Rook

Rooks are a large black bird, about 40–45cm long, with a violet-blue, glossy sheen on its feathers. It eats invertebrates and crop pasture.

Description

• A light grey face with no feathers and a dark grey beak.

• Fluffy feathers on their legs make it look like they are wearing trousers.

• Have a distinctive ‘kah’ call.

• Habitats include open habitats, pastures, plantations, crops, and orchards.

What you need to know

Eats invertebrates and plant material. Damages vegetable and cereal crops, uproots pasture.

Management approach

This is a declared pest managed under the Canterbury Regional Management Plan 2018 – 2038 (PDF file, 10.6MB) within the eradication programme.

Eradication

Pests in the eradication programme are present in low numbers or have limited distribution within Waitaha/Canterbury and eradication is feasible.

We are responsible for the control of rooks in Waitaha/Canterbury. The community should make us aware of any rook sightings.

Control

If you see a rook in Waitaha/Canterbury, contact us immediately on 0800 324 636.

Do not approach the bird as they are very wary of people and will readily move from the area.