New Zealand Journal of Ecology (2001) 25(1): 61- 67

©New Zealand Ecological Society

Diet of moreporks (Ninox novaeseelandiae) in Pureora Forest determined from prey remains in regurgitated pellets

Research Article
J. M. Haw 1
M. N. Clout 1
R. G. Powlesland 2
  1. School of Biological Sciences, University of Auckland, Private Bag 92019, Auckland, New Zealand
  2. Science and Research Unit, Department of Conservation, PO Box 10-420, Wellington, New Zealand
Abstract: 

The diet of radio-tagged moreporks (Ninox novaeseelandiae) was studied at Pureora Forest from May to December 1997. An examination of 187 pellets yielded 1226 prey items. Approximately 99% of the diet was invertebrates; the commonest items being beetles (48.6%), stick insects (25.6%) and weta (11.8%). Vertebrate prey included silvereye (Zosterops lateralis) and rodents in small numbers. The diet varied significantly from month to month.

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