The Morepork, A.K.A; Ruru, Tasmanian Boobook or Tasmanian Spotted Owl is a small species of owl native to New Zealand and Tasmania.

Originally thought to be the same species as the Australian Boobook found on mainland Australia until 1999 when it was found to be a separate species.
There are currently two subspecies of Morepork, the nominate subspecies Ninox novaeseelandiae novaeseelandiae in New Zealand and Ninox novaeseelandiae boobook on Tasmania. Subspecies on Lord Howe Island and Norfolk Island are now extinct. Norfolk Island genes are only still surviving as hybrids with the nominate subspecies.

Known for their signature calls that have given them their name, you will often hear these birds calling from native bush at night. A whistle like "more-pork" or "ru-ru" tune. When hunting you will often hear these birds making a more screechy call.