3. The Morepork is native in other places as well as NZ, the 2
places are Australia and New Guinea.
Like some Native animals Moreporks are not classified as
threatened. They are commonly found in forests throughout
New Zealand and on offshore islands. Moreporks are less
common within the drier open regions like Otago and
Canterbury.
4. • Mating usually begins in
mid august and a clutch of
about 1-3 eggs laid in
October, usually in a
hollow tree. The female
incubates her eggs alone
for about 30 days. The
male feeds her in this
time. Chicks fledge at
around 40 days.
5. The Morepork is usually
heard rather than seen. It’s
almost clear “more-pork”.
The Morepork also makes
a harsh screeching call
that sounds like “cree-
cree”.
6. Females are bigger than males.
From head to tail the measure about
29 cm and their average weight is
about 175g.
They have acute hearing and are
sensitive to light.
Their eyes don’t move instead they
can turn their head 270 degrees.
7. In the faint light of the moon
or stars, the Moreporks large
eyes help it see far better
than people. The native owl
can also find its way around
at night by just listening, as it
can hear even the softest
rustle of it’s food walking
around
8. Summary!
So if your in the bush or
even in Australia or New
Guinea listen out for these
amazing birds and if you’re
really lucky you might just
see one!
So what?
These birds are so amazing
and I want to be a wildlife
vet so I chose the Morepork
as one animal I might have
to operate on when I’m
older.
