Ruru

Ruru is New Zealand’s small native owl, named onomatopoeically for its repeated ‘more-pork’ night call. The compact brown owl has yellow eyes, pale facial discs and spotted or barred underparts; barn owl is larger and much paler with a heart-shaped white face.

Ruru occur across both main islands and many offshore islands in forest, scrub, plantations and urban green spaces. They hunt wētā, moths, beetles, mice and small birds from perches and nest in tree cavities.

Ruru is Not Threatened (NZ Threat Classification). Cats, stoats, vehicles and secondary poisoning kill individuals. Listen after dark in wooded parks and forest margins throughout New Zealand; quiet roads and tracks improve the chance of a view.