" sound at night there's a good chance one is nearby. Their night calls are sometimes confused with Kiwi's, but you can easily identify the distinct two-pitched sound.
It is believed in Maori culture that "Ruru" are majestic birds that watch over us in the night. The ominous yelp sound is a warning for a potential unfortunate event. Whenever you join us on our overnight cruise in the Bay of Islands, keep an ear out for the nightly Ruru calls.