Facts about morepork
Distribution and threat status
Morepork, Little Barrier Island
Morepork are commonly found in forests throughout mainland New Zealand and on offshore islands. They are less common within the drier open regions of Canterbury and Otago. They are classified as not threatened.
Physical description
- Morepork are speckled brown with yellow eyes set in a dark facial mask. They have a short tail.
- The females are bigger than the males.
- Head to tail they measure around 29cm and the average weight is about 175g.
- They have acute hearing and are sensitive to light.
- They can turn their head through 270 degrees.
Nocturnal birds of prey
Morepork are nocturnal, hunting at night for large invertebrates including beetles, weta, moths and spiders. They will also take small birds, rats and mice. They fly silently as they have soft fringes on the edge of the wing feathers. They catch prey using large sharp talons or beak. By day they roost in the cavities of trees or in thick vegetation. If they are visible during the day they can get mobbed by other birds and are forced to move.
Nesting and breeding
- Morepork nest in tree cavities, in clumps of epiphytes or among rocks and roots.
- The female can lay up to three eggs, but generally two, usually between September and November.
- The female alone incubates the eggs for about 20 to 30 days during which time the male brings in food for her.
- Once the chicks hatch, the female stays mainly on the nest until the owlets are fully feathered.
- They fledge around 37-42 days.
- Depending on food supply often only one chick survives and the other may be eaten.
Maori tradition
In Maori tradition the morepork was seen as a watchful guardian. It belonged to the spirit world as it is a bird of the night. Although the more-pork or ruru call was thought to be a good sign, the high pitched, piercing, 'yelp' call was thought to be an ominous forewarning of bad news or events.
Contacts
DOC HOTline - 24 hour emergency number
Phone 0800 DOC HOTline (0800 362 468) to report:
Sick or injured wildlife
Whale or dolphin strandings