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;Ninox novaeseelandiae | ;Ninox novaeseelandiae | ||
− | [[Image:Morepork.jpg|thumb|550px|right|Photo by Tom Tarrant]] | + | [[Image:Morepork.jpg|thumb|550px|right|Photo by Tom Tarrant. Photo taken: North Island, New Zealand]] |
==Identification== | ==Identification== | ||
The morepork is one of a number of native species that have to some extent, at least, adapted themselves to environments that have been greatly changed since settlement. In colour a rich spotted or streaky brown, moreporks have a brown face and golden eyes, though the latter are seen only at their best in bright light when the pupil is fully contracted. | The morepork is one of a number of native species that have to some extent, at least, adapted themselves to environments that have been greatly changed since settlement. In colour a rich spotted or streaky brown, moreporks have a brown face and golden eyes, though the latter are seen only at their best in bright light when the pupil is fully contracted. | ||
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==Distribution== | ==Distribution== | ||
− | This is the most widely distributed and abundant of the three species of owl in New Zealand. The other two species are the laughing owl (another native), which is extinct in the North Island and very close to extinction in the South, and the introduced little owl (often incorrectly called German owl), which occurs only in the South Island | + | This is the most widely distributed and abundant of the three species of owl in [[New Zealand]]. The other two species are the laughing owl (another native), which is extinct in the North Island and very close to extinction in the South, and the introduced little owl (often incorrectly called German owl), which occurs only in the [[South Island]]. |
==Taxonomy== | ==Taxonomy== | ||
+ | This species has previously been considered to be the same species as [[Southern Boobook]] from [[Australia]] and the [[Sumba Boobook]] from [[Sumba]] in [[Indonesia]]. Three subspecies of the Morepork are ''novaeseelandiae'' which all New Zeeland birds belong to, ''undulata'' from [[Norfolk Island]], and ''albaria'' from [[Lord Howe Island]], the latter is presumed extinct. | ||
==Habitat== | ==Habitat== | ||
Predominantly birds of the native forests, they may now frequent some city parks and even exotic pine forests. | Predominantly birds of the native forests, they may now frequent some city parks and even exotic pine forests. | ||
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Between October and December a nest is made in a tree hole or in a thick clump of the perching astelia or kiekie. In most instances two eggs are laid; incubation takes about a month and the young leave the nest some five weeks later. | Between October and December a nest is made in a tree hole or in a thick clump of the perching astelia or kiekie. In most instances two eggs are laid; incubation takes about a month and the young leave the nest some five weeks later. | ||
− | As well as the familiar call, which has some resemblance to that of the European cuckoo, another is heard during the breeding season. This is “kree”, given with a rising inflection. The beak is rapidly snapped as an alarm or warning note. | + | The name, Morepork, is based on the bird's usual call as, too, is the Maori name, ruru. As well as the familiar call, which has some resemblance to that of the European cuckoo, another is heard during the breeding season. This is “kree”, given with a rising inflection. The beak is rapidly snapped as an alarm or warning note. |
Revision as of 17:36, 29 September 2007
- Ninox novaeseelandiae
Identification
The morepork is one of a number of native species that have to some extent, at least, adapted themselves to environments that have been greatly changed since settlement. In colour a rich spotted or streaky brown, moreporks have a brown face and golden eyes, though the latter are seen only at their best in bright light when the pupil is fully contracted.
Distribution
This is the most widely distributed and abundant of the three species of owl in New Zealand. The other two species are the laughing owl (another native), which is extinct in the North Island and very close to extinction in the South, and the introduced little owl (often incorrectly called German owl), which occurs only in the South Island.
Taxonomy
This species has previously been considered to be the same species as Southern Boobook from Australia and the Sumba Boobook from Sumba in Indonesia. Three subspecies of the Morepork are novaeseelandiae which all New Zeeland birds belong to, undulata from Norfolk Island, and albaria from Lord Howe Island, the latter is presumed extinct.
Habitat
Predominantly birds of the native forests, they may now frequent some city parks and even exotic pine forests.
Behaviour
Though usually active only when dusk has fallen or before daylight, moreporks may sometimes appear in the forest during the day and then run the risk of being noisily mobbed by any songbirds in the vicinity. Food is mainly insects, but bats, small birds, and even rats, mice, and lizards will be taken when opportunity permits. Undigested material is disgorged in the form of pellets. In common with other owls, moreporks have excellent and accurate hearing and an almost silent flight.
Between October and December a nest is made in a tree hole or in a thick clump of the perching astelia or kiekie. In most instances two eggs are laid; incubation takes about a month and the young leave the nest some five weeks later.
The name, Morepork, is based on the bird's usual call as, too, is the Maori name, ruru. As well as the familiar call, which has some resemblance to that of the European cuckoo, another is heard during the breeding season. This is “kree”, given with a rising inflection. The beak is rapidly snapped as an alarm or warning note.