Meet the Ruru | Morepork

The Ruru, also known as the Morepork, is New Zealand’s only native owl and a familiar presence in forests, parks, and rural areas across Aotearoa. Small and compact, the Ruru has mottled brown plumage that provides excellent camouflage, large forward-facing eyes, and a rounded head well suited to night-time hunting.

Ruru are nocturnal and best known for their distinctive “more-pork” call, often heard shortly after dusk. They feed mainly on insects, as well as small birds and mammals, hunting quietly from perches before swooping down on prey. During the day, Ruru rest in sheltered trees, relying on their colouring to remain well hidden.

Each Ruru is handcrafted in Arrowtown by our Cheeky Beaks ceramics team. Individually shaped from white porcelain and carefully glazed, each piece captures the Ruru’s rounded form and watchful expression. Subtle variations in glaze and finish ensure that no two Ruru are exactly alike.

Suitable for indoor or outdoor display, the Ruru brings a sense of stillness and quiet character to any space. As with all Cheeky Beaks pieces, every ruru is handmade and one of a kind, with natural variations that reflect the making process.