Ruru Gazing Skyward
The Ruru or Morepork is New Zealand’s most widespread owl species. A bird of the bush and the night, it is also an important species in Maori mythology.
The Morepork is the only remaining native owl species found in New Zealand apart from the Barn Owl, which has only very recently colonised New Zealand from Australia. It is also the only species of owl in New Zealand that inhabits forests. Top predators are required in order for ecological systems to function, keeping check on the organisms they feed on. With short rounded wings and ears and eyes adapted for low light and darkness they are a formidable and stealthy predator in the forests.
Scientists call it the Ninox novaeseelandiae. Maori have many names for the Morepork including Ruru, Koukou and Peho. Others (mainly Australians) know the Morepork as the Boobook.
It is said that the glaring, fiery eyes of the Morepork inspired the rolling ‘pukana’ eyes seen in many haka and waiata. Most famously, the pukana is employed during the ceremonial ‘Ka Mate’ haka by the All Blacks before a rugby game. There is no doubt that these glaring eyeballs play a significant part in the intensity of this powerful haka. - from wingspan.co.nz
This particular individual was seen at the Hawk Conservancy, outside Andover in Hampshire.
Ruru Gazing Skyward
The Ruru or Morepork is New Zealand’s most widespread owl species. A bird of the bush and the night, it is also an important species in Maori mythology.
The Morepork is the only remaining native owl species found in New Zealand apart from the Barn Owl, which has only very recently colonised New Zealand from Australia. It is also the only species of owl in New Zealand that inhabits forests. Top predators are required in order for ecological systems to function, keeping check on the organisms they feed on. With short rounded wings and ears and eyes adapted for low light and darkness they are a formidable and stealthy predator in the forests.
Scientists call it the Ninox novaeseelandiae. Maori have many names for the Morepork including Ruru, Koukou and Peho. Others (mainly Australians) know the Morepork as the Boobook.
It is said that the glaring, fiery eyes of the Morepork inspired the rolling ‘pukana’ eyes seen in many haka and waiata. Most famously, the pukana is employed during the ceremonial ‘Ka Mate’ haka by the All Blacks before a rugby game. There is no doubt that these glaring eyeballs play a significant part in the intensity of this powerful haka. - from wingspan.co.nz
This particular individual was seen at the Hawk Conservancy, outside Andover in Hampshire.