Little Owl

Ruru nohinohi is a small introduced owl of eastern and southern South Island farmland. It has yellow eyes, prominent pale eyebrows and a squat, flat-headed shape; ruru is darker-faced, rounder-headed and more forest-associated.

Populations occur mainly east of the Southern Alps from Marlborough and Canterbury through Otago and Southland. It hunts insects, mice and small birds from fence posts and trees, often at dusk, and nests in holes.

Dry open country in Canterbury and Otago is best, particularly around old trees, farm buildings and roadside poles at dusk.