WINNER: LITTLE OWL 67-57
Morepork soundly defeated the Barred Owl in a real surprise to most of us. If Morepork makes it through this, he may be facing New Zealand’s recent addition, the Barn Owl. Morepork is about 10 inches / 26 cm. It’s this small enough to be today’s favorite little brown owl?
Little Owl bested Barking Owl to get here today. Little Owl was also brought to New Zealand’s South Island in the early 20th century. Little Owl measures in at 8.5 inches / 22 cm giving it the edge in tinyness. Little Owl is all over Eurasia and Africa as well.
Will this flat headed fellow be the winner today, or will the charm and rarity of the Morepork prevail? Upvote your favorite!
Ah, it’s a pity that OP went with the British coloniser name for the Morepork then.
It’s *original * Maori name, that is widely used in NZ too, is the Ruru.
I’ve called it the Ruru a few times during the contest and in other posts. I’ve been trying to keep it under one name here so I don’t confuse people into thinking it’s 2 different things since it isn’t a bird familiar to the rest of us.
The main reason I’ve stuck with Morepork is I source a lot of images from Flickr and searching “Ruru” there just gives me some Asian swimsuit model. Not the hooters I’m looking for. 😅
If it’s more respectful to change it to Ruru, I’m perfectly fine with that. I have no knowledge whatsoever about politics or social issues in that part of the world, so I’m always receptive to your feedback.
@anon6789 no, you’re all good, I was just lamenting the Liz Truss connection.
NZ is officially bictural so if you were being formal it would probably be Ruru (Morepork) or Ruru/Morepork.
Those on the left wing, Maori, and younger people are more likely to call it Ruru but older generation and those on the political right are more likely to use Morepork.
No offense was taken. I just like to be sure I’m not being rude or ignorant when possible.