Morepork
ruru · Ninox novaeseelandiae
Commonly heard in the bush around the bays at dusk and after dark.
Story
A native owl of forests right across New Zealand, including most wooded offshore islands. On Kawau its call drifts out of the bush as dusk falls, a favourite sound for anyone fishing off a jetty.
Behaviour
Hunts at night for wētā, moths, huhu beetles and small birds, flying silently on comb-edged feathers. Often waits by outdoor lights to pick off moths. What sounds like a duet is usually two rival males.