Your wildlife photography guide.
Explore the morepork in detail, study its behavior, prepare your shots.
Where to observe and photograph the morepork in the wild
Learn where and when to spot the morepork in the wild, how to identify the species based on distinctive features, and what natural environments it inhabits. The WildlifePhotographer app offers tailored photography tips that reflect the morepork’s behavior, helping you capture better wildlife images. Explore the full species profile for key information including description, habitat, active periods, and approach techniques.
Morepork
Scientific name: Ninox novaeseelandiae
IUCN Status: Least Concern
Family: STRIGIDAE
Group: Birds
Sensitivity to human approach: Suspicious
Minimum approach distance: 10 m
Courtship display: September to October
Incubation: 30-32 jours
Hatchings: October to December
Habitat:
Forests, wooded areas, urban gardens
Activity period :
Mainly active at night, generally discreet during the day.
Identification and description:
The Morepork, or Ninox novaeseelandiae, is a medium-sized owl native to New Zealand and Australia. It is easily identified by its brown plumage speckled with white and its large yellow eyes. This nocturnal raptor is an agile hunter, feeding primarily on insects and small mammals. Its distinctive call, resembling "more-pork," is often heard in forests and wooded areas. The Morepork is a solitary bird, although it can be seen in pairs during the breeding season. It prefers dense forest habitats but can also be found in urban gardens and parks.
Recommended lens:
400 mm – adjust based on distance, desired framing (portrait or habitat), and approach conditions.
Photography tips:
To photograph the Morepork, plan your outings at night, as this bird is primarily active during these hours. Use a 400mm or longer lens to capture detailed images from a distance without disturbing the bird. A tripod is recommended to stabilize your camera in low-light conditions. Be patient and wait for the bird to perch on an open branch to get a good angle.
From knowledge to field practice
A species profile helps you understand an animal. In the field, the challenge is often different. Remembering your own observations.
The WildlifePhotographer app allows you to:
• record your personal observations
• note locations, dates, and behaviors
• revisit your field references over time
• build a private and long-term field logbook
The app does not provide observation locations.
It helps you organize what you actually observe, with respect for wildlife.