Morepork

Ninox novaeseelandiae (Gmelin, JF, 1788)

Morepork, Ninox novaeseelandiae, is an owl that breeds in New Zealand on the North, South and Stewart islands, and also on Norfolk and Lord Howe islands. It is a small brown bird with dark-brown plumage, pale spotting and golden-yellow eyes. Also called ruru, it is known for its distinctive call, which has given rise to several of its names. Three subspecies are recognised, including one that is extinct and another known only as a hybrid population. It was first described by Gmelin in 1788.

Order

Strigiformes

Family

Strigidae — Owls

Breeding range

Australasia: North, South and Stewart is. (New Zealand), Norfolk and Lord Howe is.